Back from Christmas Break

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

By: Cami B.

Coming back from Christmas break can be hard. Here are some tips to help you along the way so you can get right back into the swing of things!

1. Sleep- Getting the right amount of sleep is the most important thing you can do. Sleep provides you with energy and nourishment. Your body regenerates when you sleep so it is essential to focusing in school. If you have trouble sleeping some nights, don’t sweat it, it will take a little while to get back on a regular schedule. Below is the amount of sleep everyone should be getting:
   1. Preschoolers (3-5): Sleep range widened by one hour to 10-13 hours (previously it was 11-13
   2. School age children (6-13): Sleep range widened by one hour to 9-11 hours (previously it was 10-11)
   3. Teenagers (14-17): Sleep range widened by one hour to 8-10 hours (previously it was 8.5-9.5)
   4. For more information  https://sleepfoundation.org/press-release/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times
2. Routine- Humans are creatures of habit. This means that it is easier for us to follow routines. 2017 is a new year which means a fresh start. Create a routine that you can follow everyday. It may be hard to get used to at first, but eventually you’ll be doing it without even thinking about it. Here are few things to think about:
   1. Wake up + bed
      1. Try to wake up at the same time everyday and try to go to bed at the same time everyday
      2. Find the times that work best for you.
   2. Morning routine
      1. Create a morning routine that consists of a few good habits such as: Brushing your teeth, eating a healthy breakfast, making your bed, and getting out the door on time.
   3. After School routine
      1. Think about making a routine of what you do after school
      2. You may have a lot to do after school, but make sure you have time to do your homework.
   4. Evening routine –
      1. It’s important to start winding down before bed.
      2. Develop a routine for before bed to help you get a great night’s sleep.
   5. Remember: Everyone’s schedule is different. Ask your parents before making any big changes to your routines.
3. Talk with friends – Talking with your friends will help you get used to going to school again. Just being around people can help you to regain focus. Below are some ideas.
   1. Help each other get back into the groove.
   2. Remind one another of why they love HTS
   3. Remind your friends about why they are special
   4. Spread the love and joy
      1. If you see a friend who is having a bad day, engage them in a conversation. Do your best to make everyone feel included.
4. Reflect -There are couple of ways you can reflect. Reflection is important. It can help you to understand your feelings better and to focus more on what’s important. Here are a few ways to reflect on experiences, feelings, or anything you want to.
   1. Honor code: The Honor Code is there for a reason, think about what it is saying because it often becomes a habit and we forget its true meaning. Its there to remind us about how we should act on a daily basis. By saying the Honor Code, you can better understand Jesuit spirituality.  
   2. Prayer: Talk to God, share your  joys and worries, think about your break, ask for help/guidance –  God is always there for you.
   3. Chatting: Talk with your family and/or friends about Christmas break, getting back in groove, and what you’re excited for in 2017.
   4. Journaling: Get your thoughts out, settle and calm your mind, ease your worries, express your uncontrolled feelings, just write about break and what’s to come in 2017
      1. 10-20 minutes morning and/or evening every day or every other day

Remember: Everyone is trying to get back into the groove too. It is hard to go from chill days to having to focus for seven hours. At first, you might have trouble sleeping and you might feel a little tired, but so does everyone else, even the teachers. You might feel this way for a couple day or weeks, but don’t give up, just find a routine that works for you and stick with it. Also, if you see others struggling to get settled, help them. Talk with them, or just let them know that you are feeling the same way. Act in the way that God wants you too, remember the golden rule :treat others how you want to be treated. Remember, no one wants break to end, but school is important. Eventually you it will feel normal to be in school again just do your best to keep the magic of Christmas alive by loving others and trying your best in all you do.