Let’s face it — for many college students the prospect of going back to school after a long break is anything but inspiring. Although the opportunity to reconnect with friends you haven’t seen for weeks might sound inviting, for others the concept of going from rest and relaxation, back to a syllabus-dominated world filled with schedules, assignments, and commitments leaves some feeling somewhat unmotivated.
In order to stay motivated in college after a break, students who are struggling to make the transition back from slacker to responsible college student might want to consider the following suggestions, all of which ask you to consider your return to college as a process of rediscovery.
1. Rediscover Physical Exercise
Chances are over the break you may have gotten little to no exercise. Therefore, something as simple as taking a daily walk around campus could help you get back into the swing of things much quicker.
2. Rediscover a Regular Sleep Schedule
The majority of college students tend to keep very irregular hours over break, all of which can leave you feeling irritable and out of sorts when returning to school. The sooner you return to your old sleeping habits of going to bed at a reasonable time and getting up earlier, the sooner you’ll stop singing the post-break blues and be ready to get back to your studies.
3. Rediscover Healthy Eating
When you consider the endless assortment of junk food you indulged in over the break, is it any wonder why you might feel sluggish and unmotivated when you return to school? By making an effort to start eating healthier foods once you return, you'll gradually find yourself feeling more alert and invested in your education.
4. Rediscover Old Routines
While having a few days off with zero responsibilities might sound nice, this kind of leisurely living has the potential to transform even the most overzealous overachiever into someone seriously lacking in the ambition department. By diving head first back into your old routine of attending classes and fulfilling those academic responsibilities on a regular basis, you can steadily regain all the motivation you might have lost over the break.
5. Rediscover a Sense of Responsibility
While some may go back home over break, one of the major downsides of this is how easy it is to slip back into child mode. While returning to a world where parents cook, clean, and run your errands can be comforting, too much nurturing on their part can easily sabotage any emotional growth spurts you may have experienced while being away at college. Relearning how to rely on yourself again for basic needs can definitely help in reigniting your passion for living and learning.
6. Rediscover a Sense of Gratitude
Yes, being a college student is anything but easy. While the rewards of getting a college education are immeasurable, there are points during the journey when you feel overwhelmed by the obligations that come with walking this particular path. And sometimes you might even stop yourself and ask “Why am I putting myself through all this?”
Coincidentally, this is a very common occurrence among college students over breaks from school when they might have too much time on their hands. However, it’s moments like these when you should take a moment to realize how much you truly have to be grateful for. And at the top of your list should be the fact that you're a college student who has the opportunity to follow your passion and pursue the career of your dreams.
