Back to School: How to Position Yourself for Personal and Academic Success
AcademicAlly, LLC: September 8, 2024
As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s essential to start the year on the right foot by setting yourself up for personal and academic success. For students with ADHD, this means organizing your life with strategies tailored to your unique needs. Let’s explore how you can ground yourself, build strong habits, and create a supportive environment to thrive academically.
Get into the Right Mindset
Success starts in your mind. Grounding yourself is the first step in setting the stage for an effective school year. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation can help center your thoughts, making it easier to manage the daily demands of school. In addition to mindfulness, it’s crucial to change your inner dialogue. Quieting the inner critic can be challenging, especially when anxiety or perfectionism creeps in. To combat negative self-talk, try using positive affirmations or thought-stopping techniques. For instance, when a critical thought arises, consciously replace it with a constructive one. Surround yourself with people who breathe confidence into your life—friends, mentors, or family members who offer positive vibes and unwavering support. Your circle should uplift you and encourage your journey toward academic success.
Prioritize Sleep and Health
Sleep hygiene plays a significant role in how well you function academically. ADHD can often make it challenging to wind down, but establishing a solid sleep routine can improve focus and reduce anxiety. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or practicing gentle yoga, to signal your body that it’s time to sleep. Keeping electronics out of the bedroom and ensuring a dark, cool environment can also enhance the quality of your sleep.
Tools for Staying Organized
Organization is often a challenge for students with ADHD, but the right tools can make a significant difference. Planners are invaluable for keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities. Choose a planner that works best for you, whether it’s digital or paper-based, and make a habit of reviewing it daily.
Organizational binders like accordion folders keep all your materials in one place, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Set Up a Study-Friendly Environment
Creating a conducive study space is crucial. Start by making a back-to-school checklist that includes essential items like notebooks, pens, a planner, and any specific tools you need. Once you have your materials, set up your study area. The right environment includes proper lighting, comfortable seating (consider a standing desk, an exercise ball, or a swivel chair for movement), and a clutter-free workspace. Eliminate distractions by keeping your phone and other gadgets out of reach during study time. Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver in noisy environments, helping you to focus during study sessions. Fidget tools can also be beneficial, providing a way to channel excess energy without distracting others.
Advocate for Yourself Proactively
If possible, check in with your teachers before school starts. This can help ease any anxiety you may have about the upcoming year, and it gives you a chance to prepare for what’s ahead. Addressing back-to-school anxiety is essential for starting the year on the right foot. Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous, but taking proactive steps like preparing your routine and communicating with teachers can make a big difference.
Here’s the thing: you have a lot going on all at once. You’re running a full marathon every day at school. Homework is brewing. Sports teams, dance troops, art studios, jobs, and political campaigns are but a few of the extra-curricular obligations you may need to fulfill. Yes, there are many demands being made on your time and energy. But if you can take some time to be proactive with these strategies, you will be prepared for whatever challenges you may encounter this year.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. AcademicAlly, LLC is here to support you and to help you put your best foot forward!