Sir Godfrey Gregg

While enjoying your holiday, take a few small steps that will make your return to school in 2026 smoother and more successful. These aren’t about intense studying—they’re about creating conditions that support your goals when the new year begins.

Organize your study space at home. Clean your desk, sort through papers from last year, discard what you don’t need, and create a welcoming environment for learning. Starting 2026 with an organized space reduces stress and makes studying more appealing.

Review your schedule and commitments. What worked in 2025? What needs to change? If you were overcommitted and stressed, consider what to reduce. If you had too much idle time and felt unfocused, consider what to add. Use holiday downtime to design a balanced schedule for 2026.

Establish healthy routines gradually. If you’ve been staying up late during the holidays, start shifting your sleep schedule earlier as school approaches. Begin incorporating regular reading time, light physical activity, or other habits you want to maintain in 2026. Starting these practices during the holidays makes them feel natural when school begins.

Gather supplies and materials you’ll need. Check what school supplies need replacing, organize your backpack, and ensure you have everything ready. This eliminates the stress of last-minute scrambling when school resumes.

Mentally prepare by reviewing your goals for 2026. What do you want to achieve? What habits will support those goals? What obstacles might you face, and how will you handle them? This mental rehearsal increases your likelihood of success.

Think of these preparations as gifts to your future self. Future you, returning to school in 2026, will be grateful that holiday you took these small steps. You’re not cutting your holiday short—you’re simply being strategic about setting yourself up for a successful year. A little preparation now creates a lot of ease later.