The first weeks back at school after a break can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh challenges, and opportunities for growth. Prioritizing wellbeing during this period is crucial for a smooth transition and long-term success. Students may be feeling anxious and unsettled due to starting a new school year or even a new school. In today's fast-paced academic environment, maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health is more crucial than ever. Here are some tips to help your students stay balanced and thrive throughout the school year.
These 10 tips can help!
1. Establish a RoutineCreating a consistent daily schedule can help you manage your time effectively. Include time for studying by extracurricular activities, and relaxation. Keep your study area tidy as this can help you focus more. Make time for hobbies and free time too. Having a consistent daily routine can reduce anxiety by providing structure and predictability. Create a schedule that includes time for homework, and time for relaxation and social activities.
Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night. A good night’s rest is crucial for concentration, memory, and overall health. Lack of sleep can affect your concentration, focus, mood, emotional well-being and immune system.
How can you do this?
- Create a sleep schedule – Try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time daily. This helps keep your body’s internal clock in sync.
- Limit screen time before bed – The blue light from screens can interfere with your sleep. Turn off your devices at least an hour before bed.
3. Stay Organized
Use planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of assignments, tests, and activities. Staying organized reduces stress and helps you stay on top of your responsibilities. Set achievable academic and personal goals. Break them down into smaller steps to make them more manageable and celebrate your progress along the way. Create a study plan to help you with your scheduling your homework and revision for tests so you do not leave things to the last minute. Make sure you schedule time for hobbies and relaxing 😊 Don’t forget to make time to read a good book!
4. Stick to a balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day
Eating well is essential for everyone. Fuel your body with balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive junk food and sugary drinks. A balanced diet can make a big difference in your energy levels and overall health.
- Start with breakfast – Kickstart your day with a nutritious breakfast. Try oatmeal with fruits, yogurt, or a smoothie. These options are quick and easy, and they give you the energy to tackle your morning classes.
- Healthy snacking – Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruit in your school bag.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carrying a reusable water bottle can help have water available when ever you need to drink.
5. Stay physically Active, take breaks and make time for a mindful walk every day
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise boosts your mood and energy levels. It is important also to take short breaks while studying. A 5-10 minute break every hour can help you stay focused and prevent burnout. Go on a mindful walk everyday noticing what is around you and connecting with nature.
A mindful walk can significantly reduce stress by helping you stay present and focused on your surroundings. It also boosts mental clarity and creativity, making it easier to tackle daily challenges. Additionally, it promotes physical health by encouraging gentle exercise and improving overall well-being and is a wonderful way to connect with the present moment. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Choose a peaceful location: Find a quiet place where you can walk without many distractions.
- Engage your senses: Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you. Feel the ground beneath your feet with each step.
- Walk slowly and deliberately: Pay attention to each movement, from lifting your foot to placing it down.
- Stay present: If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath and surroundings.
- You an also play an outdoor mindfulness game to have a mindful moment and really connect with nature:
- Find a bench or a quiet place.
- Name/notice
5 things you can see
4 things you can feel
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
I thing you can taste
6. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude daily can significantly boost your wellbeing, especially during the back-to-school season. It helps reduce stress by shifting your focus from worries to positive aspects of your life. Gratitude can improve your mood, making you more resilient to challenges. It also enhances your relationships with classmates and teachers by fostering a positive and supportive environment. Lastly, it promotes better sleep, which is crucial for maintaining energy and concentration throughout the school day.
Gratitude needs to be practiced and you can do this by incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Gratitude Journal: Spend a few minutes each day writing down three things you’re grateful for. This can be done in the morning to start your day positively or at night to reflect on the day.
- Gratitude Jar: Write down things you’re thankful for on small pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Over time, you’ll have a collection of positive moments to look back on.
- Mindful Moments: Take a moment during your day to pause and appreciate something around you, whether it’s a beautiful view, a kind gesture, or a personal achievement.
- Gratitude Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or place sticky notes in visible areas to prompt you to think about what you’re grateful for.
- Express Gratitude: Make it a habit to thank people around you, whether it’s a friend, family member, or teacher. Expressing gratitude can strengthen your relationships and spread positivity.
7. Stay Connected
Social support is vital for emotional wellbeing, especially during stressful times. Building a support network is important for your well-being. Positive social interactions can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Join after school/college clubs and take up a new hobby or sport. Have homework study buddies to study with.
Incorporate mindfulness or meditation practices into your routine. These can help reduce anxiety and improve your focus and emotional regulation.
An easy one to practice is the S.T.O.P. mindfulness practice: It is a great way for students to manage stress and stay focused.
S - Stop: Pause whatever you’re doing. Just take a moment to stop what you are doing.
T - Take a Breath: Take a deep breath in and out. Focus on your breathing to help center yourself.
O - Observe: Notice what is happening around you and attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
P - Proceed: Continue with your activity, but do so with a sense of calm and mindfulness.
This practice can be done in just a few minutes and can help students feel more grounded and present.
Guide your learners to use well-being apps, which can help with things like sleeping, focus, movement and waking up.
9. Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable academic and personal goals. Break them down into smaller steps to make them more manageable and celebrate your progress along the way. Create a study plan to help you with your scheduling your homework and revision for tests so you do not leave things to the last minute.
Adopting a growth mindset means believing you can improve through effort and learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Learn from mistakes and see them as steps towards success. Stay curious and keep trying new things. Remember, your abilities can always develop with persistence and hard work.
How are you feeling about being back at school or college?
Referenze iconografiche: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock