Back to school is a pivotal time of year, marked by a mix of excitement and stress. For many, it’s a time when responsibilities pile up, expectations are high, and the idea of having everything under control seems paramount. But how can you navigate this whirlwind of emotions and obligations without getting lost along the way? Here are some tips for tackling your back-to-school journey, inspired by my own experience
1. Accept that perfection does not exist
When I was in school, the start of the school year was a lot of pressure. Every assignment, every test, every social interaction was a mountain to climb, and the thought of failure terrified me. If I could go back in time, I would remember that perfection is a myth. No one expects you to be perfect, not even yourself. Do your best, that’s what matters, my mother always told me. And remember that mistakes are part of the learning process.
2. Prioritize and take things one at a time
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when every task seems urgent and crucial. What I’ve learned over time is that it’s important to prioritize. Not everything is equally important. Identify what’s essential and focus on that first. Take things one at a time and give yourself permission to not handle everything at once; a little one to help you with that, right here.
3. Take care of yourself
Back to school can be emotionally and physically draining. For me, migraines and headaches were a sign that I needed to take more time for myself! Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial to success. Take breaks, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and find time to do activities that relax you.
4. Surround yourself with support
Don’t go through this alone. Talk to friends, family, or even teachers about how you’re feeling. When I was feeling overwhelmed, I often felt like I had to handle everything alone, but in reality, there are always people willing to help. Ask for support, share your concerns, and remember that you are not alone in this journey.
5. Celebrate every small victory
Every year, I focused so much on what I hadn’t accomplished yet that I forgot to celebrate my accomplishments. Whether it was a good grade, a successful social interaction, or even just getting through a tough day, every small victory deserves to be celebrated. It will give you the motivation and confidence to keep moving forward.
My performance anxiety was at its peak during my high school years, which is why I wanted to create school supplies that were as sweet as possible ! I think my only happy memory from going back to high school is school supply shopping day with my mom. I was always overcome with a wave of comfort as we walked the aisles looking for the cutest planners, perfect pencils, and colorful post-its!
Basically, back to school is an intense time, but with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity for personal growth and development. For me, it was a time of great expectations, but also of many lessons. By taking a step back, setting priorities, and taking care of yourself, you can approach this new school year with confidence and serenity. Remember that you are capable, and that every day is a new chance to do your best. Happy back to school!