How to Beat the ‘Back to School Blues’

Refreshing drinks, pool parties and summer tans bring us infectious smiles, but after these golden days, we find ourselves plagued with the 'back to school blues'.

A new school year gives us the opportunity to improve on the previous year. However, many students are hindered due to the 'holiday mood' they are still in. I am one of those many students.

This inactivity can take a toll on our academic success, as it sets the 'mood' for the entire year… a year full of procrastination.

But, we can conquer the 'back to school blues' by exciting ourselves for school.

School supply shopping is a ritual I do at the beginning of every year. Rather than select materials that only enhance the 'unpleasantness' of school, I choose materials that excite me into studying. This makes dreary tasks more bearable as I am more inclined to use my materials. They include 'expensive' pens, colourful pencils and new pencil cases. Unfortunately, these new materials do not always agree with my budget. However, this can be solved with the sales that occur prior to school.

I also excite myself for school by identifying my schooling resolutions. Students need to determine what it is that they want to complete in this new year and the improvements they need to make. This is especially invigorating for students in their last year of schooling, whether it be high school or university. I am entering VCE this year, and writing down my study score goals really keeps me motivated. Students should write down their goals on a sheet and place it in their room, so they are constantly aware of their resolutions. This will reduce the amount we procrastinate, as it reminds us of our potential achievements.

The environment we live in determines how we act, and this can also be applied to schooling. So, students should keep a clean desk or work area.

This enhances productivity, as it declutters our minds as well as our workspace. It gives us a sense of peace and allows us to work without giving in to the stress that the 'back to school blues' can bring. The work area should be free from stacks of papers, as this only intimidates students. Folders should be used to organise assignments and materials. Prior to the start of school, I like to allot time to cleaning my desk. I place all papers, books and folders on my shelving unit, leaving only a lamp and my phone on the desk. This means that when I get home to do my homework, I am not spending needless time cleaning my workspace, maximising my productivity.

Another factor that enhances productivity is sunlight. Your work area should have a supply of natural sunlight. This destresses my mind and allows for me to momentarily take breaks and soak in the warmth.

Don’t let the 'back to school blues' affect your entire year, and don’t get stuck in bad habits early on. Conquer them by getting excited about school and by learning to enjoy it more.

Congratulations to Serina for winning this week's writing challenge: How to Cope With the ‘Back to School Blues’. Serina wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge

Photo: iStock.com/SolStock