Picture this: You’re on the beach with the warm sun touching your skin, the wind moving your hair. Nothing could be more peaceful than this when suddenly, your alarm goes off and you’re not at the beach at all, but in your bed the Monday after Spring Break, and you’re going to be late if you don’t get up soon.
I can not express to you how tired I was that first day back to class. It felt like I had lived a whole week in just 24 hours. The transition out of Spring Break’s not-a-care-in-the-world-mindset is a tough one for sure. If you’re struggling to readjust and take this second half of the semester by the reigns, here’s what I’ve been doing to try to get back on track:
Having a little treat :)
I like to let myself have a little reward for finishing an assignment. I love the Nerds Gummy Clusters and sometimes I break up my assignment into chunks and reward myself with a few at each checkpoint. Sometimes, though, I need a little treat before I can even begin my work. That’s just the way it works I guess.
Listen to your body.
If you’re anything like me, you have a lofty to-do list that never seems to get completed. Be realistic in your goals for the day and take a break when you need it, or even reallocate a task or two to tomorrow if possible. It’s hard to produce quality work without energy, so be sure to eat well, hydrate, and get some good sleep.
Change your environment.
Yes, it’s super comfy to do your work from your bed, but I feel that it makes me less productive (and more likely to opt for a nap instead). Putting myself in a different environment, like studying with a friend, going to the library, or even sitting out on the lawn helps me to get more into a scholarly attitude. Make a new playlist to listen to while you work to add to the mood!
Talk to your professors!
Your professors don’t want to see you struggling! If you need an extension on a deadline and you communicate that well in advance, your professor is likely to either give it to you or help you complete the assignment in some other manner. Office hours are a great opportunity for this!
Put the phone away.
I find myself picking my phone up a lot more in class and while I’m doing homework. It can turn an assignment that should only take five minutes into one that takes almost an hour. Designating a certain time for a phone break and otherwise turning your phone on do not disturb might help you to stay more focused and get done quicker.
I know it seems like we have a long way to go, but the semester will be over before we know it. Maybe it takes a bit more effort than it did at the start of the semester, but best of luck for a strong finish.