Ready, set …. GO to school
Counselor provides tips on how to stay motivated throughout the year
August 28, 2017
High school is a big part of teens’ lives, and it can also be one of the biggest stressors.
If one wishes to be motivated, they must set realistic goals, according to Licensed Professional Counselor Katie Baird.
“Trying to set realistic, attainable goals,[and] things to look forward to, I think that would help with motivation and getting back to school,” Baird said. “So if you wanna meet five new people, or if you want to get an ‘A’ in a certain class, I think it not only allows you to look forward to things, but [it] also increases motivation.”
What you wear can also affect your motivation, Baird said.
“When you dress comfortable but confident, [it] can affect your mindset and your mood,” Baird said. “Dress in a way that makes you feel confident.”
On top of feeling satisfied with the chosen attire, getting enough sleep encourages confidence and a healthy attitude.
“When I was super tired [in school], I was definitely less motivated. It was hard to get out of bed, much less get out of bed and go to school and try to focus and concentrate and even engage socially,” Baird said. “I mean, talking to people, having conversations, it was all very draining and overwhelming.”
Skipping breakfast can also affect motivation, she said.
“Skipping meals affects your focus and your attention span,” Baird said. “It can [also] affect your mood, make you more irritable, [and] even increase your anxiety. I think diet is a huge component, so really making sure you have a really good breakfast in the morning is really helpful too.”
A good first impression may also encourage healthy relationships with teachers.
“Trying to give a good impression, especially your first impression with your teachers, is extremely important,” Baird said. “So [don’t wait] until the very last day before the teachers turn in their grades. Start asking questions or engaging [early].”
Furthermore, the abundance of homework, projects and tests can get very overwhelming without organization.
“I think school was definitely different when I was in school. I think the expectations are higher,” Baird said. “I think testing is definitely more difficult and I think that they are now giving more assignments and there is a lot more homework.”
Baird’s advice for this kind of stress is simple.
“You want to make sure that you start that at the very, very beginning.”
