Adjusting Back to School After the Holidays
If you’re like me, the holidays can make you lose track of time, and you might not even be completely sure what day of the week it is. But you finally work up the courage to peek at your calendar for the upcoming weeks and spy the dreaded date approaching: the first day of school after winter break has snuck up on you. Adjusting back to school after the holidays can be jarring. It’s only been a few weeks but you’ve become a different person, one who isn’t familiar with morning alarms or taking notes in class.
Here’s a few tips for getting back in the swing of things:
First, it’s most likely cold and dark when you’re getting up in the morning. Take your first 5 minutes of the day slow. Try taking 5 deep breaths, thinking of something you’re grateful for or looking forward to (even on the long, dreary days try to think of something small like a cup of hot chocolate or a hot shower), and maybe even come up with a positive statement to boost your mood, like “I am capable, strong, and ready to take on the day”.
Taking it slow in the morning can be hard when your sleep schedule has been on holiday time. It’s best to adjust your sleep schedule for back-to-school gradually, rather than the night before. While this is easier said than done, some bedtime alerts from your smartphone can be really helpful with this! If you tried and tried but it’s the night before and there’s no chance you’re getting close to the 8 hours of sleep you need, I recommend being gentle with yourself in your first days back. Set small goals, let yourself take breaks (when you’re able), and don’t add on any unnecessary things to your calendar. This is when you want to get good at saying “no”.
To give yourself some extra time in the morning, try preparing a healthy breakfast the night before. Make sure to include some protein for energy. I love a banana with peanut butter or overnight oats in a pinch.
Lastly, remember to just take it one day at a time, one thing at a time. It can be overwhelming to look at the months ahead and all the deadlines and exams that are ahead. A much more manageable approach is to break it up into smaller, more doable pieces. First, focus on just the day ahead of you. When you have a full or long day, just focus on the next thing in front of you. You might be intimidated by a long day of classes with an early morning, but getting out of bed just to brush your teeth is much easier. Later, heading to your first class isn’t too big of a deal on its own. Sooner than you think you’ll have it behind you, patting yourself on the back, proud of all you’ve accomplished.
And for fun, I recommend string twinkly lights wherever you can put them to add some soft, cozy light in the dark mornings and evenings. You’ve got this!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Madeline Verdesca, Masters Level Clinician
Madeline joins Renovating Hope Counseling with over four years of experience working with individuals and families in a variety of settings including hospital and community mental health. She believes every person brings a unique point of view to the counseling room and that each person is inherently valuable and has the capacity for growth, joy, and true fulfillment. Madeline practices from a client-centered approach, and she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Experiential Therapy techniques, with a trauma-informed approach.