Congratulations Bobcats! We’ve almost made it through 14 days of school!! And it doesn’t matter if you’re one of the lucky ones that feels as though school started yesterday, or one of the large majority that feels like we’ve been here for months; we are all facing the repercussions of summer. Whether it be not falling asleep until 3 o’clock in the morning, only to hear your alarm clock go off three short hours later, or if you got used to the welcoming ease of a 1 o’clock nap, it is still a struggle to get our brains clicked into school mode.

To help everyone out during this (hopefully) brief adjustment period, here are a few tips that might make it a little easier to get into a regiment that doesn’t leave you exhausted after only two days of school:

1. Go to bed at the same time every night.

I know with sports, clubs, and homework it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, however you cannot afford to make up those hours in place of your sleep. Without sleep you won’t be able to function or learn new material, so getting 7-8 hours, at least, of sleep is critical. Set a realistic time in your head that fits your schedule and that you won’t let yourself go over. This should be the time when nothing else productive will happen (when you’re trying harder to keep your eyes open than you are on your homework). I call this the cut-off. It is essentially a gift to your future self that allows you to actually get up the next morning.

2. Make a steady routine.

Routines are beneficial for ample reasons, one reason being that once you get into a routine your actions become habitual and less effort is required to do them – you know what you need to do so you do it. Whether this be 3 or 33 step plan, make sure that it fits all of your needs and allows for a successful day of learning.

3. Eat breakfast.

We have all heard it since we were young: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. It’s impossible to focus on the material you’re trying to learn when your stomach is growling louder than the teacher talking. Even if eating early makes you feel sick or you don’t have time to eat breakfast at the house, put something in your backpack and eat it during homeroom. Having the right nutrients can really jumpstart your body and allow you to succeed throughout your day.

4. If you feel tired when you wake up, drink water.

More times than not we feel so tired because our brain is dehydrated, making it work and process everything a lot slower. By keeping a water bottle by your bed you are literally helping your brain with every sip!

5. Do some exercises on your way to, or while, brushing your teeth.

Jumping jacks or push-ups are great ways to get your body moving and your blood flowing. While doing these exercises, stretch your limbs so that you’re nice and loose for the long school day ahead.

6. Get organized.

Now is the perfect time to make sure you have all the materials you’ll need for the year, along with a system that works for YOU that allows you to be prepared and ready for class.

7. Stay positive.

As Charles Swindoll once said, “Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it.” Each day you wake up with new opportunities to learn and expand your mind, take advantage of them. You can’t convince your teachers to stop giving homework or tests, but you can convince yourself to see them as a way to help you. Every homework sharpens your skills and every test demonstrates those that you have acquired. You can do anything you set your mind to if you’re willing to put in the work and maintain, and project, a positive attitude.

Make this school year your own by actively doing things that can only help you to succeed. By following all of these tips, or just a few, you will be able to kick yourself right back into school mode and make this your best school year yet! Good luck, we believe in you!!!