Back-to-School Tips for Everyone in the Family

The end of August brings with it the start of the back-to-school season. Whether you are a parent getting the kids ready for a new school year, a student gearing up for the fall semester, or a working professional ready to get back to a normal routine after summertime, here are ten back-to-school tips for everyone in the family.

By, Ashley Martens

#1 Catch Quality Zzz’s

Sleep is essential to everyone, especially children. Get your kids on a “back to school” sleep schedule two weeks before the first day of classes. Need to work on your bedtime? Try a new nighttime routine. Turn off all screens an hour before bed and do something for yourself to relax and unwind. Whether it is curling up with a good book, meditating, or practicing a light yoga routine, pick something that you enjoy and try it out for a week or two. You may even find you sleep better.

#2 Get Active

Parents, get your children involved in afterschool programs to keep them active. Whether it is football, running club, or volleyball, get your kids moving! Make sure you get moving too. The lazy low-key months of summer may have thrown off your daily gym routine, so get back at it and get your daily sweat session on.

#3 Make Earth Day Everyday

Make sure everyone in your family has a reusable water bottle and glassware to use in their packed lunches. No need to bother with aluminum foil, plastic bags, or plastic wrap. Stock up on reusable kitchen products and save the earth one packed lunch at a time. Just remind the kiddos to bring the glassware home and not accidentally discard it after their lunch hour at school.

#4 Pack Lunches

Pack everyone’s lunch the night before. That includes your office lunch too. Ask the children to help and make it a family affair. Be sure to stock up on healthy snack options like fresh fruit, farmers’ market produce, and nuts. Do not forget those delicious and nutritious before-school breakfasts for the next morning too. Here are some back-to-school breakfast ideas for busy mornings.

#5 Plan Play Dates

 All work and no play is not fun for anyone. Parents, make sure your kids have some fun play dates lined up for the first month of school so they have designated days with friends to look forward to. Play dates are not just for kids either. Plan a health and wellness date with your best friend, neighbor, or significant other. Stay in and cook a healthy dinner together or venture out into the community and try a new workout class at a local studio. Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, everything is better with friends.

#6 Prepare the Night Before

Ask your children to pick out the next day’s outfit the night before to avoid the morning scramble to get out the door. Follow their lead and do the same for yourself. Whether you pack a gym bag or lay out your office outfit, do your future self a favor and plan ahead to make the morning less stressful. Your future self will thank you.

#7 Snacks

 Hunger can strike anyone at any time and no one likes a hangry child or adult for that matter. Stock up on healthy snacks for the car, home, or office, and never be left snack-less. Some back-to-favorites include ants on a log, beef jerky, and cheese and crackers.

#8 Stay Healthy

 Cold and flu season is right around the corner, so make a conscious effort to make sure you and your family are all getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. The best way to load up on those micronutrients is through real food, but you can always complement your healthy lifestyle with the addition of a multivitamin.

#9 Stock Up on Back-to-School Supplies

 What is the one thing children enjoy most about the back-to-school season? Back-to-school shopping. Take an inventory of what supplies you already have on hand and make a list of new school supplies needed. Past the age where you need school supplies? Stock up on back-to-school school supplies anyway. Whether it is for your office or your home, take advantage of back-to-school deals. 5 notebooks for $5, don’t mind if we do!

#10 Wardrobe Update

 As we transition from the warm summer months to the cooler months of fall, everyone can go through their current wardrobe and donate clothing items that no longer fit or are outdated. Take this opportunity to make room for new seasonal items that fit well and are in style.

Whether you are a kid heading back to the classroom or an adult getting back into the fall routine, take advantage of the back-to-school season and get back to the basics of creating a healthy lifestyle for you and your entire family.

Check out our Discover Blog today for more fantastic articles from trusted sources like Ashely Martens!