How To *Mentally* Prepare For Going Back to School

School is approaching, and it’s time to start the annual shopping spree of notebooks, pens, highlighters, and clothes galore. You can prepare your backpack and closet to perfection, but one thing you can’t find in the back to school section at Target is the mental strength to take on yet another school year. That one’s all on you. For some, the school year is an exciting time of fresh starts and being reunited with friends. For others, it can feel like you’re being thrown into a triathlon with no previous training. Whatever, the case, I’m here to help you ease into the new school year with some tips on how to *mentally* prepare yourself for it.

1. Accept That It’s Happening

Whether or not you enjoy school, you have to accept that it’s a part of life and we all go through it. Take each day as an opportunity to learn something new, whether or not you actually wanted to learn it, because it’s only adding to your overall knowledge of the world… which is not a bad thing!

2. You’ve Made It Through Before

Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of rough patches over the past couple of school years. Thoughts of homeschooling, dropping out, or simply running away to another country have crossed my mind many times; yet, I never did. I made it to the end of each and every year. No matter what you’ve gone through before, you’re still here today, and I promise you can get through another year.

You may also like: Managing Your Mental Health in School

*I understand there are some special circumstances that are more severe or difficult to deal with than others, so of course, take time from off from school if you feel that it is necessary for your well-being.

3. Set Goals For Yourself

They can be school-related or personal, just as long as they are a source of motivation to keep you going. Some examples may be: receiving all A’s, getting a job, reading 20 books, getting a role in the musical, etc. Consistently keep your goals in mind for when you’re feeling discouraged or unmotivated, to remind yourself of how amazing you’ll feel when you accomplish them.

4. Plan Events To Look Forward To

Alongside planning long-term goals that you will work on throughout the school year, schedule at least one weekly or monthly event that is completely unrelated to school, and can act as a source of entertainment or relaxation. And when I say schedule, I mean literally write it down in your calendar. This time will be solely dedicated to having fun and taking your mind off work.

5. Get Back To a Regular Sleep Schedule

At least two weeks before the school year starts, begin training your body to wake up at whatever time you’ll need to for school, by slowly setting your alarm clock earlier and earlier each day. This probably means you’ll be needing to get to bed earlier too, so turn off your electronics and create a cozy environment to catch up on those zzz’s.

6. Look Back On Previous Years To See What Worked and What Didn’t

As already discussed, you’ve made it through multiple years of school up to this point. Now, look back on those years to see what has worked for you, and what may have caused some stress at the time. For example, if you started going to some after-school study groups for extra credit, but actually realized they helped to improve your test grades, don’t stop going to them! There’s no reason to stop something that’s obviously beneficial to you.

Make this school year all about finding the right balance between your workload and caring for your well-being. If you’ve created any goals for yourself this year, feel free to share them below! I wish the best of luck to you this school year (even though I know you got this). Lots of love,

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