04 Feb 2020

It's time to swap your awkward tan lines, gelato, hot summer nights and cheeky sleep-ins for textbooks, teachers and assessments. That's a tough pill to swallow.

It's a cruel adjustment, changing gears from cruise control to manual and god forbid, having to like, use your brain and stuff. Ugh, what a drag. But hey, it's not all that bad and it's not all that hard to find a routine. I'm just dramatic. Sue me. 

1. Get your dang sleep

Here is some tough love because you might need it: stop playing The Sims 3 all night or rewatching Friends for the millionth time. When the moon is shining, it's time to recharge your battery and catch some z's. 

If you're constantly a half-awake zombie, stumbling from class to class and dozing off multiple times a day, your school experience will suffer. So get your 8 hours! It's good for you and will make you happier!

2. Find a morning routine

Grow accustomed to waking up at the same time each morning to readjust smoothly into the school grind. Set an alarm, eat enough brekkie and do whatever morning activities will make you feel productive. Every morning, I would practice my violin. Maybe you could do some exercise or work on a painting or take your dog for a walk... Whatever floats your boat. My point is, a lot can be accomplished in the morning. Learn to love that precious time before school.

3. Plan ahead

Let’s not rock up to class and have your stomach drop because you forgot you have an essay due. Get into the groove of organising. Whether you have a calendar or set reminders on your phone, quickly jot down everything that is due and coming up. Cramming the morning before a test is just awful! To diffuse that stress of feeling underprepared, just keep on top of your workload as much as you can. 

You're only human, I know. I'm not asking you to study a million hours a day but it's as simple as looking over some notes every afternoon or free period and slowly but surely absorbing everything needed for the next test. 

Whilst we're at it, clean your room, organize your junk and throw out old school books and notes that you don't need anymore.

4. Plan some goals

Do you want to aim for straight A's in English class or learn as many guitar solos as possible? As the school year begins, work out some things you want to achieve, no matter whether they're connected to school or not.

Reach for the stars and don't worry if those stars are different from everyone else. 

5. Treat yourself to holiday time

I know, I know, the holidays are over... but that doesn't mean you can't squeeze in an adventure with your mates, a cheeky night at a gig or another beach day whilst the weather is still warm. Sure, the grind of school can be overwhelming, but prioritize having enough free time to holiday once in a while... or else you'll go insane. 

Embrace the school grind, get productive and send it! I believe in you.