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Back to School Tips: Make It The Best School Year Ever

Everything you need to know to make it the best school year ever.

Aug 26, 2019

Time for another year of school, and a fresh start.  Why not replace old, worn-out habits with new ones that help you look and feel great?  Make it a year to remember!  Check out these ideas and tips for goign back to school.

1. Decide what goals you want to accomplish before school starts. 

Figure it out now!  Write down one word that describes your goal (for example, brave, strong, positive) on a sticky note or in your phone and keep it with you to remind you to stick with it.  Check in with yourself throughout the year to see how you’re doing, what’s working, and what isn’t.

2. Set Your Alarm

Find out how long it takes you to get ready in the morning and set your alarm so that you wake up early enough.  How much time does it take to shower and eat breakfast?  Will you have your clothes picked out and your bag packed ahead of time? (Hint: This might not be a bad idea!)  Add an extra 5 or 10 minutes to your time, just to be safe.

Give yourself enough time to get ready in the morning.Give yourself enough time to get ready in the morning.

3. Make Rules

Make rules for yourself about when you’ll do your homework, and stick to them. Wait to watch TV or play on your phone until after the work is done.  Rules aren’t fun, but you’ll thank yourself later.  Your mood and attitude about school will be better in the long run.  A proven homework tip:  Do your hardest homework first and save the easiest for last.

4. Get enough sleep

Your body and brain will thank you. Teens with chronic sleep deprivation are more likely to have depression, anger, acne, weight gain and more.  Resist the temptation to scroll through Instagram at 11:30 at night.  Go to bed at the same time each night.  Teens need between 8 and 10 hours a night. 

A good nights sleep equals a happier day at school.A good nights sleep equals a happier day at school.

5. Be unapologetically you. 

You were born to be different than everyone else—Embrace it.  Not everyone will be kind.  There will be disappointments.  It will be easier to deal if you are comfortable in your skin and confident about who you are, no matter how people treat you.  Get some new clothes, a new hair style, some cool supplies or the perfect backpack.  Pick out things that you love and that show your personality.  You’ll feel more ready to tackle anything that school throws at you.

6. Use a planner. 

Some of us like using them, others not so much.  Planners help to keep you focused and more clear-headed about your schedule and homework.  Try taking the time to jot down your assignments, appointments, goals for the day, quotes you love, random thoughts, or anything else that you feel would help keep you inspired and organized.  Maybe your school gives you an agenda to use.  Or, buy one that you love the looks of—There are many cool planners on the market right now with pages to make lists and set goals.

Write everything down in a cool planner.Write everything down in a cool planner.

7. Organize all your stuff—Especially your backpack. 

It’s no fun looking for a pencil in the bottom of a backpack filled with crumpled papers, empty wrappers, tangled earbuds and who knows what else.  Use the compartments and pockets inside your backpack as designated spots for easy-to-grab supplies.  Organize your bedroom and your closet so that you can find outfits easier.  Get some stuff to decorate and organize your locker, too.

8. Find some stressbusters. 

You’re bound to get stressed out now and then at school.  Always take a little time out to do something you love—even if it’s for only 15 minutes.  Can’t think of anything?  Try a new hobby that helps you chill out.  Or, find a way to volunteer and give back in your community—It’s an instant happiness-booster.

9. Eat breakfast—but ditch the donut. 

Sugary breakfasts may give you a quick energy boost but will leave you drained and cranky an hour or two later.  You need a breakfast to fuel you through the morning, so pick something high in protein and fiber and low in sugar like an omelet, oatmeal with fruit, or whole-wheat peanut butter toast.  Keep some healthy, non-perishable snacks in your locker in case you get hungry throughout the day.

Eat a breakfast that fuels your brain.Eat a breakfast that fuels your brain.

You’ll have good days and bad at school—It’s inevitable.  It helps think positive, stay away from haters, and surround yourself with friends who love the person you are.  Remember that anything is possible, if you really want it.  This school year is a blank, new, open book.  Now go fill its pages!

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What are you back to school tips? Which tip do you find most helpful?  Comment below!