Summer break is over and it’s time to get back into the school year routine. For many students, parents, and grandparents helping with their grandkids—this can be a difficult transition and re-adjustment. However, there are many tips and tricks that can help make the process a little bit easier. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to get back into the school year routine after the summer break.

Create Structure Around Going Back to School

1. Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day — A fixed wake time helps to build a strong desire for sleep throughout wakefulness. This sleep drive gradually builds, and shortening it by sleeping in will make it harder to fall asleep the next night. If we wake up at the same time every day, we can reinforce the circadian rhythm and be prompted to go to sleep at the same time every night. The outcome is that our bodily functions and cycles operate efficiently, keeping our system strong and energized. This will help you get into a better and more structured routine.
2. Make Your Bed Every Morning — Making your bed is a small task that you can complete every day, and help you start your day off on the right foot. It can give you a sense of accomplishment, and make your room feel more organized and peaceful too. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, people who make their beds are more likely to get a good night’s sleep and be less inclined to climb back under the covers.
3. Plan Your Day — Make a list of what you need to do each day—by writing a list, or keeping a planner your day will be more organized and it will help you prioritize your tasks so you can focus on what is most important. These practices can also help reduce overwhelming feelings of stress by helping you accomplish your goals.
4. Set Goals to Stay Motivated — Staying motivated can feel challenging, especially when you don’t have clear goals for yourself, so set specific goals of what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve them. Breaking those goals down into smaller tasks may help you. Reward yourself and stay positive by focusing on the progress you're making. Getting connected with your family, and friends for accountability and support are also great ways to help you stay motivated.
5. Stay Organized — Staying organized and keeping your workspace clean can help improve both focus and productivity. A clean workspace can also help reduce distractions and make it easier to focus on your work. Being organized can also help reduce stress and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
6. Remember to Take Breaks — Taking regular breaks can help you recharge your brain and come back to your assignments or tasks feeling more refreshed. You may be surprised by the reduction you feel in your stress levels and ability to be more productive with your work. Taking breaks also allows you to gain perspective, pursue other interests and hobbies, and find a healthy work/life balance.
7. Exercise — Exercise can help you feel more energized and focused by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving your cognitive function. Exercise is an excellent outlet to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and sleep quality, and surprisingly can increase your energy levels, which is exactly what you need to stay focused and alert during the school day.
8. Eat Healthy Foods — Eating healthy foods can help improve brain function and cognitive performance. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can help improve focus and attention. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also help improve your focus and attention during school and/or other challenging events that require some brain power.
9. Get Enough Sleep — Lastly, getting enough sleep is important for your health and well-being. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night to function optimally the next day. Getting enough sleep can also help improve your cognitive function, reduce stress, improve mood, boost the immune system, and increase your energy levels.