Reset before the first day of school
Summer is rapidly coming to an end and the closer we get to the start of the school year, the more anxiety may start to pile on. For parents, it’s the seemingly never ending to-do list. For school goers, the anticipation of starting a new school, a new class or making new friends can be daunting.
Change can be hard and when you’re solidly in summer mode with no consistent schedule, making that shift back into routine isn’t easy. There are two standard approaches. Either wait until school starts and then figure it out as you go. Or, over the next couple of weeks, make some minor adjustments and do a little advance prep to smooth the transition.
We’re big advocates of option one, and here’s why. As people, we thrive on routine whether we want to admit it or not. By re-establishing some level of structure now and getting used to it over the next couple of weeks, that first week of school is less of a shock to the system. We’re not saying end summer early; it’s just about making some minor tweaks. Here are a few of our favourites:
Stop the all-day snacking.
We’re all doing it. The fridge is there, the snacks are there. We’re eating when the mood strikes us. All day, nibble, nibble, nibble. With the return of school, means the return of a schedule. Recess at a certain time, lunch, afternoon snack etc. It’s all scheduled. Get your body re-used to that routine now. Start eating at the times that you’ll be eating during a regular school/work day once September hits. Then you’re less likely to have a growling stomach interrupting class.
Get out of bed before 10 am.
Who doesn’t love a summer sleep-in? It’s glorious, but rapidly coming to an end. So instead of milking the sleep-in days until the last moment, start adjusting your internal clock back to a regular schedule. That doesn’t mean you have to go from 10 am to 7 am right away. Start with a few days of getting up at 9 am. Then 8 am. And slowly you’ll work your way into a school-savvy timetable.
Find a fitness routine.
Starting a new fitness routine in September when everything is already busy is tricky. Instead, why not try and get into a groove now? Start with two days a week and see if you can be consistent. Figure out what workout times align with your school calendar and get started!
Whatever your approach, the start of a new school year can be a lot. Give yourself grace and time to navigate through until you find a rhythm that works for you.
Still struggling to wrap your head around it? Our counsellors can help give you some tools and support as you make the transition into the school year. Reach out!