School Anxieties - How to Ease the Back-to-School Transition
School Anxieties - How to Ease the Back-to-School Transition
The air is slightly cooler, the days are beginning to shorten and scads of school supplies are back on the shelves – it’s time to go back to school. Returning to school after a long, fun summer can be refreshing and exciting. It can also be daunting, bringing lots of unknowns and trepidation. You may find yourself feeling anxious feelings that you didn’t have over the summer.
The idea of heading back to school can trigger fears around getting good grades, social anxiety, and adjusting to new schedules. Additionally, for many, post-pandemic school life can be an extra source of stress. When the pandemic began, school, that was once a place of consistency, structure and reliability, completely changed. Post-pandemic, the return to school can still potentially create uncertainty about the year ahead. These feelings may commonly stir up nerves, negative thinking patterns, loss of appetite, sleeplessness and withdrawal of normal interests.
Having anxieties about a new school year is normal, and you are not alone. Many people face uneasiness with the transition from summer back to school. What’s most important are the steps you take to process these emotions. Getting back into the groove doesn’t have to be difficult, and there are things you can do to help ease the transition back to school.
Create a routine for yourself. When going back to school, starting a brand new schedule can be overwhelming at first. Creating a routine can help ease the adjustment. Plan events that you can look forward to, or create rewards after big test days, or important sports events. Establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine can be especially advantageous and help you feel rested and recharged each day.
Organize your space. Clear away your summer clothes and start pulling out your fall sweaters. Assemble your desk so it becomes a place where you can successfully focus and get work done. Physically and energetically clearing your space is a positive way of welcoming a new chapter. A fun thing to do before the school year starts is treating yourself to a new school year planner or a nice pack of pens, or even a brand new box of markers.
Be communicative. If your anxieties seem unbearable, talk to someone - a family member, a friend or even a therapist. Working and talking through your emotions can be extremely helpful in understanding why you may be feeling them in the first place. If you are a parent and you are worried about your child’s mental health, create a space for them to speak openly with you, or consider having them see a therapist.
Have an open mind. It may sound overly simple, but be open to whatever might come your way. A new school year creates the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, learn exciting, new things and discover more about yourself. If you are able to overcome some of these worries, you may become cognizant of all the amazing things that are yet to come.
If you are experiencing anxiety with back to school, we can help. Schedule your free 15 minute consultation today.
Please email us with any questions or inquiries at hello@thropetherapy.com
