Getting Ready for Back to School!!
The summer is quickly coming to an end. How do you know? Because the sun sets earlier, back to school shopping begins, and back to school nights!
Returning back to school can be hard after a long summer break of vacations and sleeping in late. But there are some things that you can do to help make the transition back to school a little easier.
First Day Back
• Backpack? Check! School supplies? Check! Outfit? Check! Make sure that you have everything you need for the first day of school. A few days or maybe the night before, check to see that you have all your school supplies ready for the first day.
• First period. Do you know which class you’re going to first period? Before school starts, check your schedule that was either mailed or picked up at the back to school night.
• Stay organized. Decide how you’re going to keep track of your school activities and responsibilities. Great tools to use are agendas, calendars, and even your smartphone. In fact, there are tons of apps to help keep you organized by setting reminders on your phone.
• Eat healthy. Did you remember to pack your water, a healthy snack, and lunch? Eating a good breakfast gives you the energy you need to start the day right. Try to make healthy choices at lunch, too. Remember: what you drink also makes a difference.
Sleep
• Start readjusting your sleep habits. A few days before school starts, go to sleep at the usual time that you would during the school year and then wake up at the time you’d have to leave for school.
• Get enough sleep. It’s recommended that teens need between 8-9 hours of a sleep each night. Sleep deficit can affect concentration, mood, performance in school, and athletics.
• Turn off electronic devices. Using phones, laptops, or TVs right before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep. The light omitted from your device can be a distraction, not to mention those last minute texts from friends.
• Watch what you eat and drink before bed. Caffeine and heavy late night meals can make it hard to fall asleep.
Emotions
• Acknowledge how you feel. There are a wide array of emotions that students may feel at the start of school. No matter if you’re nervous because you’re starting a new school or excited about your senior year- these feelings are all normal.
• The first few days. It may take you the first few days or week to adjust to your new schedules and homework load, but remember that you’ve done this before and have gotten through it.
• Talk about it. If you’re still feeling anxious or nervous after the first few days of school, you can talk to your school counselor, teacher, or someone you trust to share your feelings and find out what you can do.
Additional resources:
• Healthy School Lunch Planner
• Starting High School
• What Stresses You Out About School?
• 5 Tips for Better Sleep
• School Stuff
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