Back to School Habits and Ideas

And just like that, summer is over...

Haha, just kidding- it's still early August, and there's a ton of summer-y things to try and soak up before fall!

But, heading back to school is quickly approaching, and it's time to start preparing and getting back into routine. And if you're a homeschooled procrastinator like me, it's time to buckle down and actually finish last year's school.

For me, I'm headed into my senior year of high school, which means that I only have one more year of school before I have to figure out what to do with my life. And if that means college, or a career somewhere else, or the hundreds of other options I might have.

Because I only have one more year, I want to be as intentional as I can be with my time. I want to make sure to be as diligent as I can be, and apply myself in a way that I haven't before.

So today, I'm sharing with you some of my tips and tricks for a good high school experience. Take your favorites, see what you like, and may we both dive into a an absolutely wonderful year of school together!

1.) Note-taking.

This is one that may feel somewhat obvious. But it's also a skill that I severely underestimated in my freshman year. I thought that I only had to write down what was absolutely necessary, and that I would remember the rest.

Unfortunately, we don't have perfect memories, as I very quickly found out in chapter four of biology. And so I got into the habit of writing everything down, even the things that may not be important.

It's not always super fun, and if you're homeschooled and used to getting your subjects done early, it can feel like a waste of time. However, you will be amazed at how much your comprehension jumps. When you take detailed notes, you will understand the key concepts so much better, and it will help your brain not just memorize things for the short term.

One of my favorite note-taking tips is to take notes on what reading you have to do, and not just the lectures. It helps your mental energies so much if you're not forcing yourself to remember it all right then and there!

It takes practice to find a good note-taking technique that will work for you. And it won't always be perfect from the beginning. Like most things it's trial and error.

Pinterest has amazing note-taking ideas and tutorials to look into, and even if you don't find one that you like, chances are you'll find enough ideas to go ahead and make your own.

And it will be different from everyone else's. Mine tend to include a lot of doodles and highlighters and end up looking more like a journal entry than class notes. As long as it's what works for your unique learning style, that's all that matters.

2.) Cultivate Good Sleep Habits

During the summer, my sleep schedule can be all over the place. I'll stay up until 11, wake up at 6:45, and do that for about a week. Then I'll stay up until 10:30 and wake up at 7:45 for several days and alternate between the two, which is not a good habit to have.

During the school year, getting a good rest and sleeping well can be the key to staying alert and fully comprehending material. Plus, you won't fall asleep in class, which is a big perk!

3.) Make Time for Family

This is so important during the school year.

We all lead busy lives, and during the school year, our time with our family goes way down. But honestly?

Spending time with your family is one of the most healthy things you'll ever do. After a long day of school, family really is healing balm for the soul- they're always there to listen and relate, whatever your struggles may be.

Cultivating a good relationship with your family isn't just a good habit to have, it's absolutely necessary. Your siblings will be your best friends for your entire life if you form that friendship now, and your parents (even if they're cringey right now) can end up being some of your favorite people.

4.) Don't Stress About Pointless Things

I don't know about you all, but I tend to struggle a lot with anxiety, and I also tend to worry and stress over things that I don't need to be stressed over.

So eliminate as many of those things as you can. Stay on top of deadlines. Say no to things you just won't have time for. Ask questions and do your best even if you don't understand.

School is a wonderful, beautiful time, and it shouldn't be wasted because of worry.

Frankly, a lot of the things that we can become worried about during the school year are our fault, i.e., things we mismanage or put on ourselves. Things that shouldn't be there at all.

If possible, try to eliminate stress before it comes, and when it does, make yourself a cup of tea, rant about it to your mom, and take a deep breath.

It's gonna be okay. ♥

5.) Enjoy It.

Reader, speaking as someone who has one teensy weensy year left... it goes too fast.

Wayyyy too fast.

And it shouldn't be wasted or treated as something mundane.

So look around and start soaking it up. Cherish the moments you have underlining things in your textbook. Laugh at the mistakes your siblings make in their homework (and help them, of course :). Wake up each morning praising God for letting you wake up and do school! What a blessing that is, that we get to have an education!

There are hundreds of children around the world who can't go to school or get the ideal education they want.

And we are privileged enough to have not only an education, but an ideal one, made just for us.

That's all for now, but I'd love to hear if you're looking forward to this school year or not. Comment below with your opinion and if there's any tips you think I missed!

Until next time, stay undistracted and keep an open heart.

Love,

Mira ♥