Thrive and Shine: Self-Care Strategies for the School Year
Summer had somewhere to be 😳 and now we’re all scrambling to Target or Amazon to stock up on school supplies before the beginning of the school year. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been asking my educator, college students, and school-age parent clients about their self-care plans for the 24-25 school year, and I’ve gotten quite a few blank stares.
Between recovery from Hurricane Beryl, the current election season, and the sweltering Houston heat, the societal pressure to add another important thing onto your never-ending to-do list urges you to add self-care to the very bottom. Still, on the contrary, self-care is something that needs to be at the top of everyone’s list to manage their mental health preventatively.
Here’s a bit more detail behind my back-to-school self-care tips that I shared on my IG last year (follow me!): https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0O9Qpug7P/?igsh=MWM5MGltYTlmODR4ZA==
Create a morning routine: How you start your day matters! This doesn’t have to be a complex routine with multiple steps. More than likely, there are already at least three things that you do every morning without fail that directly affect your efficacy throughout the day.
Parents, this might include having a quiet morning to yourself before getting the kids ready.
Teachers, this might include quiet time in your classroom before the students come in, or a quick prayer or meditation in the car.
For students, this might include enough time to eat breakfast without rushing.
Make time to plan events: Admittedly, this tip was created from my own experience with my kids’ school calendar. Planning for doctor’s appointments and school events weeks and months ahead made their schedules seem less overwhelming. It also gives me something to look forward to when I plan for school holidays in advance. I like to plan for the week ahead on Sundays. For my college students, I encourage them to look through their course syllabi and plan for the assignments due throughout the entire semester, not just the current week.
Decompress every day: This is recommended for everyone! Do SOMETHING at the end of the day to help your mind and body switch gears into relax mode.
Parents, this might look like a quick walk at the end of the day, or a glass of wine after bedtime.
Teachers, this might require NOT taking your work home with you.
Students, set a timer and indulge in a TV show or a little bit of scrolling before hitting the books.
When my clients are intentional about prioritizing self-care, over time they notice that their capacity to indulge in various self-care activities increases, which as a result establishes a healthy work/life balance.
Need help establishing or committing to practicing self-care consistently? Download my self-care workbook here.
How do you plan to practice self-care this upcoming school year? Share your tips below!