It's never easy to stay on top of your schoolwork and other responsibilities when the thought of a ten-day break is within reach. But you know you're going to kick yourself for slacking when you get back, so why not try to brainstorm ways to keep the motivation going?

1. Set early alarms.

This is probably the most common and least used motivator possible. It's so easy to choose sleeping in over getting your work done, but if you keep yourself on a (somewhat) strict schedule, you'll find that it's easier to keep up with all of your responsibilities!

2. Use a planner.

I am one of those people that religiously keeps a planner in order to remind myself what needs to get done when. I like to think that I have a really good memory, but it's hard to remember everything when you have a billion things to do in a week. It doesn't even have to be one of those fancy planners that you see at Target (although I am guilty of spending excessive amounts of money on those). It could be as easy as using the calendar on your phone and writing little notes and reminders for each day of the week leading up to break!

3. Make to-do lists.

It can be really helpful to visualize everything that you need to get done in a certain amount of time. Writing out to-do lists – by hand or even on your phone – can be a great way to motivate yourself. If you think about it, they're like mini daily planners! Plus, crossing things off your list once you complete them is one of the best feelings ever.

4. Have balanced meals.

You wouldn't think that eating good meals would help with staying on top of things, but fueling yourself properly will get you really far! It's never a good idea to skip a meal, but if you decide that you don't have enough time to eat breakfast, all you'll be thinking about it what you're eating for lunch. Keep your brain on the right track by giving it some power through healthy food (or, I mean, some ice cream to console you for the next few stressful days).

5. Keep a day countdown.

Some may think this isn't a good way to stay on task, but it's actually really motivating to know when you're going to reach your goal. In this case, your goal might be a white sand beach or even just Netflix-bingeing with your dog. Whatever it is, counting down the days until you're temporarily free from the stresses of school, work, and other obligations can give you that little push you need to make it there.

Stay on that grind! Hopefully, you won't fall into the doom of pre-spring break procrastination and laziness, but if you do, you'll be able to come back from it and get your work done so you can relax for the next ten days!