During the first semester of school, finding time for everything can be difficult, especially after an amazing summer. It’s difficult to slip back into your school routine when all you want is for summer to return. Many students struggle to surmount their seemingly endless list of obligations, but this article will tell you how to make managing your time just a bit easier.

How can you manage your time when you need to accomplish more tasks than there are hours in a day?

Time Block

This one is probably the most practical on the list, and it’s also a personal favorite. Time-blocking helps you realize there IS enough time in the day for both work and relaxation. To time-block, start by writing a list of everything you have to do (including small items like brushing your teeth or driving to school). Then, assign each task a time period based on how long you think it will take.

While everyone’s commitments vary, time blocking is the perfect way to ensure that you won’t freeze up – you already know that you’ll have some set time to relax and enough time to check everything off your list.

Keep a Set Morning Routine

We all know it can be easy to oversleep before school. As good as sleeping in can feel, it often leaves us scrambling in the morning, forgetting things at home, being late, or being tired in class. Establishing a routine that works for you helps you focus less on the mindless tasks of the morning, and more on your classes and extracurricular activities in the day ahead. Morning routines aren’t one-size-fits-all, but waking up with enough time to have one is hugely beneficial.

Reward Yourself to Avoid Procrastination

Procrastinating can feel really good in the moment, but we all know that getting to bed at 2:00 a.m. and getting five hours of sleep does not set us up for success the next day. Rewarding yourself for doing something you usually procrastinate will increase your motivation – you’ll want to do the task again for another reward. For instance, if you do your math homework earlier than usual, reward yourself with your favorite treat like an episode of your favorite show. Staying on task can be difficult, but consistency is key.

Incorporate Self-Care Into Your Day

You might be wondering – Lauren, I already don’t have enough time! Why would I add another thing to my schedule? Well, that is a good question and one that I definitely asked myself before implementing it into my routine as well. My answer to this question: you can’t pour from an empty cup. How can you follow through on your commitments if you aren’t showing up for yourself? Try to incorporate at least one thing for you each day – this could take many different forms such as spending a little extra time on your skincare routine, treating yourself to your favorite food, or watching that movie you’ve been waiting to watch for the longest time.

Spend Your Time On the Things That Are Important to You

In high school, it is normal to want to do everything you possibly can to show parents, peers, and especially colleges, that you can do it all. However, it is important to be interested in the things you’re doing. When you’re passionate about your activities, you produce amazing results. If you are spending your time doing things that make you unhappy, consider taking a break from them and finding things you do like. This is the easiest way to make sure you enjoy your Autumn.

The Fall Semester is tough, but there are so many things we can do to make it easier for ourselves. What works for one person isn’t what works for everyone, but hopefully at least one of these things will work for you. Let’s set ourselves up for an amazing school year!