Getting used to essay work (modern language) after gap year?

I'm doing modern languages when I get back from a gap year. I know obviously to keep going over grammar and vocabulary when I can, but I'm more worried about getting out of the work habit, or having difficulty getting used to writing essays. My modern language course is pretty literature based, and will probably need a lot of analysis which I'm getting pretty stressed about too.
Is there any way I can practice analysis during this year out? Or is there anyone out there that can tell me how they got back into working after a year out?
Thanks