How to spend the last few days of summer break

The lazy days of sleeping-in, laying out by the pool and hot summer nights are coming to an end. Whether you're excited or dreading getting back into your regular routine, proper preparations should be made.

Here are some basic tips to help students and parents get a jump start on the fall:

1. Check your mail, e-mail and/or school websites for information periodically. These may include change in timings, bus routes, schedule/class assignments, etc.
2. Go shopping for new clothes. Set a proper budget and choose clothing that expresses you (or your kids) as individuals but is appropriate for school and your climate.
3. Call up friends. Talking about upcoming events and issues can help to relieve anxiety and verify information.
4. Go shopping for supplies. Make a supply list or use the one you're given and stick to it. If not, try to stay near the necessary things such as backpacks, laptops, printers, software, storage media, and of course, basics like calculators, binders, notebooks, pencils, etc.
5. Get onto a better schedule. Chances are, you or your kids have begun to sleep in over the summer, which is perfectly fine. However, it is now time to get back on track. Each day, go to bed/wake up one hour earlier. Stop when you have reached your normal timings. If you have trouble falling asleep, read a book or take a warm shower. For trouble on waking up, set multiple alarms.
6. Do some meditation or yoga. School is important, but not worth your health.

7. Get on campus and track down your classroom(s). This will help ease stress on the first day.
8. Clean out things from last year. You might need storage space for extra items


9. Wrap up the summer. Read up on courses that you are taking this year. Make a plan of how you will utilize your time wisely and do well.
10. Get some exercise. Play out in the sun. When school starts, you may or may not be able to do so due to weather or time restrictions.
11. Relax. Have a quiet, relaxing night to yourself. Take a bubble bath, give your self a manicure, whatever you do, just focus on relaxing.
12. Get some sleep. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before schools starts.
13. Take a shower or bath in the morning. You'll feel more energized and be more pleasant to be around.
14. Brush your teeth. If you didn't floss your teeth the night before, do so now. Nobody wants to talk to a person who has bad breath!
15. Wash your face. Remember to put on moisturizer, as well. You'll look happier, feel more energized and you're preventing future break-outs and infections.
16. Dress to impress. If your school allows you to wear home clothing, wear the clothing that works for you. Wear your style and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
17. Get ready for school - your backpack, your lunch and other things. It helps to make a list on a white board in your room, or a note on your desk at night. Before leaving, look at it, and make sure you have everything.
18. Eat a good breakfast. It must be a well-balanced and healthy one so that you can stay energized all the way until lunchtime. Toast or cereal and a piece of fruit is quick, easy and nutritious. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You need it because you will perform worse in school if you were to skip it.

Original Content from WikiHow.com