Tips and tricks to make the transition a little easier
Everyone has those days where they don’t want to get out of bed, while even thinking about writing an assignment or doing a reading sounds horrible. It’s always a struggle to get to those morning classes (especially the ones at 8:30 a.m.) and even after that, you can’t just go back to bed; you have to stay motivated and actually do what you need to get done that day.
Set a ridiculous amount of alarms. If I have to be up at 7:30 a.m. to make it anywhere on time, I set an alarm at 7 a.m., then every 5 minutes until I really need to get up. That way, if you’re used to lying in bed for a little bit after your alarm goes off, you have the time.
Get everything ready the night before. This is one I feel like everyone already knows, but it works if you have to get up earlier than normal. Sort out everything you need the night before; and maybe even coordinate an outfit. This way, you won’t have to spend an extra 10 minutes in the morning going over whether or not you’re forgetting something.
Create a to-do list. A to-do list is the main reason behind why this article got done on time. Write down everything you need to do and hang it on a wall where you’ll be able to see it all the time. Plus, checking off anything on a to-do list just makes you feel good, so you’ll be more motivated to actually do everything you’ve written on the list.
Write down all of your assignments on a calendar the first week. Put the calendar somewhere easily visible so you will be able to see it, and write down all major due dates on it. Keep a separate list for readings that need to be done, and organize those readings according to your schedule. Make sure the calendars for the entire semester are up; that way if something is due Feb.1 you won’t find out about it on Jan. 31 when you flip the page of your calendar.
Find a location where you’ll be productive. Don’t tell yourself you can sit in a room with your friends and finish your psych essay while they watch a movie or YouTube videos. You can’t. Find a place where you’ll be in an environment where you’ll be productive and then make sure you are.
Give yourself a motivator. Treat yourself to some downtime when you have accomplished an assignment. Know that after working really hard you deserve a break.
Get a study party going. Whenever I really don’t want to do anything I have people come and be productive in my room, which in turn makes me feel motivated to get work done.
Netflix. If you really need a break, watch show or a movie, clear your head, and then get back to whatever you need to do.
Get some fresh air. If you have spent all day cooped up inside, starring at screens and books, give your mind and body a break and head outside for some fresh air. You’ll return feeling refreshed and ready to get things accomplished!