5 Ways to Thrive During the First Month of School

School can be stressful or exciting depending on how prepared you are.  Don’t wait until you begin having problems.  Whether you have trouble academically or socially, it’s important to know how to tackle your concerns.  Having a plan from the start is a great way to set a positive tone for the entire school year.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Knowledge is power.  Never be afraid to ask questions in class.  It may not feel like the cool thing to do, but if you’re unsure of something, most likely someone else has the same question.  If you don’t ask, you may end up doing an entire project wrong.  Don’t risk getting a lower grade because of your nerves.  If you need something clarified, speak up.

Learn Where You Do Your Best Studying

Everyone has their own learning style.  Some people need to listen to music while studying and others need complete silence.  If you know that you absorb information best sitting in the park, you should make it a goal to study in the park as often as possible.  Know which study habits work for you and use them whenever possible.

Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Being involved in sports and clubs may seem like unnecessary distractions, but they’re quite the opposite.  The more connected you are with your school, the more you’ll enjoy your time there.  Your brain needs a break now and then.  Stress makes learning difficult so having fun and being active will help you learn more effectively.

Don’t Get Behind on Homework

It may be very tempting to skip a homework assignment now and then.  One assignment may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but it can lead to skipping more in the future.  Don’t let yourself start the year off with a disadvantage.  Make sure to complete all of your assignments on time, especially at the beginning of the year.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Classmates

Comparing yourself to others is self-defeating.  It’s easy to find faults in yourself.  Try to focus on your positive attributes and do your best.  Some people get straight A’s without having to work very hard while others have to push themselves to get average grades.  As long as you’re doing your best, you’re doing enough.

If you’re anxious about school, don’t go into it blindly: get involved, be yourself and don’t procrastinate.  You don’t have to play catch up at the end of the year.  Set yourself up for a drama free school year.  Life is hectic, don’t let school complicate it.