It is now a new year, spring semester is here whether you like it or not and many may find it difficult to get out of the winter break mindset. Here are some ways to get out of the vacation headspace.

Continue to set goals for yourself. Reflect on the goals you set for yourself last semester and see which ones you have achieved and the goals you have yet to accomplish. There’s nothing wrong with a little work in progress, so don’t be afraid to finish what you set out to do this semester.

Go outside. This can seem simple however it can take a great amount of effort to force yourself off the couch. The practice of stepping outside can help you clear your head and give yourself time to think and refocus for the new semester. Exercising can also help relieve any stress you may be feeling.

Work on organizational skills. Keeping a planner or notebook with you to write down the things that you need to complete each day or week. By doing so, you keep track of what tasks you need to get done. This can also help you stay on top of all the assignments due in your classes.

Get advice from outside sources if need be. Sometimes asking others for help can be intimidating. However, getting advice from someone can relieve anxiety that you may be feeling about your goals and plans for the future. You can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor here on campus or talk it over with a family member or friend.

Get onto a good sleeping schedule. The winter break may have been filled with late nights. With school starting again, quality sleep is essential in being able to function at your best and achieve everything you set out to do. Choose a sleep schedule that works best for you while still being effective.

Keeping motivated now can be beneficial to your success in the rest of your academic career and far beyond that. Implement these tactics or any others that you find useful in your life to help relieve stress and to avoid getting overwhelmed in life.