10 Mindful Tips for Managing Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school season is in the air, and you know what that means: excitement, new expectations, transitions, and sometimes, feelings of nervousness and worry. New routines are on the horizon, and whether you’re a student, parent, or caregiver, taking some small yet meaningful steps now can help you navigate a smoother transition back into the new school year in the month or two ahead.

Below, we’ve put together 10 mindful tips for navigating back-to-school season and the stress that accompanies it, so you can be set up for healthy, happy start.

1. Begin your new routine now

Start working on a consistent sleep and wake up schedule now to ease back into the adjustment of the daily school routine. Try and implement this new schedule 1-2 weeks prior to school starting.

2. Put limits on screen time

Usually, summertime means more screen time. Start setting some limits before the school year starts. For example, it may be helpful to allow no devices one hour before bedtime to help facilitate better sleep and reduce stress.

3. Create a wellness plan for your family

Plan out weekly meals, some quiet study and homework time, and time for sports and activities. Even a short calendar for your family to reference somewhere in your home can be helpful with managing pressures and stress. It also gives everyone a good sense of control.

4. Open up the conversation

Chat openly with your kids and family to discuss their hopes, concerns, or fears for the year ahead. Discuss how it’s okay to feel a mix of feelings from fear and excitement, to feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It’s all normal!

5. Prep school supplies together

Work with your kids to prepare backpacks and school supplies needed to be successful and feel confident going into the new year. This can help nurture excitement, responsibility, and preparedness.

6. Make time for movement

Walk, stretch, or play outside daily whenever you can in the lead up to the first day back at school. This can help alleviate stress, capture those last moments of summer fun and activity, and help enhance moods.

7. Celebrate small wins

Take time to reward moments of courage, effort, or forward movement, even if they’re smaller wins such as completing orientation or making a new friend. Every small step is still forward progress!

8. Practice mindful moments

You can either model or teach your kids and family a few grounding techniques that could benefit them such as deep breathing or taking moments to reflect on a few things you’re thankful for; this can help center your brain and reset.

9. Encourage positive self-talk

Share positive affirmations such as “I can do this!” or “I’m capable” or “It’s okay to ask for help.” Remind children to be kind to themselves whenever they are going through tough moments or transitions.

10. Reaching out for support

If stress just becomes too overwhelming to manage, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Friends, teachers, counselors, and our team here at CCMH are here to help you however you need. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it shows you’re strong!

As we head into this new school year, keep this in mind: wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about living intentionally and being present and honoring the small (or big) steps that move us forward. If you or your family find yourselves in need of extra support or resources to manage stress, anxiety, or mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at CCMH. Have a great year, everyone!