5 Tips to Beat Post-Break Blues
School breaks allow students to recalibrate and reenergize for the academic year. However, returning to school can leave some students with dread or anxiety. These five simple tips will make your school adjustment a breeze.
So you're more than a month into the new school semester, and you still haven't managed to settle in yet. In fact, you're looking so far ahead that you've planned Thanksgiving festivities and two winter vacations and it's not even mid-terms.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you have a case of the post-break blues. Here are a few tips to keep you at the moment so that you can have a successful semester.
Adjust your sleeping schedule
Staying up late and sleeping in are hallmarks of school breaks, but they can make coming back to school a sticky wicket. Without enough sleep, you can become irritable and weary, which in turn may hamper your focus and creativity.
A great way to recalibrate your sleep schedule is exercising during the day: you’ll get a good night sleep because your body will tire. GSU’s Recreation and Fitness Center is a great place to start, with its weight room, basketball court, and Olympic-style lap pool.
Recognize small wins
No matter how small they may seem, acknowledging wins fuels motivation. Nothing’s more invigorating than a sense of accomplishment. A weekly to-do list, whether maintained by Google Docs, Keep, or good old pen and paper, will work. When you complete a task, check it off. It is a pat on the back that will help you overcome post-break blues.
Eat right
Good nutrition helps your mind and body re-acclimate to an environment, starts your day right, and helps you maintain high energy throughout the day. For a boost in mood, lean protein, high-fiber meals are best—and a variety of healthy meals are available at the GSU Café in D-Building.
Get involved in on-campus activities
Transitioning back to school is also easier when you participate in extracurricular activities with like-minded people. Whether you are interested in anime, dance, social work, or global cultural exchange, Student Life presents many options for meeting new people and making new friends.
Communicate
This is not necessarily only about school but also your feelings. Friends and family can be valuable sounding boards because they probably know you best. The Academic Resource Center at GSU also offers counseling and tutoring services from a team of educators and mentors who are committed to your success inside and outside of the classroom.