Tips for a Healthy Back to School
The start of a school year is always an exciting time. New possibilities and new experiences are welcomed with the transition from one school year to the next. The start of the 2020-2021 school year, however, was like no other, ever. Everyone stayed home.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close in March of 2020. As the media streamed with a mix of topics on infections and masks and social distancing and vaccinations, there was the topic of school. How was school going to continue? The quick answer was online learning. Virtual school became the new normal for families as the whole world grappled with the baffling threats of a deadly virus. Then, after earning the label “The Lost Year”, the 2020-2021 school year came to a close.
Remote schooling became the norm
After the summer, America was hopeful. The beginning of the 2021-2022 school year seemed like it could be normal again with students returning to campus for their classes. As families hyper-focus on ways to stay healthy while schools reopen in a continuing pandemic, here are six tips to help.
First, mental wellness is a top priority. It ranks as high as physical wellness. Fortunately, they work together. One way to maintain mental balance is through physical activity. Walking and talking with someone is one good way to manage concerns and stress about the start of the school year. While adults and children can enjoy this outdoor pastime, being present to listen to others describe their concerns is the point. If feelings of anxiousness, fear or dread continue, seek the help of a mental health professional.
Second, relieving stress for children is an important consideration in any school year. One way to help decrease stress in children is with the use of essential oils. Lavender is a popular choice. Smelling the scent from the bottle, using it in a diffuser, or adding a few drops to a cloth, pillow, or stuffed animal can produce a calming effect or even act as a sedative, even promoting sleep.
Third, expressive writing can bring a sense of control over traumatic events. To journal simple everyday events may seem pointless at the time but later, can be surprising. To put down in writing what has happened in a day and how you feel and think about it is a powerful, therapeutic tool. Not only does it offer a sense of control by helping organize thoughts for the immediate time, but it can provide a sense of history to learn and grow from in the future.
Fourth, ensure healthy meals are consumed at home and at school. Our cells are working to combat illness and a variety of other stresses. They need nutrients to maintain their strength to help us. Fruits, vegetables, and protein are basic along with plenty of water to keep our bodies and brains working optimally.
Your children’s diet should be nutritionally balanced!
Fifth, be prepared. Have your school and doctor contact information ready. Being confident with procedures to reach your child’s doctor and school healthcare provider(s) is vital. There may be many parents calling or texting their healthcare support team for information or to report an illness this year. Know the procedures you will need to follow in case you need to contact yours.
Bonus tip: Make time for Self-Care (yes, we’re talking about YOU)
Being a caring, productive parent means also caring for yourself. Take time to ensure your emotional and physical wellness needs are being met. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful. And if you ever need time to unwind or connect with nature or more deeply with your spiritual self, consider visiting a practitioner at our Bend campus. We offer a variety of holistic wellness services like meditation, sound therapy, massage therapy and more.