Stress free tips for going back to school

[Rob]

Stress free tips for going back to school
By Hollie (Belle.)

Going back to school after a break is definitely something that can be very stressful. Whether the break has been short or very long, returning after it is long dreaded and often unhappy for many reasons. The last minute dash to get decent school shoes when most other people have the same idea, trying to find a big enough school bag to fit all the necessary items , trying desperately to finish all the holiday homework you’d left until the last minute, and not to mention the fact that it means you’ll actually have to wake up early! All of these things can add to the feelings of anxiety that may come with the start of the new school term. Well, never fear! There are ways you can prepare to make sure that going back to school is as easy and stress-free as possible.

First of all, when the breaks from school come, be sensible! Don’t leave everything until the last minute because realistically you’re going to want to make the most of your time away from school. By leaving every bit of homework, shopping and preparation until the last couple of days, you’re going to tire yourself out and use up those last days of valuable free time. Set yourself up some sort of schedule, instead, and do an hour or so of homework a day, depending on your demands. That way you’ll have put in a good amount of effort into your studies while also ensuring that you have time for yourself on your well deserved break. Also, if you head out early to buy shoes and bags, you may find that there are fewer people stressing you out and pushing past you, which ultimately is a good thing for you! Not only this, but you’ll be able to start the school year minus the build up of panic and frustration that searching through a limited range and stock of essential items at the last minute brings you. You’ll be more relaxed knowing that all of that is out of the way before the last week of your break, and of course it gives you the added advantage of being able to break in your shoes earlier than everyone else!

If preparation is something you're a bit concerned about, you could take a look at one of the other excellent articles on TeenHelp which will help you prepare for school and college by clicking here. This way, you’ll be prepared for school both emotionally and physically, which will allow you to get the best out of your time there.

Secondly, it’s a good idea to keep your sleeping pattern regular during the holidays. We all like a lie in every now and then, and the odd late night is perfectly okay too, but heading back to school after continuously doing this is a real shock to the system that I’m sure we could all do without. To avoid this, try to keep your sleeping as close to usual as possible so that when you go back, your energy levels will not be totally drained, and you’ll be able to function as you normally would.

Another great idea to keep in mind is that by feeling good about yourself, you may actually feel more enthusiastic about school too. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle while away from the carefully planned out days of school by eating a balanced diet and getting some exercise. Try out some new activities, perhaps take up a new sport so that you’re out and about in the fresh air and not shut away inside your house all of the time. This will also give you something to share with your friends at school when you return, which gives you something to look forward to, at least. Not only will these things help keep you physically healthy, but it also helps keep you in fine spirits when those fine spirits are exactly what you need.

Don’t be afraid to make yourself feel good when school starts either! The morning of the first day of school is bound to drain you, but if you feel good within your own skin, chances are you’ll feel better within the walls of the school too. Maybe you could put on your new shirt and show it off, or do your hair nicely. Maybe you've had your hair cut recently and want to see what your friends think, or you've gotten yourself some fancy new glasses that you love. Use these as reasons to be excited for going back to school rather than focusing on the fact that the holidays are over. Remember that looks aren't the most important thing though, and that fussing over this should not be the only thing that takes up your time. It’s perfectly okay to feel good with how you look, but don’t let it take over, just remember that you can feel good about yourself regardless, and therefore feel good about your day too.

The most important thing to remember is that school is valuable. Education is a gift that not every child is able to enjoy, so if you are, you’re incredibly lucky. Stress is inevitable, but there are ways to reduce it so that you can get the best out of what some would describe as ‘the best days of your life’. Be open minded, feel good about yourself, and enjoy the experience, because you’re only young once, and school, just as anything else, is what you make of it.