It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since the school year kicked off! Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also bring its share of stress. With one month already behind you, now is the perfect time to pause and reflect on how you’re really doing, especially when it comes to your back-to-school mental health.
In this guide, we’ll go through why reflection is so important and give you a few tips to help you check in with yourself, stay balanced, and make sure you’re taking care of your well-being.
Why You Should Reflect on Your First Month Back at School
Taking a moment to stop and think about the past month can help you figure out what’s working, what isn’t, and how you’re feeling emotionally. Whether school is going well or feeling a bit overwhelming, it’s important to ensure you’re looking after your mental health.
Here are some tips on how to reflect and check in with yourself to see where you stand:
1. Pause and Reflect on the Last Month
Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- How have you felt overall? Are you feeling happy, stressed, anxious, or even a little down? It’s okay to feel all these things, but it’s important to acknowledge them.
- What’s gone well? Think about any wins you’ve had, whether it’s staying on top of your homework, making new friends, or simply getting through each week.
- What’s been hard? Did you struggle with any subjects or feel left out at times? Reflecting on the challenges can help you see what needs more attention moving forward.
Acknowledging your emotional highs and lows is key to understanding your back-to-school mental health and identifying areas where you might need support. If it helps, try writing these thoughts down in a journal.
2. Check Your Routine and Schoolwork Load
Now’s the perfect time to review your workload and daily routine:
- Are you keeping up with your homework? If you’re falling behind, it might be time to adjust how you manage your time. Creating a study schedule and breaking up big projects can help you stay on top of everything.
- Are you making time to rest? School can feel non-stop, but remember that downtime is important too. Make sure you’re fitting in breaks to relax, hang out with friends, or do something you enjoy.
- How’s your sleep? Sleep is key for your mental and physical health. Are you getting enough rest each night? If not, try to create a routine that helps you wind down before bed so you can feel more refreshed each day.
3. Check in with Your Friendships
Friendships are a huge part of your school experience, so it’s good to check in on how your social life is going:
- Are you feeling connected? Have you made time for friends this past month, or have you been too busy? Now could be a great time to reconnect if you’ve been feeling a bit isolated.
- Do you feel supported? It’s important to have a group of friends you can turn to when things get tough. If you feel like you don’t have that support, don’t be afraid to reach out and build stronger connections.
Remember, friendships don’t have to be perfect, but it’s important to make sure you feel supported and connected. If you feel like you need an extra hand in making new friends this year, check out our guide here.
4. Accept Your Emotions Without Judging Them
One of the most important things to remember during reflection is not to judge yourself for how you’re feeling. Whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, overwhelmed, or a bit of everything, it’s okay! Every emotion you feel is valid.
- Practice mindfulness by simply taking a few deep breaths or doing a short meditation to help you connect with your feelings.
- Identify any triggers. Were there specific moments that caused stress or anxiety this month? Understanding what triggers your emotions can help you manage them better in the future.
5. Create a Self-Care Routine That Works for You
Self-care is so important when it comes to protecting your mental health. It’s more than just relaxing; it’s about making sure you’re taking care of yourself in all aspects:
- Physical self-care: Are you moving your body enough? Exercise, even if it’s just a short walk, can boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Emotional self-care: Who makes you feel good? Make time for the people who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to distance yourself from negative energy.
- Mental self-care: Make sure you’re giving yourself time to unwind. This could be through reading, drawing, or just stepping away from your phone for a bit.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If, after reflecting, you realise you’ve been feeling down or anxious, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or school counsellor, opening up about how you’re feeling can make all the difference.
Many schools have mental health resources available, and it’s always okay to ask for help if you need it. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
7. Set Small Goals for the Next Month
Now that you’ve reflected, it’s time to think about what you want the next few weeks to look like. Setting small, achievable goals can help you move forward feeling positive and in control:
- “I’ll spend time catching up with friends at least once a week.”
- “I’ll ask for help if I’m struggling with any of my homework.”
- “I’ll make sure to take short breaks when I’m studying.”
These goals can help keep you grounded and make sure you’re balancing both school and your mental well-being.
8. Celebrate Your Wins
Don’t forget to celebrate the little victories! Whether it’s finishing a project on time or making a new friend, acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Even small wins can give you a boost of confidence and remind you that you’re doing your best. 💕
Taking time to reflect after your first month back at school is key to staying on top of your back-to-school mental health. By checking in with yourself regularly, you’ll be more aware of how you’re feeling and what you need to do to stay balanced. Remember, it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect—what’s important is that you’re looking after yourself and making time for self-care xx
