As the school year approaches, it's completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions. You might feel excited about starting classes again and reconnecting with friends, or maybe you don’t feel that way, and that’s okay too! You could be nervous about doing well in school, making new friends, fitting in, or being away from your family. It’s also normal for school to bring some anxious feelings. The transition can be stressful, so it's important to acknowledge those emotions and find helpful tools to calm and manage them.
Here are three essential tips and tricks to help ease those back-to-school jitters!
1. Talk to Someone/Listen
If you're feeling anxious about heading back to school, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. Whether it's a parent, guardian, friend, or teacher, sharing your concerns can provide relief and remind you that you're not alone. It's natural to feel worried or overwhelmed, but keeping those emotions bottled up can make them worse. Expressing yourself not only helps release those feelings but also opens the door for guidance and support.
On the flip side, if someone you know is feeling anxious about school, it’s crucial to listen to them attentively. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that their emotions are valid. Change can be particularly stressful for kids, so providing emotional support is just as vital as helping them prepare physically. When starting a conversation, consider your approach based on the person’s comfort level. Some may feel more at ease with a casual, relaxed discussion, while others may prefer a private, one-on-one chat. Creating a safe space for them to express their worries can make all the difference.
2. Coping Strategies
Devising a personal coping plan is key to managing back-to-school anxiety. Whether it's you or someone you know, having a set of strategies on hand can help when those feelings of stress or worry begin to bubble up. Here are some tried-and-tested techniques that focus on both mental and physical well-being:
Get Enough Sleep: Adequate rest is essential for reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Nourishing your body with healthy foods can improve your mood and energy levels.
Play the "I Spy" Game: This grounding technique helps to refocus and stay present. Ask yourself to name:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
It’s a simple, engaging way to calm the mind and body.
Practice Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing can be very effective in reducing anxiety. Slow, controlled breaths help calm the nervous system.
Use Fidget Toys: Having a small, tactile object to hold can help alleviate feelings of restlessness and provide a distraction from anxious thoughts.
Try Counting: For a quick mental break, close your eyes, put your head down, and count—either backwards from 100 or in smaller increments, such as 1-10.
Journal Your Thoughts: Writing down your thoughts and worries can be an excellent way to process feelings and clear your mind.
Meditate: A few minutes of meditation can significantly reduce stress, allowing you to refocus and gain perspective.
Get Moving: Physical activity is a natural mood booster. Even a short walk or light exercise can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
By incorporating these strategies, you or your child will be better equipped to handle the emotional challenges that come with the back-to-school season.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Beyond individual coping strategies, it’s important to create a supportive and understanding environment. Whether you're a student, parent, or friend, knowing that others are there to listen, offer advice, and encourage can make a big difference. Teaming up with family, friends, or teachers to address any anxieties head-on can foster confidence and make the school transition smoother.
Taking the time to connect, share, and plan will go a long way in ensuring that back-to-school season feels more manageable and less overwhelming. With the right mindset and support, you can conquer those jitters and step into the new school year feeling prepared and calm!
The following information was found from the resources below
This blog post was written by Sarah Afrouzi, Summer Club Leader
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