How to get back to work after an academic hiatus
Okay, so you haven’t gone to class in a few days (or weeks) because you just weren’t feeling yourself. I too struggle with this due to chronic pain, an autoimmune disease, and my anxiety disorder. Now you’re feeling up to it again. Let’s talk about the steps you should take to “catch up.”
Read your syllabus. Figure out what you’ve missed, whether it’s assignments you needed to turn in or lecture material.
Next, email your professors/TA’s. Let them know that you have missed some classes due to personal reasons (you can elaborate if you wish). Ask to come in during office hours to fill in any blanks. Tell them that you appreciate their time/help.
Spend some time with your textbook, going over chapters or slides. Work it out as best as you can. This works best during the weekend!
I would also suggest cleaning your room. Personally, my mind feels a lot less cluttered when my space is clean.
Utilize the pomodoro technique when catching up. Set a timer for 20-25 minutes and work uninterrupted during that time. When the timer goes off, I usually find one of two things occurs: you can either work a couple more minutes to finish your task, or you really needed a break!
You can also eliminate distractions by utilizing apps such as Forest or Pocket Points. Or you can just set your phone in airplane mode, or set it in another room.
Catch up on correspondence. Check your email. Respond to texts, etc. Apologize for your delay in getting back to them.
Make to-do lists! Prioritize what you can do now vs what you can do later.
Utilize a planner to help figure out what you need to do.
I also like to use a dry-erase board to help keep track of impending deadlines.
Reschedule what you need to reschedule.
I don’t know if anyone else feels this way - but sometimes my anxiety from missing class makes me feel like it would be awkward to go back after missing several classes. PUSH THOSE THOUGHTS ASIDE! THAT IS YOUR ANXIETY TALKING! IT IS NOT REAL!!! just go to class! You got this!!
Remind yourself that it’s okay to fall short sometimes. Fall down 10 times, get up 10 times.
Ask for help. Most of the time, the people we know would be more than willing to help us, if only they knew we were struggling.
Talk to a tutor/academic advisor if need be.
Know that -if you have been struggling for awhile- taking a semester or two off from school is okay. I did this myself. The semester I came back after taking a year off from school, I went from academic probation to the dean’s list.
Learn to say no. If you have too many irons in the fire, know that it’s okay to say no! Sometimes we cannot work an extra shift, or come to this week’s Himalayan Salt Rock Club meeting (even if we are the president)
Study at a desk. Beds are comfortable; therefore, they are the devil! Perhaps change your scene. Study at a coffee shop or library if you cannot find your focus at home.
Let your support system know what’s up. Again - maybe they can help you, even just with emotional support.
Know that you are not alone!
Recognize that you belong in school. You are worthy of being here.
Relax, and remind yourself why you started. It will be an uphill battle at times, but you can do it.
Find ways to keep yourself motivated and focused when catching up. Remember to take breaks. It’s a marathon right now, not a sprint.
Do not neglect eating, sleeping or personal hygiene. This will DEFINITELY make you feel better. Physical health is important too!
Be proud of any progress you make. Set backs are part of the process.
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