Tips For a Smooth Transition Back to School After Winter Break

Follow these tips for a successful first couple of weeks back at school.

It was two weeks of pure bliss: curling up with mugs of hot cocoa beside the fire, enjoying the peaceful, calm days of winter and sleeping in till noon… but we all knew it had to end.

School’s started again for most of us and with it comes long hours inside classrooms, an endless amount of homework and studying late into the night. The first couple of weeks back at school can be a struggle, so here are some tips to help your transition from the lazy days of winter break back to your usual busy life as a student, a little easier.

Prepare the night before.

To avoid feeling rushed and stressed when you get up every morning, prepare all your school materials and books the night before and leave your backpack right by the door. That way you’ll be able to start each day off on a good note and won't have to run around looking for things.

Go to bed early.

Did you know teenagers need about nine and half hours of sleep every night? Sleep is essential for us to function properly, and when we’re used to going to bed late, it’s hard to get back into the right rhythm for school. It helps to set a reasonable time to hit the sack each night, and unlike your other New Year’s resolutions, stick to this one. You’ll thank yourself each morning when you wake up well rested, ready to tackle the school day.

Eat and drink often.

Especially because you may be tired the first week back, it’s extremely important to eat and drink properly throughout the day. Keep a water bottle on you at all times, and make it your mission to drink at least two full bottles each day. Also, keep little healthy snacks in your backpack - you’d be surprised how much a small snack and a drink of water wakes up your brain!

Get involved.

To get back into the school spirit, it’s a good idea - and never too late - to join a school club or volunteer at an event. Maybe you could join the art club or help out at the next school fundraiser. You’ll have tons of fun and make new friends, which are two things that will get you excited about going to school each day.

Set goals.

A great way to switch your focus from holiday festivities to doing well in your academics is to start establishing goals you want to accomplish before the end of the year. Once you identify your goals, make a plan on how you’re going to achieve them. Maybe you could raise your math mark by asking the teacher for extra help and studying for half an hour every day. Or you could make three new friends by sitting with people you don’t know well at lunch once a week.

Create your own fun.

I know it doesn’t seem like it at times, but school can be fun! Get excited for it by creating new outfits with all the clothes you got for Christmas, or getting some colourful decorations to spice up your locker. It’s worth it if it makes those days of being back at school a little brighter!

Getting back into the “school groove” can be hard, but these tips will help. Also, don’t forget, spring break is only a couple of months away!