It’s that time of year again, we’re gearing up to go back to school (and for some of us that has some much, much sooner), and, wow. There’s a lot to consider!
Believe me, I certainly haven’t looked back since I wrote my last paper in undergrad. So when I sat down to research and write this blog post, I didn’t know where to begin! “Back-to-school” is a moment in time that affects a very broad stroke of age groups, occupations, family groups and dynamics, in just lives in general!
So with that all said, let’s dive in! Here are some handy and helpful back-to-school tips and tricks that everyone can benefit from.
SET UP (AND STICK TO) A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
We see it in studies everywhere, so it should be no surprise that this is our first tip on the list. But if you’re anything like me, it can be so hard to slip away from the vices of our phones and emails and get to bed on time.
What do I recommend? Stick. To. A. Schedule. What time are you turning all screens off? What time are you turning all lights off? Can you do that every weeknight? This all helps you adjust to your circadian rhythm. And according to multiple studies, keeping in tune with your circadian rhythm is one of the best things you can do for your body. And for your children, a consistent routine away from screens can prove to be very beneficial in their development.
GIVE THAT TEACHER A GIFT
We can all agree that one of the most seemingly thankless jobs out there is the teacher. Whether it’s your friend, your kid’s teacher, or you yourself, the job’s very rewarding moments with bringing knowledge can still surely take a lot of someone. So with that said, a small gift for the year can go a long way.
And with what is gearing up to be a very challenging year for teachers this year, why not show your support and give them a gift that’ll show how much you appreciate all that they do. Sure I found a list of great gift ideas for teachers, but I always recommend our Rest and Restore Pack from The Shop. Made locally sourced items from the Berkshires, the pack is an all-inclusive spa date for that teacher in your life. And we ship!
WHEN IN DOUBT, DONATE
A rule I live by is, when in doubt, donate! Be it with your time if you have the affordability in your schedule or monetary is you have the affordability in your bank account, donating is always a kind or forward-thinking gesture for schools in the fall. You could find a local backpack drive in your area (Operation Backpack is a great initiative) or see how you could volunteer your time with a school’s programming. It might not seem like much, but a little goes a long way with volunteering.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
As I stated earlier, this school year is proving to be a tremendously challenging one. But, one of the best assets a school has is its community, so see how you can support your local school community, and turn this into one of the best school years ever.