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Beat the Back-to-School Blues!
by Terry Miller Shannon, 08.29.03
"We're so busy getting ready for it that I don't dwell on school." |
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The first day of school is almost here, and many folks are bummed about the end of summer. No homework, sleeping until noon, hanging at the beach or the pool ... it just doesn't get any better than this, eh? But unless you can build a handy-dandy time machine, you can't stop summer from ending. So, how can you get enthused about giving up your freedom and heading back to school?
Mara and Alex tune in to the positive aspects of a new school year. Mara lifts her spirits for the dreaded first day of school via fashion. "I hate for summer to end," she says. "But I'm always so into my fall wardrobe that I get pretty enthusiastic about getting to wear new clothes."
Mara also gives thumbs-up to the power of distraction. Her entire neighborhood celebrates "new beginnings" with a Labor Day block party. Mara's family hosts at least 70 partiers. "We're so busy getting ready for it that I don't dwell on school," she says.
Alex focuses on the opportunity to catch up with friends he doesn't see over summer vacation. He tries to remember vacation's boring moments, and looks forward to a busier pace.
Planning Ahead
If you're attending a new school, try to visit it before school begins. Check out the school's Web site for information, notices, and maps. Plot out how to get from class to class, and check the location of the cafeteria, bathrooms, lockers, parking, and other must-find spots. Practice your locker combination in advance (but plan to write down the numbers to take with you for backup).
Corral your necessary "stuff" ahead of time, so you're not scrambling on the first day. Toss any school-required supplies in your backpack. Add notebooks, pens, and other basics you know you'll need.
Now, how about that ever-so-rude alarm clock? Alex works hard to ease back into a normal sleeping routine for school. He starts getting up early a week or so before school starts, setting his alarm clock late-ish to begin with, and inching wake-up time a bit earlier every day. As he wakes up earlier, he hits the sack a bit earlier, also.
Coping
You're back to school and bummed? Get off your bum! Plan to get a little extra exercise to offset your increased "butt-in-chair" situation. Exercise releases those feel-good endorphins that offset the blues. And for a double mood boost, play your favorite music! Here are some other suggestions:
- Running on empty can make anyone cranky. Make yourself get up 15 minutes earlier and grab some breakfast.
- Plan a special after-school or weekend event during that first week to treat yourself, so you have something cool to look forward to.
- Remember, you're not in this alone! Chat with your friends about how you're feeling. Many people experience anxiety about a new school year.
- Smile like a crocodile. Okay, you don't want to get too weird with this, but studies prove acting happy can actually make you feel happier. Hey, what do you have to lose?
The start of the school year gives Mara "a mix of dread and excitement." Adjust your attitude by concentrating on the adrenaline rather than the anxiety. After all, it's not just the end of summer — it's a whole new beginning! |
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