Being back to school is hard enough, and our current circumstances aren’t making it any easier. Tackle the back-to-school season with some advice from yours truly, a seasoned veteran of high school.
Ease back into it
The back-to-school season is a significant change of pace from summer break. You’re likely not used to studying this much, so take longer breaks and more often. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust.
Keep a consistent sleep schedule
I recommend going to sleep at the same reasonable time every night; you’ll thank me later. Of course, stick to a schedule that works for you, but find one that lets you be rested in time for school.
Approach your homework strategically
When you get an assignment, make sure you understand how much time and work it requires. That way, you can plan and use your time effectively.
Avoid spending too much time on simple homework. Instead, finish it quickly and focus on more challenging, point-heavy assignments and rest.
At the same time, notice when you have more energy and schedule work time for your most demanding assignments then. Then, when you have less energy or more distractions, work on more straightforward tasks.
Prioritize rest and your health
According to KidsHeath, a 15-minute break after every hour of work is ideal for most teens. If you have a lot of work to do, it may seem counterintuitive to take breaks because it might seem like wasting time.
In reality, breaks are essential to maintaining your school-life balance. John Hopkins University explains, “general health and well-being are critical to optimal academic functioning.”
You might be pressured to prioritize academics at the expense of all other activities, such as exercise, but doing so may lead to a decline in your academic performance. Remember this: your health is more important than your grades.
