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Back to School Survival Guide

Are you back in a classroom? Learning from home? A little bit of both? These tips will help you make most of the school year, no matter where you are!

Don't Wait!

You’re planning to start your homework . . . just as soon as you finish that video game. Sound familiar? Putting off tasks is called procrastinating, and it can end up making you feel overwhelmed. Use these tips to keep you focused.

MAKE A LIST of what you need to do. Check things off as you do them.

SET A TIMER for 20 minutes. Keep working until it stops. 

TAKE A FIVE-MINUTE BREAK before starting again. (It’s a perfect time to stretch!)

When you finish, REWARD YOURSELF by watching a fun video or reading a favorite book.

Be Calm!

Whether it’s homework overload or computer problems right before an online lesson, school can cause you stress. Don’t hide under your desk! Try using your five senses to calm down.

Name five things you can SEE. 

List four things you can HEAR. 

Identify three things you can TOUCH. 

Name two things you can SMELL.

Identify one thing you can TASTE. 

Set Smart Goals

In the summer, your main goals might have been to stay healthy and cool. Now it’s time to aim higher! Make sure your goals for the school year are S.M.A.R.T.

Specific: Know exactly what you want to accomplish.

Measurable: Ask yourself how you will know when you have met your goal.

Action-based: Write an action plan describing the steps you will take.

Realistic: Make sure your goal is not too hard or too easy.

Timely: Plan a time frame for meeting your goal. If your goal is a big one, try breaking it into smaller goals.

Tech Trick

Are you spending more time on a computer these days? Make sure your screen is at eye level so you don’t have to look down or up. This will help you avoid getting a sore neck.

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