The transition from summer back to school can be challenging. Here are some tips to ease this process.
- Routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can have a positive impact on quality of sleep and brain development. Establish a night routine that you look forward to. This could include diffusing essential oils, taking a hot shower, and reading a few pages of a book. In the morning, expose your eyes to natural light to stimulate the waking process. After school, calm your mind by stepping away from stimulation and taking some deep breaths.
- Sleep. Limit blue light before bed. Blue light suppresses melatonin and makes it more difficult to fall asleep. If you do use a phone or TV before bed, try wearing blue blocking glasses. Sleep in a dark, cool room.
- Plan ahead. Be sure to plan out meals for the week ahead. Make sure the fridge and pantry are stocked if packing lunches. Invest in an electronic or physical planner for scheduling classes, homework, sports, and other activities.
- Nutrition. Proper nutrition is crucial for brain function. Starting the day with a fat and protein rich meal will help feed the brain cells throughout the day.
- Mental health. If going back to school is proving to be incredibly anxiety inducing, do not hesitate ask for help. Reach out to a parent, guardian, or counselor. Mental health is far more important than school or performance.
We hope these tips help and we wish you a happy 2022-2023 school year!
-FVTP team