Getting back into school mode

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
Coming back to school after a relaxing holiday is always difficult, but make sure you don't fall behind by creating a schedule.

After a relaxing break from school, before you know it, it's time to go back to class and start up with studying again. This can be a daunting task after endless days visiting with friends and family and the large amounts of food and snacking that come along with it.

In addition, when not with family, many students probably spent time catching up on all their favourite television shows. It can be a difficult task to get back to the real world of studying and going to class.

Here are a few tips to help you make the transition back into school.

Start now

This first tip will help make the transition go as smoothly as possible. Don't wait until your homework and assignments start piling up before you tackle it. It can be tempting to just get home from class and park yourself in front of the television and relax for the evening. Ensure that each night you commit to a certain amount of time, even if it is just for 30 minutes to an hour to get some work done.

Make a schedule

It may seem like you have little work to get done within the first few weeks back at school, which makes it even easier to put your work aside for another time.

With that mentality, you will likely put work aside for too long and be swamped before you know it.

An easy way around this issue is to make a schedule of all the work that needs to get accomplished in the next few weeks and months.

Try and make this schedule on a daily or weekly basis so that you can see exactly what you need to accomplish each day of your break.

Stay committed

You are the only one that can hold yourself accountable for getting your work done. If you have chosen to set aside a certain amount of study time each night, set a timer and stick to it. If you decide to make a calendar of all the work that needs to get done, post it somewhere you will see every day and check things off as you go.

Reward yourself

Find something that you can use as a reward and only do that once you have completed your goal for each day.

For example, use your relaxation time or television time as a reward only after you've finished the work you've committed to doing that day.

Once the work is complete you will be able to relax, guilt free, knowing that you are still keeping up with your work.

Using these few simple tips can help reduce stress when getting into the habit of coming back to school and having work to do after class.

As you come back from this relaxing holiday, don't let your work pile up this January. The sooner you get back on track with schoolwork, the less stress you will have in the coming weeks.