This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

After nearly four months of non-stop working, we here at Penn State are granted three weeks of break before having to do it all over again. For many, those three weeks aren’t enough to feel fully rested and ready to start back up again. Coming back to school still exhausted from the previous fall semester can make it hard to get back into the routine of going to class and partaking in all the extracurricular activities that we do on a daily basis. If only three weeks of break between the fall and spring semester is just not enough for you, then here are some tips to help you make it through the first few difficult weeks of the semester.

1. Get a planner

Getting a planner is the first step you need to take when trying to get organized. With new classes starting and new campus organization, internship or job responsibilities, it can seem like maintaining a social life is only just a dream (*cue Nelly song.) While trying to juggle 15 different things at once can be overwhelming, writing down every commitment can help you find hidden free time to do things like eat lunch with friends or get some homework out of the way.

2. Get into a routine

Making a routine can help you to stay on top of your obligations. Even if you have different things to do at different times every single day, try and group activities together. Make broad categories for everything you have to do – class, errands, volunteering, meetings – and try to do each thing around the same time each week. This way, even if something random pops up, you will have a set time to deal with it.

3. Try to go bed at the same time every night

Getting enough sleep when trying to get back into the school mindset is so important. If you’re going to get used to that new professor’s teaching style or have enough energy to do the handful of activities you have lined up, you’re going to need a full night’s sleep. Getting to bed at relatively the same time every night can keep you on a sleep schedule, which ultimately can lead to a better night’s rest.

4. Wake up early

I know this is easier said than done. However, waking up early can make you more motivated to start the day. Getting up a couple of hours before you have to will give you more time to organize yourself, eat a nice breakfast and maybe even run some errands you would have done later. Basically, you get more time – which is something everyone needs.

5. Eat well

With a new semester comes the spread of disease. Getting sick makes your life even more challenging – especially when you’re getting used to a new schedule. Making sure to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water will only help your body prevent getting sick, but it also has the potential to put you in a better mood. Staying healthy = one less thing to worry about.

6. Make time for yourself

In all the hustle and bustle you deal with on a daily basis, it can be really easy to forget that your happiness is just as important as everything else you have to think about. Find some time in the day to take a break and do something solely for your own pleasure. Put on a face mask and watch some Netflix, hang out with some friends, veg out on social media – do whatever it is that will give your mind a break for a little while.

The beginning of any new semester is rough, but if you keep your mind focused and your time organized, you’ll be back in the swing of things in no time. Good luck, collegiettes!

6 Ways to Stay Motivated at the Start of a New Semester