Most of us have been through this rodeo before: making time and effort for school supply shopping, buying new clothes while Labor Day sales are still going on, forcing kids out of bed, nervous about making new friends, preparing lesson plans and the list goes on. There is so much to prepare for materialistically, mentally and emotionally. It is completely normal for both caretakers and children, as well as teachers to feel anxious and even irritable when it’s time to go back to school. You can’t avoid the responsibilities that are required for a smooth preparation, however there are ways to help combat Back to School Stress and to create more peace for everyone during this essential period.
Maintain A Positive State Of Mind
Kids pick up on energy and are likely to absorb the stress that you’re going through. During this time, caretakers are especially giving to their children: running around purchasing supplies, or mentally preparing their kids for their first day. Parents are giving a lot externally and probably very little inward.
First thing you can try is turning a negative into a positive. Rather than drowning in the worries that come with starting school again, find reasons to be excited for this fresh start. Children will see their friends again or start a new extracurricular. Parents will have more time for themselves. Teachers can find new innovative ways to reach the minds and hearts of their students. As our Eastside Massage Director likes to say, “We are too blessed to be stressed”.
Talk things out. Find out how your children feel and how you can help and motivate them for the new school year. Talk to a friend to get your own feelings out if they’re too mature for your child. Speak to your new students and set an inspirational tone for class.
At Eastside Massage, we care about the well-being of everyone who comes through our doors. After a massage, we hope that our patients leave refreshed and full of positivity that they will hold onto as they go on with their lives.
Go At Your Own Pace
Avoid becoming overwhelmed and go at your own pace. Prioritize what needs to be done first, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Reduce the pressure and expectations to be perfect and give what you can towards your goals. Also, reframe from comparing your progress or your child’s progress to others. Everyone is developing in their own way! Lastly, don’t forget to include self-care practices throughout this time of year. When the pressure is high, take that 20 minute bath. Take an hour to read your favorite book. Take time out to exercise. Meditate or schedule a massage, so you can regain the energy to tackle your goals again.
Appreciate Who You Are
It’s easy to become self-critical at this time. Perhaps you have the fear of not making friends, or failing your child and/or having a rough start this school year. Know that you are doing your best and celebrate how far you’ve come. A new school year brings new opportunities. Forgive yourself and forgive those around you, so that you may move on with peace and clarity. Losing sight of our greatness can make this time very suffocating. Let go of the fears and nerves and be who are you in this new stage of life.
Text by Gloria Mendez