Get Back In Focus for the New Semester!

The new semester of 2009 is beginning, and it’s time to start getting back into the groove of things. At least for me, getting back into focus is the hardest part of returning to school. I had such a relaxing winter break and so much less responsibility than during the school year. I have also spent a lot of time in front of the T.V. or out with friends, not having to think about an essay that’s hanging over my head or a test I need to study for. This type of thinking is hard to snap out of when classes begin. The first thing I do, right before classes start, is buy a planner. This helps me organize everything I have to do instead of getting overwhelmed and forgetting important dates and meetings. I also always look over my schedule before classes start to get a good idea of how much study time and work time will fit into my days. Getting a head start on planning is always helpful and can help relieve stress later on.
Many of us get that feeling of laziness, especially when we are still getting used to a new routine. On the days I feel lazy and don’t want to go to class because I still feel like it’s the middle of break, I will get up and work out or clean my house. Finding something productive to do helps me gain energy to carry out the other important tasks I have during the day. Sometimes, adding exercise into my new routine will motivate me to go to class, knowing there is something else to do besides school work.
I found an article online called “Beat the Back to School Blues!” that says it’s a good idea to think of all the positive points of going back to school. One in particular is tuning in to the fashion of the fall or Spring Semester to get you back into the spirit. Another positive is getting together with all the friends you haven’t seen during the break. Not everyone took a class over interterm, and it’s a good way to catch up about what has gone on over the past 6 weeks. Getting up and participating in activities or even planning upcoming events to look forward to on weekends are other good ways to adjust to coming back from a long break. To read this article, written by Terry Miller Shannon, go to: http://www.Teenwire.com/infocus.
The most important thing to remember when adjusting to a new semester is that you aren’t alone! I always try to meet up with friends for meals or just to hang out and talk about the new resolutions we have for the semester, whether they’re social or academic. I hope the tips I have supplied are useful to you because they have definitely helped me to get back in focus!