How to Hack Your Brain for Back-to-School Success

Almost everyone dreads going back to school. Getting up early, sitting through long classes, and coming home exhausted and cranky isn't anyone's cup of tea. I was savoring the last few days of my summer break as much as possible. Going back to school can be incredibly stressful, both mentally and physically. The brain and the body go through many changes when we start a new school year. 

Trying to remember old things after a long period of relaxing is super frustrating. When we learn something new, our brains create new neural pathways. These pathways are strengthened the more we use them, which is why it's easier to remember things that we've learned recently. However, when we haven't used a neural pathway in a while, it can weaken or even disappear. This is why it can be difficult to remember things that we learned in school a long time ago. That's probably why a lot of people tend to forget the unit circle.

From a psychological perspective, going back to school can also be stressful because it can involve a lot of change. Adjusting to a new schedule, new teachers, and new classmates can be a lot all at once. Dealing with a lot of homework, the stress of exams, and so many assignments does not help our cases. All of these changes can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

Making the transition back to school easier can be done in a number of ways:

1. Getting enough sleep - Sleep is when your brain consolidates memories, so it's important to get enough rest when you're trying to learn something new. 8 hours of sleep is a solid goal. 
2. Use active learning techniques - Taking notes, asking questions, and practicing what you're learning can help retain information better. I like mind maps, blurting, and the Feynman technique.
3. Take care of yourself - Eat healthy foods, eat regularly, and exercise. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you succeed in school.
4. Take breaks - Don't try to cram too much information into your brain at once. Take breaks to let your brain rest and absorb the information.

Going back to school can be a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to learn and grow. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more rewarding.