The dreaded point of summer vacation is approaching. Back-to-school commercials flood the television, backpacks are emerging from their hiding spots, and summer assignments seem a little bit more daunting.

It is never too early to begin preparing for the first time the alarm clock blares, signaling the start of a new school year. So, here are a few tips to get you back in the mindset of early mornings and endless assignments.

1. In order to start the school year on the right foot, a good night’s sleep is required.

As many know, summertime usually calls for staying up late and sleeping past midday, which is definitely not allowed during the school year. So, start to improve your sleep schedule a week before the first day. Every night try to get into bed a half hour earlier, and shut your electronics off. Your brain will begin to readjust to your new sleep schedule, and waking up will gradually get easier.

2. Start to get your school supplies organized.

In high school, your teachers may not give you a required list of supplies, so there is much more freedom. You need to decide whether you stay better organized with binders, notebooks, etc.

If your school requires you to buy or rent textbooks, get that figured out before classes begin. There is nothing worse than telling your teacher that you cannot complete the required reading because your textbook hasn’t been shipped yet.

Likewise, begin to organize the space you have at home to do your work. Whether it is the kitchen table or a desk in your room, organization is key. When there is too much clutter around, your mind will have an easier time wandering when trying to complete work. Find a spot away from the loudest rooms in your house so you can relax and study.

3. Instead of stressing over summer reading and assignments that need to be finished, just do them!

Although it may be hard to get yourself to sit down and finish your work, it truly is not as bad as you think. Once you have the burden of reading the last few pages of your required book off your mind, you will feel much better, and much less stressed about beginning school!

4. Finding confidence in yourself is one of the main ingredients to a great school year.

The first time you strut down the hallway, think to yourself, “this is my year”. A simple mantra like that can change your until mindset and life.
When you have positive thoughts running through your head, your school year will be transformed.

So, make sure to prepare all of the things that you can control. But, when things are out of your reach, let your positive mindset manifest itself in your life.
Remember, nothing will ever be perfect! One bad grade will not define you, and one embarrassing moment will be forgotten.
If there is one thing that I have learned so far, it is that you will have an easier time remembering all the great people you surround yourself with, and the way they made you feel, than any grade. Take this school year by storm and have an awesome year!