Summer is winding down and school is just around the corner!
Here’s a few tips to help get you get ready, even if it’s the last thing you want to do.
1. Start preparing early.
Look, nobody wants to admit school is starting. Staying up late and sleeping in is the superior way to live. But denial will only lead to some exhausted, grumpy mornings. Start an early bedtime schedule a few days before the first day of school and make the transition a little smoother.
2. Make your schedule visible.
A whiteboard or a calendar that has all your classes, tests, meetings, and practices can help you know what’s coming up and limit surprises. It’s nice to have a visual of where you need to be and what you need to be planning for. If a month is too far ahead to think, try a week or two!
3. Get prepped the night before.
Morning Dana can’t be trusted. She will forget absolutely everything and it has actually gotten worse now that I’m an “adult”. Luckily, Nighttime Dana has gotten smarter. I think about what I’m going to wear. I have my lunch prepped. And if I need to take something with me, I place it directly in front of the door so I have to move it to leave. We all have those mornings where things don’t go right or you get rushed. It’s less stressful knowing half the battle is already fought before even going to bed.
4. Rock out to a morning playlist.
Set the tone with some good tunes playing in the morning. Maybe you want a dance mix, or something upbeat and positive. I love an epic movie or video game soundtrack. Whatever your vibe, build a playlist that gets you ready to take on whatever is coming your way.
5. Check your expectations.
A new school year doesn’t mean everything is going to be awesome. It doesn’t mean subjects are going to be easier or your classmates suddenly got less irritating. People are still going to people, including you. Be realistic and don’t try to hold yourself to some impossible standard. Perfection isn’t possible, so we should stop aiming for it or expecting it from others.
Be smart, be ready and lay the groundwork for a good year!
