As the month of August comes around, so does the back to school season. Back to school can come with a lot of mixed emotions. It’s a time of excitement for many, but it can also be overwhelming. Parents, students, and teachers have adjusted to their summer routines, and just like that, we are required to create a brand new routine once again for the new school year. We have to say goodbye to summer and take on all of the new expectations and responsibilities that come along with the new school year. Change isn’t easy, and it can take time to settle into a new routine while managing the emotions that come with change. This is why it is so important to prioritize self-care during the back to school season. 

I am currently a graduate student working towards my master’s degree. During my years of navigating the back to school season, the number one thing that I’ve learned is that it is essential to take care of ourselves during this adjustment period. By making self-care a priority during the back to school season, we will be better equipped to cope with and manage the stress and overwhelm that comes with this time. Whether you are a student, parent of a student, or a teacher, making self-care a priority will be incredibly helpful during this time of navigating change.

Here are some self-care tips that can help to make the back to school season easier to tackle.

• Create a morning routine that starts your day off on the right note. Make sure you give yourself time to do what feels right for you to start out your day. Eat a nourishing breakfast, snuggle your pet, pick out your favorite outfit, get a workout in- whatever it may be for you, starting out the day with a healthy morning routine is one of my favorite forms of self-care. 

• Prioritize a healthy sleep schedule and make time for rest. Especially for students, many of us have an inconsistent sleep schedule during breaks from school. By getting a healthy sleep schedule set up, we will be much better prepared physically and mentally to start the new school year. 

• Ask for help if you need it. If things feel too overwhelming during back to school season, it’s okay to ask for help. These emotions can feel isolating, but you are not alone. It is okay to ask for help!

• Create time for joy! With all of the responsibilities that come with back to school, it is important that we still make time for fun! Whether it’s spending time with friends, watching your favorite TV show, or practicing your favorite hobby, allow time for these things in your new school schedule. Balance is key. 

• Be kind to yourself. The expectations that come with going back to school can be a lot of pressure for many. Be kind and gentle to yourself during this time, and remember that you got this!