Get Back to School on the Right Foot! - Page 4

7. Keep your locker, desk, and backpack organized: The stress of a mess interferes with your schoolwork, Helfgott says. That even goes for the place you park yourself to do homework — the desktop on your PC too. Your life will be much mellower if you spend a few minutes each week cleaning up your study space, trashing old files on your computer, and organizing your locker. And if you’re feeling really motivated, jotting down to-do lists, test dates, and other deadlines on a wall calendar can also add to the success of Operation Organization.
8. Avoid the junk food meal plan: It can be pretty tempting to spend your lunch money on junk food. It’s cheap, tasty, and gives you a temporary energy rush, but consider the flip side: Your body’s not getting the nutrient-packed payola that a more well-balanced meal provides. Need to stay sharp for that late-afternoon science class? Go with complex carbs and some protein, such as a bagel with peanut butter or a baked potato topped with vegetarian chili. That’ll keep your blood sugar level steady so you won’t zone out in the middle of a pop quiz.