The June school holidays are over for those in the Singapore school system, and the past week might have been a struggle to get back on schedule.  Learn some good habits from the list below that will help you succeed in and beyond the classroom and achieve your goals!

1. Eat your breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It provides fuel for the entire day, ensuring you have the energy for classes, co-curricular activities, homework and other hobbies too. Healthy choices include rolled oats which are full of fiber, or a smoothie made with fresh fruit and yogurt, as this provides fiber and protein too!
   
   
2. Get a dose of sunshine: Head outside and soak up the sunny rays. It’s the best way for your body to absorb Vitamin D. It can also help to regulate your circadian rhythm for better sleep, strengthen your immune system for better health, and encourage serotonin production for better moods. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV exposure!
   
   
3. Drink 8 glasses of water a day: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in hot and humid Singapore! Water helps your body function optimally, improving your mood, memory and concentration, and reducing feelings of fatigue and stress. It can also stave off headaches, constipation and hunger pangs.
   
   
4. Exercise regularly: Did you know that just 15 minutes of exercise a day can help to lower stress, boost your mood, improve sleep and build a fitter, healthier body? On top of that, exercise will also help you stay fit and have a better body image! This means that not having enough time is no longer a good excuse to skip exercising!
   
   
5. Set aside distractions: When sitting down to study, remove as many distractions from within your reach as possible. Stow away your phone, games and clutter so that you can better focus your attentions on the task at hand. If working on your computer, close unnecessary windows or work in full-screen mode to further reduce visual distractions.
   
   
6. Take breaks: While it’s important to work hard, it’s also important to give your mind and body much-needed rest. Regular breaks can keep you fresh, which improves your concentration and productivity over a longer period of time.
   
   
7. Clean up your bedtime routine: Having trouble falling asleep at night? Fiddling with your phone might be the cause! Surfing social media or playing mobile games can be overstimulating before bed and interfere with your night-time winding down. Opt for a more calming bedtime routine instead. You could listen to soothing lo-fi music, practice deep breathing or try some light stretching to help you relax and fall asleep.
   
   
8. Sleep: Most people need 6 to 8 hours of sleep to function optimally. Plan your schedule and your bedtime to ensure that you get enough rest every night.

With these tips to keep both body and mind healthy, enjoy the new school term and get the most our of your learning journey! And for those looking to support schoolmates in the National School Games, click here for past match replays and upcoming live streams.