How To Beat The Post-Holiday Blues In 5 Easy Steps

After the long July holidays, University has reopened and life has gone back to normal. Gone are the lazy mornings spent lounging with a book and hot chocolate, and late nights on the dance floor. It’s back to the books…

But don’t let the post-holiday blues distract you from everything you love about your studies. Even though the end of the holidays might feel like it’s bad news, there’s good news about going back to lectures too!

Respublica, developer of student accommodation in South Africa, has put together five survival tips to ease you into the semester.

1. Catch up with friends

The fastest way to beat the post-holiday blues is to get yourself out there and spend time with your uni friends. They are in the same boat as you are and after being away for a few weeks, there will be tons of stories to swap. Go for a meal or a drink, or set up weekly study session, and you will feel normal in no time.

2. Get organised and up-to-date

Get organised and back into routine quickly. Writing out a list of things you need to do can help you feel organized. Whether it’s unpacking, coursework reading, planning a study schedule or (on a more fun note) filling your diary with important events, set aside the time to do the things you need to. This will help you feel prepared and up-to-date before you know it.

3. Reset your sleeping routine

While sleeping until noon or staying up all night wasn’t a problem over the July holidays, it’s time to readjust your sleeping patterns. Use light to help you reset your body clock. Pull back the curtains or turn on a lamp as soon as your alarm goes off to tell your brain that it’s morning. To fall asleep early, put your cellphone away and dim the lights an hour before bedtime – use the time to read a book and wind down.

4. Create a healthy balance

Put together a simple exercise schedule to help you remain physically healthy and mentally alert. Exercise will also help you reach a good study life balance. Healthy eating will contribute to mental alertness, good energy levels and general well-being.

5. Challenge yourself

This semester, try something new. Whether it’s joining the student club you’ve had on your radar, making new friends or taking up a new hobby, extracurricular activities are a great way to get involved and have some fun. In the process you’ll meet new people and maybe even develop a new skill.

Starting a new semester should be fun and not fearsome, so take a while to stop and smell the roses… or perhaps even the smell of coffee as you get ready for those early morning lectures!