Gearing Up for Another School Year
Written by Halsey Redman
We know… you don’t want to think about this yet. However, the back-to-school season is impending. In our opinion, it’s better to be prepared, than to avoid it entirely! So, here’s what you might want to think about.
Switching your Sleep Schedule
Summer can send our routines out of wack. Late, fun-filled nights with friends and family members. Whether it’s you or your kiddo, get into the habit of going to bed a bit earlier before the first week of school. The best way to change your sleep schedule is slowly. Start by getting into bed just 30mins earlier than usual. Avoid eating too close to bedtime, try not to use screens an hour before bed, and keep the bedroom cool and dark. This should lead to a healthier sleep and a clearer mind the next morning! You can also take supplements like magnesium or melatonin to promote sleepiness.
Make a Plan with your Therapist
If the thought of school is causing lots of stress or anxiety - bring it up with a therapist. Together you can make a game plan to tackle your fears before the first day hits. If your child is the one attending classes this fall, talk with them about how they’re feeling. Don’t dismiss their feelings by saying, “Don’t worry - it’ll be fine.” Validate their thoughts and help them to prepare for inevitable anxious situations. Having the “perfect” first day is pretty much impossible - teach them to roll with the punches and adjust to have the best day possible.
Do a Test Run
Prepare the best you can. Anxiety thrives in situations of uncertainty. You can do a test run for the first day of school. If there’s an open house or a community event offered before the start of school - make sure to attend. You might meet some teachers or other students ahead of time.
If there aren’t any events you can go to, you can always prepare for the first day by getting up and ready early, having breakfast, and leaving the house at the appropriate time for classes to begin. Plan out your route, perfect your morning routine (as much as possible - remember perfection isn’t real), and feel confident that you’ll nail it when the real time comes.
Remember to have Fun
Summer isn’t quite over yet! Make fun plans that you’re looking forward to - and give yourself or your child something to talk about with classmates. We wish you the best of luck with the upcoming school year. We have a feeling this will be one of the best yet.
