Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to clean!
For high school students, spring is the perfect time not only to clean their rooms at home, but also to reset their school life.
Spring cleaning can help students clear their minds, improve their focus, and avoid staying in a slump during the last few weeks of the school year. But what should you focus on most when cleaning during this time?
- Lockers
Over time lockers can turn into a huge mess of old worksheets, crumpled papers, and snack wrappers. Cleaning out your locker may seem like a small thing but it can make a huge difference in the flow of your day.
You should start by taking everything out. Throw away any trash, and papers that you don’t need anymore. Organize the items that you are keeping/still use.
When you are putting these materials back you should make sure to arrange your books and supplies in a way that makes the most sense for you.
A clean locker can help to save time in the morning, during passing time, and at the end of the day.
2. Binders/Folders
As the year goes on papers pile up very quickly. Graded assignments that have been handed back start mixing in with current ones, and turn into a huge mess.
Go class by class, and whether you use a binder or folder go through your papers. Get rid of graded papers all together, but avoid getting rid of past notes because these could be helpful in the future.
If needed you should replace ripped folders, and can possibly add dividers/labels to better organize yourself.
Purging old papers can greatly help to diminish your workload in the long run.
3. Backpacks
Similar to your locker, your backpack can collect a lot of junk. Old snack wrappers, papers, loose pencils/pens can all pile up.
You should empty your entire backpack, putting the supplies inside in piles. After you completely empty your backpack you should put it in the washing machine.
Germs and bacteria can start to grow after using it everyday and washing it will remove all of the grossness from your backpack.
While your backpack is in the wash, you can go through everything that you took out. Again making piles to keep or throw away.
4. Your mind
Spring cleaning isn’t just about organizing physical things. It is also an emotional and mental reset.
Many students go through a slump during this time of the school year. Your motivation drops, assignments start adding up, and it becomes easy to avoid and procrastinate.
To avoid falling into this slump, set small realistic goals for yourself.
Instead of looking at the big picture, focus on one assignment at a time. Small accomplishments help to build momentum.
Spring cleaning is more than just cleaning up, it is about creating a space for yourself to excel in. By cleaning these small things in your life, you help yourself to finish the school year strong.
