7 Tips to Make this School Year Better than the Last

1. The 10 minute rule to beat procrastination

Procrastination sneaks up when the task ahead seems too big to even start. This year, beat procrastination by doing the most difficult thing first. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and tell yourself that just for those 10 minutes, you are going to work on the big project, essay, etc. Once those 10 minutes are up, you’ll find that you will want to keep going, or realize that the task is much more manageable. The hardest part is starting.

2. Use your screenshot to track your homework (or agenda/phone)

Make your wallpaper a screenshot of your homework assignments, you’ll be forced to look at your To - Do list every time you open your phone! Or simply use your school agenda to keep track of all of your assignments, tests and quizzes. Jot down homework as soon as the teacher says it so you don’t forget. Not a fan of writing it down? Jot it down on your calendar app or keep a “notes” page of your assignments for the week.

3. Keep your school supplies organized

There’s nothing worse than getting to class and realizing you left your homework on the kitchen counter, or getting ready to write a test and realizing you don’t have a pen or pencil. Make this your most successful year yet by staying organized. Keep extra pens/pencils in your locker in case you forget your pencil case. Also, research

indicates that having too much in your visual field decreases productivity!

4. Take time to de-stress and relax

School is bound to get stressful with test, quizzes and projects. Make the time to go for a walk, talk to your friends, or play a sport. This will help you refocus, feel more positive, and be less stressed during the school week.

5. Set goals for the school year and keep them posted in your locker

What do you want to accomplish this school year at Sentinel? Whether it’s getting good grades, joining a sports team, or learning a new skill, set goals for yourself and keep them posted somewhere where you can see them, like the inside of your locker. Research shows that when you write down your goals you are more likely to achieve them and it positively impacts your mindset.

6. SLEEP!

Having an inconsistent sleep schedule or sleeping for a few hours every night is damaging to both your physical and mental health. To make this school year better, aim to be asleep by a certain time so that you get at least 7 hours of sleep. Going to sleep early maybe difficult at first, but you’ll be thanking yourself when you’re alarm clock goes off early the next morning.

7. Build positive relationships with your teachers

Early on in the school year, make an effort to get to know your teacher. Having a positive relationship with your teacher will make that class a better experience for you and is a good way to start off the year on the right foot.