With thanks to Dan Licence, an Education Mental Health Practitioner, for writing this blog for us.
It’s the summer holidays!! Hurrah! Time to chill out and relax and forget about school……for a few weeks 😅. However, whilst the summer holidays are a much-needed break, the lack of structure and routine can sometimes make the return to school a bit of a shock to the system.
Here are 5 simple steps students can take to help make that transition feel more manageable:
This can be as simple as reading a few pages of a book each day, writing a journal, or researching topics of interest online. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day can help maintain concentration levels and minimise that “back-to-school” feeling where everything suddenly feels overwhelming.
Think about what went well last year and what could be improved. Setting a few realistic goals such as staying on top of homework or asking for help when needed can give students a clearer sense of direction and purpose for the year ahead.
Spending time outdoors, staying active, and making time for hobbies is crucial for helping students feel calmer and more balanced. It can also be beneficial to reconnect with friends before school starts. Even a simple message or meet-up can help to reduce anxiety and remind students that they’re not facing the new term alone.
This doesn’t mean waking up early every day necessarily, but slowly shifting sleep patterns closer to school hours in the final couple of weeks can make a big difference. Consistent sleep helps support with focus, mood, and energy levels which can give students a big head-start once term begins.
Start thinking about what supplies will be needed for the year – pens, notebooks, stationery etc and getting them ready ahead of time. Having everything prepared ahead of time reduces last-minute stress and helps to feel more in control.
Preparing for the return to school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making small, manageable changes over the summer students can return feeling more confident, organised, and ready to make the most of the new school year.
For more information, please contact our founder, Lucy Cawkwell, at lucy@octuition.co.uk
