The transition from a long holiday to the school routine often presents its own challenges for students' physical and mental conditions. Sudden changes in daily habits, from irregular sleep patterns to reduced physical activity during the holidays, have the potential to affect concentration levels and readiness to learn in the classroom.
This physical readiness becomes even more crucial for new students, especially 10th graders undergoing the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). Citing health recommendations from SMAN 3 Depok, West Java, there are several strategic steps that can be applied to maintain physical fitness so that students remain energized when returning to school.
The first step to note is improving dietary patterns. During the holiday, the consumption of fast food or high-sugar snacks often increases. Now is the time for students to switch back to a healthy diet with a balanced menu containing carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins to support energy and thinking capacity during learning.
In addition to maintaining nutritional intake, restoring physical fitness through consistent light exercise is also highly recommended. Simple activities such as jogging, cycling, or casual walking can help restore physical fitness that may have declined. Regular exercise is also proven effective in boosting immunity and helping improve daily sleep quality.
Lastly, gradually resetting sleep schedules is a key factor in avoiding sleepiness and fatigue at school. Students are advised to get into the habit of sleeping for seven to eight hours each night. Getting enough rest is crucial to support the recovery process of body cells while optimizing memory when receiving lesson materials.
