Spring break has come and gone, and as we enter week 12 and try to jump back into our school routine, motivation can easily slip away. If you’re anything like me, this can lead to a to-do list a mile long and the anxiety of not knowing where to start. Getting back on track doesn’t have to be hard. Here are my top five must-dos to help you reorganize your life, one day at a time: 

1. Designate a notebook for your to-dos. Choose a specific notebook to write down your tasks. Then use a separate planner or your phone calendar app — whatever keeps you organized. 

2. Make a to-do list the night before. Each evening, write down everything you need to do the next day. Don’t worry about the order or importance yet; just get it all out of your head and onto paper. 

3. Prioritize your tasks. Once your list is made, put your tasks in order, starting with the ones you want to do the least. Getting those less enjoyable tasks out of the way first will make the rest of your day feel like a breeze. 

4. Schedule your tasks. Block out time on your calendar for each task. I like to use hour-by-hour blocks, such as “cleaning” or “homework.” Under each category, list the specific tasks to accomplish. 

5. Cross off tasks as you go. There’s nothing more satisfying than checking things off your list as you complete them. 

This five-step plan may seem simple, but laying everything out in front of you can make a huge difference. Instead of letting your thoughts stay jumbled in your head, bring the chaos to paper and organize it neatly. Having a plan for your day ahead can be half the battle.