Tips for getting back in the swing of back-to-school routines

Sandra Hardee, MD

Occupational Medicine

Back-to-school season is just around the corner. If you are mourning the loss of flexible schedules, vacations, and a break from school projects, consider these tips from Sandra Hardee, MD, to help you get back into the swing of back-to-school routines. 

• Don’t forget your AB…Zzzz. If you or your children have been sleeping in this summer, start adjusting to the school year schedule before the big first day. Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier and waking up 30 minutes earlier until you are back to your school wake-up time.
• Be ahead of time. One of the biggest back-to-school stressors is lack of time management. Try drawing a large weekly calendar on a piece of poster board and list your morning routine, as well as important after school activities for each day. 
• You are what you eat. Healthy eating habits are crucial to having the energy to manage the hectic pace of the school year and have been shown to improve children’s academic performance and behavior. When packing lunch boxes, include a protein, fruits, veggies and healthy fats. Nuts, cheese, yogurt, lunch meat, hummus, carrots, raisins, strawberries and milk are great snack and lunch ideas.