It’s that time of year again! Although the new semester has already begun, it’s not too late to start implicating healthy habits! The new school year can be stressful, but you can make it more bearable and feel more prepared and productive with 3 simple steps.
Sleep reset:
Sleep is so important and should be prioritized over everything else on this list. Going to sleep at 2 am and suddenly waking up at 7 am every day doesn’t feel good and isn’t the best way to start the semester. To ease into the school year, gradually set your alarm earlier hour by hour (begin this process 1-2 weeks before school starts); your body will eventually adjust, and you’ll start falling asleep earlier than before. UBC Student Services states that getting a good night’s rest can have several benefits, including improved focus, better memory, and the ability to retain new information. The key to good sleep starts with a strong bedtime routine. Demanding extracurriculars can make it harder to wind down and de-stress after a long day. Through my long, tiring nights of competitive dance, I have found some ways to prepare my mind and body for bedtime and maximize rest.
- Start early: Don’t wait until 10 pm to start your bedtime routine. Avoid the rush and start your routine at least an hour before you want to close your eyes.
- Create a soothing environment: Dim the lights, close your curtains, tidy your bedroom. These small steps signal to your brain that it’s time to start winding down.
- Take a warm shower or bath: This is non-negotiable for me, and when I don’t do it, it’s harder for me to fall asleep. Taking a few moments to reflect on your day and reset your mind is so helpful and can calm you before bed.
- Read instead of scroll: Reading is an amazing way to help you wind down before bedtime, instead of stimulating your mind by doomscrolling for hours.
A solid morning routine is one of the best ways to take control of your day. Chaos, stress, and rushing out the door aren’t the best way to start your day. A good morning routine doesn’t have to be elaborate; it needs to be functional and maintainable. Reflect on what works for you and what doesn’t, and plan out your routine accordingly. I recently listened to Mel Robbins’s 6 Steps to a Solid Morning Routine, where she shared helpful strategies for a smooth, productive morning routine. You don’t need to follow every step exactly, but it is a good listen if you are looking for productivity tips.
Back to school shopping:
One of my favourite ways to romanticize the new school year is by purchasing new school supplies. You don’t have to buy new things to have a “fresh start”; however, feeling preparedcan help reduce some of the stress that builds up during the first week. A pack of pencils, pens, and erasers can help ensure you are prepared for the first day and prevent you from having to ask around to see if anyone has a pencil you can borrow. I also like to shop for a new outfit for the first day of school; it’s not mandatory, but it helps me feel motivated and excited. A new outfit can also give you a little confidence boost. If you wear a uniform, accessorizing with jewelry, headbands, or a cute backpack can make it a little more exciting.
Reset your space:
Cleaning your room is a great way to feel in control this school year.
An article published by The New York Times states that a messy room can lead to feelings of overwhelm, stress and shame. Set aside some time on the weekend to organize and tidy up your room. An annual closet clean-out is a great way to make space for other things, and you can even make some money by selling your clothes secondhand or donating them to a local shelter. Washing your bedding and cleaning any surfaces also helps to freshen up your room.
I also recommend washing your backpack. Most backpacks are machine washable, but if you are unsure, handwash them in warm water with soap and let them air-dry outside. Bags get full of dirt and garbage over the year, so cleaning them every so often is important.
A mental reset is just as important as a physical reset. Reflect on your past school years, set goals, plan how you will achieve them, and strive towards maintaining balance throughout the new year.
I hope you found these strategies helpful, and I wish you well in your 2026/2027 school year!
