Because it is time to go back to school after a glorious, relaxing break, I am going to share my best tips for getting back into the study grind after a break. It is never easy to get motivated to back to classes and homework after break time. However, there are ways to make the transition easier. Here are my top tips.
1. Make a list
When lacking motivation, I always find it helpful to sit down and make a list of what I need to accomplish. This helps me to understand what I have to do and how much time it will take. It also helps to alleviate that stress of "I have things to do but I don't know where to start". Once you have a list, you can delegate the items to be done at different times or days so that the work is manageable.
For example, I sat down and made this list as my winter break was ending.
It helped me to see what I had to do and how I could delegate my time to the tasks.
2. Get your supplies ready to go
As you can see from my to-do list, I like to get all my supplies and binders ready to go before school starts. I organize all my binders, print syllabi, get notebooks, pack my bookbag, etc. It helps me to feel in "school mode" and feel prepared and excited to take on the next semester.
3. Clean your space
Messiness stresses me out so I always like to do a cleaning spree before a new semester. Particularly, I organize and clean up my office/study space so that it is ready for a new semester and will ease the stress.
4. Set small goals and rewards
One last way I get myself motivated for a new semester is to set small goals and reward myself. As you can see from my list, I had small amounts of school work scheduled for each of my last days of break. If I accomplished those small goals, I would reward myself with an hour of Netflix or starting a new novel. Small goals and rewards is a great way to get yourself motivated again- especially after a break.
Good luck in the new semester!!
I'm on the same boat. Cleaning my space and having my supplies on hand always helps me. Recently chamomile tea and the tomato timer have helped as well. Must be nice having only one semester left. I feel like I still have such a long time left, but it's ok. It has to be. Good luck this semester.
ReplyDeleteI'm having exactly this problem! Thanks for the help! What do you usually do with papers from the previous semester? I am only a 1L so I am not sure if I should keep my 1st semester papers or get rid of them? I have my outline on my computer and most my class notes, but I printed off many cases, class guides, etc. and I'm not sure if I should keep them for later or not! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI usually save one copy of my outline and my notecards and any papers/handouts that are outrageously helpful. Everything else gets recycled.
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