So here we all are, unpacking, heading off to first classes, and getting settled in. The transition from the magic of winter break back to school work and extracurricular activities can be a bit rough. So I’m writing to you (or maybe just to myself) to give out a few suggestions to help you start off the spring semester on the right foot, and well… stay on it… we can only hope.

Number one, Daily Reminders Not to Procrastinate. This is where I go wrong. Every darn time. Procrastination has become such normal behavior for me that I’ve become more than comfortable doing it, however I believe if I stopped putting off the things with deadlines, I’d have much more time for the things that don’t. More time for the fun things, more time for creativity, more time to try new things, more time to be productive all around and without the stress! And we all know we don’t need anymore of that. So if it takes a sticky note on the mirror every morning, or maybe little notes to yourself on your calendar, do it. Remind yourself Every Single Day and hold yourself accountable. Remind yourself of how much better you’ll feel. I’ve put off stopping myself from putting things off for far too long now. Huh.

If you’re anything like me, you hate waking up in the morning and you might need to Create a Morning Ritual to help yourself get out of bed. By morning ritual, I don’t mean a fixed routine or schedule to live by but rather something you do every morning that you can look forward to in order to give you that extra boost you need to get up and get going. As simple as it sounds, sometimes the thought of a nice hot cup of coffee can help me get moving in the A.M. but I’d like to try doing more. Maybe something such as giving yourself three compliments every morning before you walk out the door, or if your up early enough for it, try documenting each sunrise by journaling how it looks and how it makes you feel. Find something that makes you grateful for being able to take on another day. Sometimes the smallest things matter most.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Write Things Down. This might be obvious, but it’s too important not to include. Make a list, keep reminders, set dates. This is the only way to truly stay on top of things. Seeing things in writing reinforces them. This could also help you battle procrastination. When you start to fall behind on this, you start to become unorganized. This will only make you fall behind on things further. And pretty soon you’ll be so far back, you wont be able to catch up. So pick up a pen, and write it down! You can even use fun colors and doodle too!

Spring semester means Spring Cleaning! Clean up your work space. Nothing is more distracting than clutter. Some of you might work well in it, but my eyes cannot stay focused on one thing when surrounded by complete chaos. De-clutter. Organize. Rearrange. It takes some time but it is worth it. Keep your work space in order and not too crowded. You’ll be able to concentrate far better, I promise. If you’d rather take the opportunity to go elsewhere, try testing out new study spots. Sometimes a change of scenery will do the trick just fine!

I don’t think some of you will appreciate this one very much, but hey, why not try it. Make Your Bed Everyday. Even just try it for a week. Hear me out. If you see all the hard work you put into tucking in the corners and plumping up your pillows, you’ll probably be a lot less tempted to take that mid-afternoon nap you always crave. I know you probably just gasped at me in disgust… but if you spend the day being productive you’ll have more free time at night to cozy up under the covers, and well maybe even actually get some shut eye at a somewhat decent hour. And let’s face it, unless you’re a pro, naps usually cause you to come out even more tired and groggy than you were before you took them. Even just the sight of a fresh made bed might help you to feel a little more accomplished that day therefore you’ll be tad bit more motivated. C’mon just try it!

Try all of them, see what works, see what doesn’t, and tweak it to fit you.

Welcome Back Kids.