5 tips for starting the school year right

It’s a new year, which means a new you – or something like that… right? Here are 5 resolutions you should implement to make 2019 your best year yet!

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1.     Get organised

This year, aim to be more organised. This means having a neat study space, actually using your diary and organising your notes WAY before exam period starts.

Some small actions you can do to get more organised include:

  • Using the 2-min rule – If a task takes 2 min or less to do, then do it immediately. This means putting your books away after studying, packing your school bag the night before, etc.

  • Compiling your notes at the end of each week – if this isn’t realistic for you, at least aim to compile your notes at the end of each topic. This will save you the stress of doing it right before exams start.

  • Writing in due-dates in your diary – often you can forget how little time you have to complete an assignment until it’s the night before and you’re pulling an all-nighter. Having your due dates written out and visible will help you prioritize your time better.

 

2.     Remove distractions when studying

Studying or completing your homework in 2-3 hour blocks is much more effective than spending hours on end flicking between your notes, Instagram, YouTube and texts. So this year, make sure your study space is free from distractions such as the TV, your mobile phone and even the presence of other people. This will make it easier for you to maintain your focus and will actually give you more free time to do whatever you want.

 

3.     Use to-do lists

This year, make realistic to-do lists of all the work you need to complete each day and by the end of each week. Studies have shown that people perform better when they have written down what they need to do. Although it may feel like a waste of time, planning out your day lets you break down you workload into smaller, more manageable chunks – reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

 

4.     Get active

This is one of those resolutions that get said every year… but in 2019 we’re actually going to GET ACTIVE! Exercise like sport, dance, walking and yoga are great at reducing tension from stress and school pressure. This is because physical activity produces endorphins, your brains very own feel-good neurotransmitters. So get up, get out of the house, and start moving!

 

5.     Appreciate the importance of sleep

We’ve all been guilty of staying up late to binge watch an entire series on Netflix… but this year we should prioritize sleep! Now we’ve all heard the saying, “sleep is for the weak”… I’m more about sleeping for a week :P That’s because good sleep helps improve concentration and productivity. To help you get those much needed 8-10 hrs of sleep each night, avoid using screens (phone, TV, computer) for at least an hour before bed, avoid drinking stimulants like coffee, tea and energy drinks in the evening and start a relaxing bedtime routine, like lighting a scented candle, or having a bath before bed.

 

 

 

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