Back to school nerves

Have you been on holiday this summer?
Now having to think about going back to school or college or starting university!

When you have been away from somewhere for a while you may feel a bit worried to start back again and that’s totally normal and so is feeling anxious about starting somewhere new.

We have put together some advice to help you feel a little less worried.

Social Anxiety for kids and teens video

The above video has great coping tips that you can try to help deal with anxious feelings when starting school or in social situations.

It is normal to feel worried about…

a new class or timetable
school work, homework, and assessments
seeing friends again
being bullied
what school will be like when you go back

What can help you feel better…

TOP TIPS:

Share your worries -Talk to a teacher, parent, carer or Kooth, about your worries or write them down in a journal
Connect with classmates before you go back – If you have not heard from a friend over the summer holiday, then check in or reach out to them, as we can get busy with holidays and family activities over the summer. Knowing that you will get to hang out with your classmates again that you have not seen in person for weeks can make you feel better about going back to school.
Get organised – Check your uniform is ready, get some nice stationary and start packing your rucksack for that first day.
Start going to bed earlier – If you’ve been staying up late scrolling and getting up at lunchtime over the Summer holiday than you need to get your sleep routine back in gear.
1. Plan a sleep schedule so you go to bed 1 hour, 30 minutes or 10 minutes earlier each night (and avoid using your phone 30 minutes before bed).
2. Set your alarm to wake you up earlier each day in the week running up to school to avoid struggling to get out of bed on time for your first day back. Being late for your first day back will only make you feel more stressed than you need to be.
Journey to school/college test-run – If it will be the first time travelling/walking/cycling to school or college, do a trial journey beforehand so you know what stop to get on/off at, how long it will take you to get to school/college in good time – and factor in some extra time for increased traffic during term times.
Stay calm if it’s your exams year – Exams are scary but remember everyone in your year or on your course will be feeling anxious about them too so you’re not alone. When preparing for exams it’s good to look for a support network – find a group of friends who you can study past exam papers with, can share progress and how you’re feeling, together, can really help. And another thing to remember exam results don’t define who you are as a person so just do your best.
Worried about bullying – If you are being bullied you should always reach out to a trusted adult who can speak to your school to help resolve the situation and who can help you find support. For help and advice, you can contact Kooth.com or the National Bullying Helpline