The week of August 10 is Healthy Back to School Week at DietsInReview.com.
Amy Acton works with Humana’s Innovation Center for Crumpleitup.com. Amy is an avid blogger and loves to write about children’s health issues and pet ownership concerns. A project manager by trade, writer by passion, she currently lives in Louisville, KY with her toy poodle Champagne. Her life’s philosophy is ‘wag more, bark less’.
The transition from summer to school can be stressful. The thought of experiencing a new school, new classmates, new teachers, new classes, new schedule, etc. all in one day could give anyone an emotional meltdown. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or scared on the first day of school. I have compiled some back to school survival tips to make the transition less stressful.
Get Prepared the Night Before
- Pack your backpack the night before so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute adding more stress to your already chaotic day. Drop in your school supplies, medical records, permission slips, money, gym shorts, school map, etc. so you won’t have to worry about forgetting something you will need later.
Health Tips That Are Non-negotiable
- EAT BREAKFAST. Always take time for breakfast to kick your day off right. Your body needs fuel to combat the mental and physical stresses you will encounter. Whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables will provide long term energy versus sugars and caffeine that provide short bursts of energy.
- Get 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Our internal ‘batteries’ need to recharge. Sleep enables our bodies and minds to rest so we are able to handle life’s ups and downs. The right food and enough sleep will sustain your concentration, your ability to make decisions and your energy level.
Appearance and Attitude
- What’s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside, but if it makes you feel good to wear your brand new school clothes, your comfortable old sweater or your ‘lucky’ T-shirt then wear whatever you feel confident in.
- Think positive thoughts. Allow yourself to hope, wish, dream and imagine the best possible outcomes.
Everyone hopes for the best and imagines the worst. I propose that you realize the best by planning for the worst. By exercising these survival tips and being proactive you will have a great head start in making your first day of school a positive experience.