After about three weeks of hibernation, the spring semester has rolled around to shake us out of our winter break routine. Rather than rolling out of bed between eleven and noon, making breakfast at lunchtime, and avoiding any mental strain, we have come back to campus for 8 a.m. classes, work schedules, and a slew of papers containing numerous assignments to complete throughout the next sixteen weeks. Without fear, here are some tips to ease into the spring semester after the long winter break.

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First, in order to get into a daily routine, the spring semester requires some spring cleaning. Some tasks to begin this week include printing out all the syllabi for the new classes. Nothing can feel more overwhelming than having tasks from 4-6 different classes all at once. Life is so much easier with everything written out, detailing what needs to be completed. With the fall semester ending only a few weeks ago, supply shopping for winter is much easier. Some simple tasks that can be done now include ripping used pages out of notebooks, checking the ink in old pens, and getting rid of papers from last semester. Though these are simple tasks, they are important to ease into a class routine.

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On the introspective side of student life, setting new goals is key to succeeding in the new semester. Fall semester gave us the chance to identify which learning styles work for us, and those that were not worth the time. With this, now is the time to apply those learning styles. Furthermore, setting goals based on incomplete tasks from last semester helps with motivation. Strive for the Dean’s List or take a class that seems more enjoyable this semester. Lastly, along with goals and motivation, find at least one thing to look forward to each morning. Whether it is something simple such as allowing yourself to eat a donut for breakfast, or even something such as hanging out with friends later in the day, getting out of bed in the morning is so much easier when there is something exciting happening that day.

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Perhaps the best way to ease into the new semester is to simply relax. While creating goals and trying new tasks are important and can be meaningful, mental health is also something to keep in mind. Try to avoid feelings of overwhelming anxiousness. Too many new events or a long to-do list can intimidate anyone. Do not be discouraged to take a break when it is needed. Between taking a 20 minute nap or hitting the gym, find a way to detox from stress. Do not let the excitement of the new semester be dulled with too much pressure. Though task lists are growing with each day,  remember, only 116 days stand between us and summer break!