Getting back into the school routine after holidays always feels harder than it should. You go from sleeping whenever you want, training when you feel like it, and living on your own schedule to alarms, timetables and deadlines. The shift feels abrupt. But I’ve learnt that the difference between starting the term stressed and starting it confident usually comes down to one thing: preparation.The first thing I fix is my sleep. There’s no point expecting yourself to wake up at 6:30am on the first day if you’ve been going to bed at 1am all holidays. About a week before school starts, I gradually move my sleep earlier, even by 30 to 45 minutes each night. It sounds simple, but once your sleep is sorted, your focus, mood and energy improve almost immediately.

Next is resetting my environment. A clean desk, organised notes and fresh books genuinely make you feel more in control. Clutter creates distraction. I also skim over last term’s work so the content feels familiar again. You don’t need to relearn everything; just refreshing the structure of topics helps you avoid that “I’ve forgotten everything” panic on Day 1.
Planning is another big one. Before the term starts, I look at each subject and think realistically about what it demands. Which subjects need weekly revision? Which require consistent practice? Understanding the workload helps you build a routine that’s sustainable rather than overwhelming.
Mental preparation matters too. Remind yourself why you’re doing this. Whether it’s your ATAR, university goals or personal standards, clarity gives you motivation when discipline feels hard.
Most importantly, start small. Build momentum instead of chasing perfection. Consistency beats intensity. With the right preparation, returning to school feels less stressful and far more controlled.

Sara Theocharidis