Many students, during a summer break, are very relaxed and, in many cases, a bit lazy. Usually, before school starts, these same students envision themselves as being productive once classes starts.

However, a psychological fight against a summer habit can be quite difficult for students, and usually a student doesn’t take on this battle until it may be a little too late.

So, how should one combat this struggle?

Well, if habits of students are not very beneficial for productivity during a semester, there are a few things that can help break down these habits and make students more productive rather than lazy.

Chances are that students won’t be able to overcome lazy summer habits by simply trying to tell themselves what to do. Rather, a forcible way to create productive habits is to get a job. Making commitments to others tends to “wake up” many students in these situations, and what better commitment than getting a job? It occupies time to keep one busy and, moreover, helps develop skills that allow for more productivity. Slowly and surely, a job allows students to “get back into the groove,” and plus one can make a little money while doing so too.

Now, jobs may not be all that great for everyone. So, there’s always the option to find volunteering opportunities. The beauty of volunteering, when it is for something that one believes in, is that it is not for money, but rather it is work and commitment made from one’s heart. The work done is guaranteed to be pleasing, given one chooses to volunteer in something that interests him or her.

So, the main theme is pretty evident here. To transition into this time where classes are beginning, it’s important to overcome these relaxed habits with productivity. I, personally, think staying busy is the best way to do this. Go out with friends to a library and make sure you all push each other to stay on task and work. Go out on your own and do work that develops good. Work out in the gym. Do whatever can help in overcoming habits that help stay productive.

However, it is important to note that trying to make oneself busy does not mean overworking oneself. Often people who try to become busy go just a bit overboard, and doing more than one’s capability is incredibly detrimental. Staying busy does not mean giving up social life. Always keep time for leisure to relax a bit and enjoy. Find a balance between staying busy and relaxing. This is the part of this challenge that is the most difficult for many, but once this challenge is successfully overcome, this balance is what makes all the difference in achieving success.

Regardless of what one does at this time of year, getting back into the groove to succeed and achieving goals is tough. But it’s not impossible. Reach out to classmates. Everyone can work together to overcome the struggles of this time of year.