Preparing for the coming school year

The start of the school year brings on a real mix of emotions. Sadness, excitement, anxiety, stress, you name it. Personally, I'm not so much dreading school as I am the end of summer. The temperature starting to go down, the sun setting earlier, it's so sad to watch the summer season fade away.
With the school year rapidly approaching, I've been doing my best to try to make the transformation from summer mode to school mode as easy and painless as possible. After months of having so much free time, it can be hard to get back into the swing of a busy schedule. It can also be quite mind boggling trying to figure out how to start getting "prepared". However, fear not, because I have devised a list of my best tips on how to make the start of the school year feel like smooth sailing.
TOP TIPS FOR STARTING OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR RIGHT

#1: Buy a Planner to be organized
One way I like to get myself prepared for the school year is by buying a planner. Of course, anyone can just write down their reminders and such anywhere, but buying an actual planner with a calendar and days of each week on it is much more helpful and motivating when it comes to staying organized.

I bought really cute planner with a nice design on it. I really like the way everything is layed out and it will definitely help keep me organized with keeping track of due dates, 'to do' lists, and events. Only $5.99 at Target!

Having one of these kinda makes me want to be busier, just so I have an excuse to write things down! Ha! Definitely a big help in making the start of school more of an exciting, positive experience.

#2. Add something NEW to your style

Pretty much anyone can agree that when you make some kind of change to your outward appearance, like a new haircut, or even just a new pair of shoes, it makes you feel refreshed, new, "fierce" even, if you will. Of course, I'm not recommending you get plastic surgery and change your name. You're awesome the way you are, BUT, a small change can go a long way. This is the start of a new, fresh year. Going back to school on the first day of class with something new that feels bold, but not too far out of your comfort zone, can really boost your attitude to start off your school year right.

#3. Create a pleasant work space
When it comes to doing homework, you're probably going to want to have a nice environment to sit down and focus on your work. Personally, I like to sit down at my desk in my room and do my work. I've cleared off all the clutter on my desk, and have placed small drawers and holders for writing utensils, post-its, paperclips, and any other miscellaneous supplies I might need easy access too. This helps a great deal in completing homework. For me, it is much easier to approach my homework when I have a clean, organized spot to sit down and work. It almost makes school work look...attractive? Inviting? Maybe I'm just weird?

#4. Start developing a healthy sleep schedule
If you haven't already, start trying to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier so that when the alarm goes off at maybe 6 or 7am on that first day of classes, it isn't such a rude awakening. Even if you start your classes later in the morning or even in the afternoon, you don't want to be dragging yourself out of bed and out the door. Whatever time you start class, you may think its more desirable to sleep in as late as you possibly can. Even if you claim to not be a "morning person", wake up earlier and enjoy your morning. You can use the time to wake yourself up, relax with some coffee, go over notes, maybe exercise, shower, and eat a good breakfast. Going to school having had proper sleep is essential to feeling positive about school. Do yourself a favor, and get into the habit of getting a good night of sleep. It will do your body and mind good, and will keep you on top of the work you need to do.

#5. Create a list of all supplies you will need
Start getting together any materials that you need or might need for classwork and homework. Make sure you have all the essentials, as well as any special material that you feel you could use. Make sure you have notebooks and folders for each class to keep track of both notes and handouts. These items can be very inexpensive and can always be used in the future if you end up not needing them.



Some general supplies that I've gotten together already include:
-folders for each class
-a planner/organizer
-notebooks for each class
-looseleaf paper for any handwritten assignments
- binder clips for organizing/bookmarking/whatever
-mini post-its
-a flashdrive for easy transporting of computer files/documents
-highlighters
-Sharpie
-pack of no. 2 pencils
-pack of black pens

#6. Opt to eat a good breakfast, EVERY DAY!

Whether you're going to school or not, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It is absolutely necessary to fuel your brain and body properly before school every morning. It helps to start off the day positively, healthily, and happily. Make sure you will have enough time to have breakfast in the morning, or start preparing a breakfast at night that you can grab quickly the following morning. BREAKFAST. IS. KEY! And it is delicious!

#7. Set goals, aspire to be the best you can be

You don't have to be a wizard to be successful. Don't compare yourself to anyone else,

the best you can do is always amazing. Start thinking of what you want to achieve this school year. It doesn't matter what other people's goals are. Focus on you and what you want to achieve and how you want to better yourself.