As September continues, not only does the warm, sunny weather seem to quickly dissipate,  the two months of summer break seemingly also comes to a halt. Thrown back into the spirit of back-to-school season, fall brings more than just pumpkin spice lattes and crunchy auburn leaves, it also brings the dreaded: school, deadlines, grades. In the face of such a change, the shift from the freedom of summer vacation to the structured school days might seem sudden, stressful, or even overwhelming. If you feel like any of these three, trust us, you’re not alone. As a rising senior, this feeling is all too familiar. So, here are some things I wish I knew, or some experienced advice on adjusting to this shift and maintaining a healthy mindset throughout it all. 

Take Things Slow. 

Whether it is in the workplace or at school, from teenagers to adults, there has always existed this pressure to “do more”, thinking that the more one is submerged in work and activities, the better off they are. But they’ve got it all backwards. Doing more doesn’t always mean doing better, and most of the time, it’s far better to ease yourself into the rush of assignments and tests rather than diving in head first. Give yourself the time you need to adjust to the flow of new schedules and different classes. Even if that means clearing out some weekend plans for some designated self-care and rest times. 

Find your own pace.

One of the most difficult changes to adjust to during the school year is one’s sleep schedule, as the structured classes make pulling late-nighters and lazy mornings practically impossible. To avoid oversleeping morning alarms and feeling restless at night, find the times that align with your schedule, and start practicing a week beforehand, as it takes time for the body to adjust. Establishing a bed time routine without screens is another lifesaver that benefits sleep quality and ensures that you’ll be restful and energized for whatever the day throws your way. 

You’re not alone.

The more practical tips aside, it’s easy to get caught up in the stream of work and feel anxious, burnout or overwhelmed within the first few weeks of adjusting to school. Though it may seem as if everyone has it all under control, but it’s actually quite the opposite. Everyone is all facing their own obstacles, and you are most certainly not alone in your worries. Rather than bottling thoughts inside, don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether that be a friend at school, a family member, or a teacher/academic advisor. Remember that everyone is navigating the year in their own way, and we are all willing to lend a helping hand or an understanding ear when needed. 

We hope that these tips were able to relieve some of the stress and worries surrounding back to school season. Wishing you a successful school year!