Returning to school after the summer holidays may sometimes seem like a daunting task, but there are easy steps to take to help ease your back-to-school worries.
If you feel anxious on the days before school, make going back easier with the following steps.
Talk to someone about it
If you are worried about returning to school, it is important to talk to someone about it. Regardless of whether you are apprehensive due to teachers or classmates, talking to someone may help you understand the situation and, if possible, find a solution. If you are worried about bullying, make an appointment with the school counsellor or a teacher you trust before the school year begins, so they can be aware of the issue and provide support throughout the year.
Be positive
Returning to school means that you are starting a new year and you can forget what you have left behind. If your experiences or grades were not great last year, forget about it and commit yourself to making the most of it this year. Remember that school is more than just classes and homework. Take up a new sport or participate in the drama club or other after-school activities that will help you enjoy your experience at school.
Surround yourself with friends
Regardless of whether you have one or ten friends at school, having a close friend to support you on the first day back can make a big difference. If you are worried about your first day, ask your friend to go with you or meet you in front of the school before going in. If you have siblings who attend the same school and it is your first day, let them know how you feel and ask questions about school. They may give some advice that eases your anxiety.
You could also arrange something fun to do with friends outside the school in the first week, so you have something to look forward to on the first days.
Prepare yourself for school
Prepare the evening before returning to school – pick out a suitable outfit and pack your backpack so you are ready in the morning. Wake up early enough so you can eat breakfast in peace. If you give yourself time to wake up in the morning, you can relax and do not have to hurry.
Do not forget to breathe
It may seem like there is not much you can control when returning to school, but there are little things you can do to reduce your anxiety in certain situations. Focusing on breathing when you feel overwhelmed or panicked may calm you down. Simple breathing exercises such as counting in your head when breathing in deeply and slowly may help regulate your breathing if you feel that you are getting anxious.
The article was written based on the website SpunOut.
Spunout is Ireland’s youth information website.
Published on the youth information portal Teeviit in 2022.
