3..2..1.. And We're Back!

 Happy first week of spring classes! I hope everyone is feeling well rested and ready to take this semester head on. 

But, if you're like me and experiencing a "break hangover," here are a few tips to help get yourself back into the rhythm without feeling overwhelmed. 

1) take your time reading the syllabus. You don't have to absorb it all at once! My favorite way to do this is to take breaks between sections to let the information process. When you read it all at once, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and start to question your ability to do what is expected. 

2) establish a routine! After you read the syllabus, you should have a great idea of when you have class meetings and assignments due. You can use this information to create a schedule for yourself. I suggest getting a planner - this will help you hold yourself accountable with your classwork as you balance it with everyday life. 

3) pick a day to recuperate. You don't want to burn yourself out before the semester really starts! Pick a day of the week to do something you like. Get hydrated. Have a good meal! It might sound irresponsible to essentially ignore your responsibilities for a day, but it is really important in the long term to let your brain rest as you get back into the groove. It will prevent this feeling later on down the road after Spring Break!

As always, do not be afraid to reach out to your professor for clarification this semester, and in these first few weeks specifically! They are here to be your support as you reach toward your personal, academic, and career goals.