Part of the fun of starting a new school year is the stationery which comes with it. New pens, notebooks and scientific calculators galore. But let’s take this as an opportunity to work smarter. This is the best time to create systems to keep you on track and organised throughout the academic year.

Here are our top 10 ideas to help organise your schedule and mind with sticky notes

1. Positive reinforcement

It’s only a matter of time before you become stressed and in need of some encouragement. Be your own cheerleader and write some inspiring quotes or affirmations. Leave them around the house or in between the sheets of your notepad to motivate your future self.

Source: @saythegood — *Source:* @saythegood

2. Bookmark

Using a bookmark but still wasting time rereading figuring out where you left off? Stick your note on the page to show exactly where you paused. You can go a step further and draw an arrow to indicate the word where you stopped reading with some keywords to bring your mind back to task.

Source: @sanyukta_sayings — *Source:* @sanyukta_sayings

3. To do list

We can’t hold everything in our brains at once and still work efficiently. As things come up, jot them down on your list so you don’t forget any important deadlines.

Source: @letsliveandlearn — *Source:* @letsliveandlearn

4. Add your own notes

As you’re reading, ideas might come up. Scribble them on your sticky note on the relevant page. This is particularly useful when doing research for an essay.

Source: @memofixdigital — *Source:* @memofixdigital

5. Question to ask later

As you are doing your research, it is very likely that questions arise. Make sure to pen them down so you can ask your teacher next time you see them.

Source: @acreativeteachingtale — *Source:* @acreativeteachingtale

6. Reminders

If you are forgetful, try retrain your mind with sticky notes. For example, leave a note in front of your door to make sure you’re leaving the house with ALL the things you may need for your day at school.

Source: @pinkbowedtail — *Source:* @pinkbowedtail

7. Wall Calendar

If you don’t have a wall calendar, write the days of the week and add your weekly tasks.

Source: @fountcurated — *Source:* @fountcurated

8. Colour coding

If you do the above, you might decide that you want to differentiate between different subjects or areas in your life (eg school, hobbies, music, family.)

Source: @kierandocherty1 — *Source:* @kierandocherty1

9. Map out your essay

Create a visual of the structure for your essay. The introduction and conclusion can be one colour and use other colours for your arguments. This gives you flexibility to see which order helps your essay flow the most smoothly. You can add extra notes on how you link between each paragraph.

Source: @iamshannonsheridan — *Source:* @iamshannonsheridan

10. Doodle

Sometimes we need to unwind and let go. Doodling can help us destress and can increase productivity. You may not want these doodles in your notebook forever so the sticky note is the perfect place to doodle!