Make this School Year the Best Year Ever!

Getting back into the groove of things when school starts is an art form! Everyone has their own way of preparing mentally and physically.

Whether you are a High School Freshman or a Ph.D. candidate, that back-to-school feeling never gets old!

Those feelings of excitement and anticipation of what’s to come, push us through the anxiety of all the assignments, projects and exams that are waiting for us around the corner.

But what if the anxiety of starting school outweighs the excitement?

Here are some tips that you may find useful:

1. Remember why you’re showing up. Ask yourself questions that can help you be reminded of your purpose. Surely, you were put on this earth to do more than just get an A in Pre-AP Algebra. What are you hoping to achieve beyond your educational experience? Imagine that your degree/education is a tool, what do you hope to build with it? What changes do you want to see in this world? How can you contribute to making those changes?

2. Take Inventory of Your Resources. Identify what you’ve got in your educational arsenal. Have a friend that you work well with? Schedule regular study dates. Ask your school/university for a list of qualified tutors in case you find yourself needing one. Make sure your tech is up to date and is ready to meet the demands of all the learning that’s about to take place.

3. Connect. Reach out to your new professors/teachers and introduce yourself! Offer to help new students find their way. Remember, you are not just a student in an educational institution, you are a member of a community! Treat it like one and get to know your people!

4. Focus. Focus is such a powerful tool. Remember that whatever you focus on gets bigger. If you choose to focus on problems and negative thoughts, they will grow. If you choose to focus on positive thoughts, solutions and being successful, YOU will grow!

5. Make Self-Care a Priority. Self-care is more than just taking a long bubble bath and lighting a few candles…although that does sound so relaxing! 😊 Self-Care can also look like saying NO when you feel like it, saying YES when you want to and surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people who will help you stay on your path to success. Take a time out when you’re feeling overwhelmed and allow yourself space to rest and recharge.

Of course, it's easier said than done. If you find that getting back to school is harder than usual and just need someone that can help you focus on your academic goals and maybe discover your learning need. You may need to explore the benefits of an academic Coach!