Coming back from winter break can be a difficult transition period. Students spend more than an entire week away from school, so their usual routine is thrown off. It can be hard to refocus, especially if you’re expected to immediately jump right back into school.

The most difficult thing for students after a long break is finding the motivation to keep learning, especially for seniors who are nearing graduation. Motivation is a key factor for students to be able to succeed in an educational environment. However, there are multiple ways to regain your focus and improve the transition back to school.

Ease your way back into school.

Rushing into something that you haven’t done in a while can be overwhelming and intimidating. Stress can make it harder to find interest in what you are learning. Take your time on assignments, set up a schedule that outlines a routine, and take breaks in between your coursework.

Use the 30-10 study rule: spend 30 minutes studying or working and then take a ten-minute break to eat, use your phone or relax. This method is actually really helpful because it keeps you focused during the 30 minutes that you’re trying to work. However, DO NOT let your ten-minute breaks turn into ignoring your work.

Set goals for yourself and make sure you give yourself enough reasonable time to get it done.

Don’t overcrowd your mind with a million things to do, instead of making a list of what you need to do, set realistic short-term and long-term goals. By separating them into these categories, you won’t stress as much because you won’t be focused on everything at one time.

Set a healthy pace for yourself, accomplish small goals one at a time, and then tackle the big ones. Whether it’s a small goal or a big goal, any accomplishments can be a step in the right direction.

Remember to stay optimistic.

If you go into something with a pessimistic mood, it will most likely be harder for you to be actively engaged in it. Go back to school with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn. It will boost your motivation and increase your participation. It will also help teachers get back into the flow of things if they have students who are actively interested in class.

Surround yourself with people who encourage you.

Whether it is friends, family, or teachers, anyone who guides you in the right direction is someone worth having in your inner circle. Having a close group of people who are actively supporting you is so important in having motivation in what you are doing. Without a good support system, it is hard to stay on track.

Reward yourself for meeting your goals.

It’s okay to treat yourself every once in a while. Staying on track and having consistent motivation is hard so try to establish a reward system that actually is helps to stay motivated to meet the next goal.

It can be hard to get back in the swing of things after winter break is over, but it is important that students finish the rest of the year strong. Finding a way to stay motivated can be challenging, but once you do, it can be extremely beneficial and it can make the rest of the school year feel a little less stressful.