After months of being locked in our homes in 2020, the world is at a total standstill. A pandemic swept the nation and caused a lot of tragedy, and it changed the way we live. None of us expectedhis to happen, and as we enter Septem anything like tber tomorrow, it’s wild to think that it’s been going on for this long. But, there is some normality as people return to work, more people venturing out, and many return to school tomorrow.
For some, this may seem like it’s necessary to be able to get everyone back into the swing of normality and have some routine. But, for some, it may seem too soon and risky for your children or, in general, you don’t feel comfortable returning. It’s understandable why anyone would think like this; this week will be filled with a lot of uncertainty for you, and you’ll most likely be anxious and stressed out, and it’s important to know that it’s ok.
Most people will be in precisely the same position. Things will be different, but there will always be support. Here are a few tips that might help you with the anxiety of going back to school. These are helpful for any parents out there who have children going back, and you’re worried, and you know they are too, or if you’re a student and feel nervous also.
1) Be organised
This is an important one, one that makes a whole world of difference for anyone who is struggling with anxiety. Being organised helps reduce their feelings, clears your mind, and makes you slightly more optimistic. So, if you’re a parent and your child is returning to primary school, getting them into that routine of going to bed at a particular time and waking up at a specific time is vital. Talk to your child about what you think their day will be like, what will go ahead when they enter the classroom, and that they’ll have to hang their bag and coat up, say hi to their friends, and sit down.
It helps them know what will happen when they go to school, especially if they’re nervous. Another key would be to find out information about schools before they return regarding the new restrictions to do with COVID-19. What are the schools doing, and how will things change? Do you feel okay sending them back? It will also help them know you feel comfortable and not stressed. Try to stick to a routine as much as possible, read a book at bedtime, and have a calming evening to settle them down; this will help relax them. Help them back their bag, write a list, and they can read out each one and tick it off; it makes it more fun. Lay out their clothes the night before so it isn’t so wild in the morning. Allow some extra time to get ready on the first day, just so that it’s not chaotic and stressing them or you out even more.
For young adults, having a routine again is essential, no matter what age you are. It’s necessary to keep one, pack your things the night before, lay out your clothes, make lunch, etc. It also helps to write down some realistic and achievable goals for the end of the year, what you’re hoping to achieve and reward yourself with something. Never set unrealistic goals; don’t set yourself up for failure. Talk with someone if you’re worried, get some advice and realise you’re not alone in how you feel.
2) Stay positive
Staying positive is something wehe time, hear a lot of t but it’s beneficial for anyone to keep that positive headspace going constantly. It’s challenging to keep it going all the time, but it can help tremendously with anxiety and stress. If you’re worried about going back to school, try and stay positive; think about the fact that you’ll get to see your friends and catch up, go back into the lessons you enjoy, and achieve great things. You’ll be able to get back into a routine that will benefit you a lot.
If you are a parent, staying positive for your children is essential. They look up to you as a role model; if you’re uneasy or can see you’re stressed, they will be, too. It’s best to keep that positive attitude, smile, and assure them it’ll be okay. Your child will pick up on that and feel more positive if you own a positive tone. Maybe talk to your child about how they should keep their hands clean and do what their teachers say, to give them some tips on how to go about the current situation but in a way that won’t scare them, making them feel better. Could you remind them of all they had before the school shut down and assure them they’ll have many more of them, but things will be slightly different? Happy times the
3) Self-care is vital
Another thing that a lot of us talk about but one of those necessary things is that it doesn’t matter who you are, gender, age, or what’s going on in life; everyone should invest in self-care. It’s one of the things that should always be noticed and looked down upon. It’s an essential part of daily life that helps you feel more positive and gives you time to love yourself and truly make yourself feel better. So, it would be best if you delved into self-care, and this will also help you with anxiety. A key point would be to eat a nutritious breakfast in the morning; take it. Breakfast motivates you for the rest of the day; it balances your blood sugars out, and eating small snacks regularly throughout the day will help keep your stress and anxiety levels down.
The night before, prepare your bag and clothes, have a relaxing bath or shower, skincare, get in your comfy pyjamas, stick on your favourite movie or read a book, and relax. Take your mind off what you’ve constantly been thinking about all day, and give your mind a break. Having a daily or even weekly routine is a type of self-care. Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t; take it one step at a time, take a few minutes to breathe at school, have a break, and make the most of the outside. The evenings after, do something you enjoy, listen to music, draw, colour, cook, or do something that makes you feel better. It is also great if you have work to do after doing some self-care to make you feel a little less stressed. I hope you have a good sleep schedule and talk to someone if things get tough.
This is exactly the same for parents with their children. You should have a self-care routine and influence that onto your child. Also, have some kind make sure to do things they enjoy outside of school to keep them happy.
4) Remember it’s ok to feel like this, and the feelings will pass
It may be easier said than done, and it’s something that many people are feeling right now, but it’s true: you’re not alone in it. It’s not something to be ashamed of; you have the right to worry about either your child or yourself going back. It’s important to understand that it’s okay to feel like this and that the times we’re in right now are complex and stressful. It’s a big step going back, and there are a lot of changes. But once you realise it’s okay to worry and be anxious and that many people feel the same, you’ll feel better.
It’s also good to know that these feelings will pass; they won’t last forever, and once you’ve been back a few days, the feelings will begin to reduce. It’s the overwhelming feeling of the night before because you don’t know what will happen. But all teachers will be going through all the precautions to ensure it’s safe for you to return, ensure that it’s okay, and let you know what they are doing without stressing you out. Once you’ve been there and seen how the new rules work, you’ll feel less anxious the next day. We go there and get through the first day we worry about the most, but once that’s completed, it becomes more accessible.
5) Talk to someone
Whether you’re a parent or a young adult, reaching out and speaking to people is okay. Whether you’d prefer to talk to a friend or a family member, or if you’d like to speak to a professional about how you’re feeling, this may be a teacher or therapist. Either way, if the feelings of anxiousness are overwhelming and affecting your daily life, it’s essential to speak to someone to come up with ways to help yourself or someone you know struggling.
Don’t ever feel weak when going to someone with these problems because many people are going through or feeling the same. It’s understandable, and I want you to know that reaching out is in your best interest. If it’s to do with the new rules regarding school, talk to a teacher and explain how you’re feeling or if you feel like things aren’t being taken seriously enough, speak to them. Not only must the school be a safe environment, but you must feel comfortable, too. If you’re a parent, be there for your child and support them. If you are worried about school, speak to someone and tell them what you’re concerned about.
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