Going Back to School Stress-Free

It’s nearly August! For some parents, their kids are already thinking about going back to

school. For others, they’re about to be. A new semester of school means new opportunities, but also more stress. Here’s how your kids can have a stress-free return to school.

Therapy for Stress

If you’re suffering from stress, worry, anxiety, depression, or another mental health problem, speaking to a counselor may help. In today’s hectic world, it’s a challenge to commit to seeing a therapist every week. Online therapy makes it easier. Sites such as ReGain can help.

Why Are They Stressing?

The best way to help your children deal with back to school stress is to figure out why they’re stressing. Are they just sad that summer is over, or is it something else? 

Some common reasons why they may stress include:

• A new school, whether they’re going up to middle or high school, or moving.
• They feel pressured to do good.
• There’s certain people they don’t like.
• New teachers.

The list goes on. As a parent, it’s important you listen to their reasons. While you may not be able to cure all forms of stress, you can be able to ease their minds a little just by listening.

Get Them Into Sports

One way you can treat stress is to keep your kids active. When you work out, your body

releases endorphins that make you feel good. Also, releasing your stress on a kids’ punching bag or similar object feels so good. In order to get your kids active, let them play outside an hour, or try getting them into sports. Of course, if they don’t want to do sports, don’t force it.

That will just make things worse.

Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Rest!

Not getting enough sleep can make a child feel more stressed and irritable. You may think

you’re putting your kids to bed early, but they may be sleeping in later than you think. Make sure they’re asleep, and practice a healthy sleep ritual. Pull them away from the TV or video games an hour before bed, give them a bath, and make sure they’re relaxing.

Teach Them About Meditation and Mindfulness

These two concepts are used by stressed adults, but kids can do them too. Download a

mindfulness app and spend some time teaching your children about controlled breathing and other exercises. You can also do some mindfulness activities for children that can heighten their senses. 

Here are a few ideas:

• Put different-textured objects into a box and have your children guess what the object is.
• Take them out on a nature walk and let them enjoy the sites and sounds. They may be able to notice things they would never notice before.
• Use white noise to keep them focused.

There are many other activities that you can do if you want to teach your kids about

mindfulness. For more ideas, go here or click here.

Talk To Your School Counselor

Finally, if your kid is stressing, and you don’t know why, try talking to your school counselor.

They may be able to help you find the answers. Sometimes, counseling is what you need,

and the school counselors are there to provide you help.

What makes this article unique is that many of these tips can apply to adults going to college, too. Adults need rest, could benefit from mindfulness, and by talking about their problems, they may be able to find solutions.

Here is hoping your kids have the best back to school session they possibly can have. Good luck!

Guest Author, Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health - related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.