Welcome Back!

‘Welcome Back to School, Beautiful’

By now, you all should have a month of being back to school under your belts. The first couple of weeks to a month of school usually brings an overwhelming amount of emotions; ranging from nervousness to excitement. Nervous about the school year regarding grades and friendships while also being excited to see what the year has in store for you. I can relate to this on so many levels as a student and a teacher, and I am here to tell you that what you are feeling is normal and everything will be just fine. Enter the school with the mindset that you are to make it your best year as a student and individual while stepping out of your comfort zone to grow. We are adding power to our emotions as an act of normalizing them and using them to our advantage.

*If you are reading this line then it is too late to stop, keep reading so you can conquer the year*

The emotions of nervousness to excitement can often lead to becoming overwhelmed with all that is on your plate; ranging from homework, sports, social life, and the list goes on. But, to ease the feeling of being overwhelmed we must implement self-care into our schedules. We are not allowing life or school to have us burnt out again, and I am definitely speaking to myself when I say that because burnout is NOT the move this year. While we are adding power to our emotions, we are also adding honor to caring for ourselves throughout the school year. As the Mental Health and Self-Care Advocate, I am here to provide you with tips and tricks on how to make this school year successful for you.

Step One: Prioritizing Rest & Sleep:

It is very important to get an adequate amount of sleep as it is good for your mental and physical health, but specifically your academic performance. As a teacher, I see a lot of students staying up late to play the game or be on the phone with their friends then come to class and fall asleep which makes them miss out on the assignment for the day. So, start adjusting your sleep schedule by going to bed early or just lying in bed until you fall asleep. This gives your body time to recharge, so you are able to attend school well rested as well as have a clear mind to learn the lessons your teachers have prepared.

Step Two: Organize Your LIFE:

Take the time to get organized. Whether it is cleaning out your backpack, setting up a study area at home, or creating a schedule for the week; being organized can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and materials you need to succeed.

Step Three: Be Gracious:

Remember to be kind to yourself and others. The start of a new school year can be overwhelming, but it's important to take a deep breath and remember that everyone is in the same boat. Reach out to classmates, teachers, and parents for support if you need it, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Overall, the start of a new school year is an exciting time full of new opportunities and challenges. By taking care of yourself, getting organized, and staying positive, you can set yourself up for success both in and out of the classroom.

For more self-care tips, follow @dearselfcare via Instagram and Facebook.

Love,

Sharnell James, Thee Self-Care and Mental Health Advocate