It may be hard to believe that a new school year is beginning and that for many of us, summer break has come to a close. Whether you are embarking on a new school year for yourself or are a parent supporting your child through a transition, the uncertainty of what a new year and the future may hold might feel unnerving. It's also understandable to notice sadness, nostalgia, or possibly even some relief or excitement as summer wraps up. There is no right or wrong way to feel about a new school year beginning, and it's possible you are holding a multitude of emotions and experiences.
No matter what you are feeling as it relates to a new school year, you deserve to start it off as grounded as possible. Check out the tips below as a beginning guide, and consider implementing the strategies that speak to you the most.
In this guide:
- Find flexible rhythms and routines
- Give yourself time to adjust
- Prioritize and let go
- Don't neglect you
Find flexible rhythms and routines
For many, this is a time of adjustment. Whether it's changes in daily commitments, an influx of activities on the weekends, or the last-minute shuffle of trying to get out the door in the morning, your routines may feel out of sync. Changes in routine can often elicit discomfort and sometimes increase anxiety or stress levels. It usually doesn't feel comfortable to be out of routine, so don't beat yourself up if you find yourself feeling more agitated or on edge than usual.
To that end, consider this period a time of trial and error. For example, if the mornings are a particularly stressful time, don't be afraid to brainstorm different strategies or tactics to make them smoother. It's okay if something isn't working right away, it may just need more repetition, or there may be another approach that fits better over time. Be flexible with yourself and your potential need to pivot. It often takes time to feel in rhythm and to establish new routines.
Give yourself time to adjust
The start of another school year can hold a lot of newness. In addition to new routines and schedules, there may be new expectations, clubs or organizations, or communication with people you haven't interacted with before. It's also possible you are dealing with personal shifts in your identity, values, health, or relationships.
With all of these changes taking place, it's important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust. You will likely feel more stable as some of the newness wears off and becomes more of the norm. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes choosing to embrace the chaos can actually help release resistance and give you back more energy.
Prioritize and let go
Your to-do list may be at an all-time high, or you may be experiencing anticipatory anxiety because you're expecting the to-do list to grow in the next few months. It is likely impossible to get everything done, especially when you're carrying too many demands and simply don't have enough time in the day. Many of us can relate to the feeling of being behind or bogged down by our lists of expectations and tasks.
To that end, try to prioritize where you can, and then speak kindly to yourself about it. Try to shift your thinking from "how much do I still have to do today?" to "how much have I already gotten done today?" Pay attention to what you are doing, because the mind always wants to focus on what you are not doing. Be gentle with yourself if your capacity differs day to day. This isn't a flaw, it's just part of being human. Our capacities and energy levels are not meant to be consistent.
Don't neglect yourself
It may be cliché, yet it's still important to remember that self-care during periods of transition is essential. Try your best to focus on your sleep, nutrition, and phone usage, and to nurture the habits that make you feel good and replenish your energy. The to-do list is important, but never as important as your well-being. The more you take care of yourself, the more energy you will have to put toward navigating the changes and beginnings of a new school year.
Closing thoughts
Transitions can be challenging, which is why the start of a new school year can bring on feelings of anxiety, stress, or dread. In the wake of uncertainty, it's important to find ways to stay grounded while leaving room for flexibility and the inevitable hiccups that come with transitional periods. Take a deep breath, and trust that you are capable of riding the waves of change and uncertainty.
