How to Tackle Back to School Anxiety During a Pandemic

Hey, hey teacher friends! Before we get started on today’s blog post, I’d like to check in on you.

How are you?

How have you been during this pandemic?

How are you feeling about the upcoming school year?

With all of the uncertainties we are facing in the 2020-2021 school year, I want to take a moment and let you know that I understand how you feel. It’s so incredibly difficult to process all the changes and to realize this school year will be unlike ANY we’ve ever had before.

Some of us are experiencing high levels of anxiety, anger, sadness, confusion and even depression. Others are feeling like it’s the calm before the storm or like you don’t really care because there is nothing you can do.

I completely understand, my friend, and I’m here with you. As Aria is starting PK3 in August, we are still uncertain as to how “school” will look like for her. I, too, have been feeling all sorts of emotions because my sister will be on the front lines teaching her Kindergarten class in a hybrid model (in-person and virtual) and that worries me.

So many of us are dealing with this headstrong and trying to stay positive, primarily because of our children. It’s crucial that we process things in our own way in private to not stress/worry them and help them get excited for school, no matter what it will look like.

I’ve compiled 4 ways you can tackle Back to School anxiety to help alleviate the stress + overwhelm during a pandemic. Here we go!

Structure and Routines

One of the main things I ALWAYS recommend to new teachers and parents is to create a structure in your day and routines that work for YOU. Some people work really well with schedules and others thrive on routines. Personally, we’ve tried both and found that routines work better for us because we are not time bound to anything and Aria has learned to be flexible with our activities.

Some routines you might want to be consistent with, especially before school starts, are:

• Eating - healthy choices, balanced meals, snacks, water, etc.

• Sleeping - adequate amount and nighttime routines

• Reading - choose a balanced variety of genres and have your littles choose their favorites, too

• Play/Outside Time - play is therapeutic so allow them plenty of time to play

When we implement structure and routines, our social/emotional and mental health improves and it gives us a positive outlet for processing our emotions and anxiety.

Socialization

During this time when face-to-face socialization is limited, tech time plays an important role. Allow your littles to video call their family members and friends. Do the same for yourself! You never have to feel like you’re alone. Someone is always available and if you can’t get a hold of anyone, reach out to ME! 💕

Socializing is a vital part of our development and like children, we need to be able to communicate with others, whether it’s to vent, gossip or simply talk about how crazy your littles are driving you today. 😜

Relaxation and Coping Techniques

I’ve been a huge fan of self-care for quite some time now and I’m telling you, there’s nothing like taking a little ME time. With little ones at home, it’s hard to get some alone time but it’ll make the WORLD of a difference in your overall wellbeing.

Try these and let me know which is your favorite:

• Snuggling and reading a good book

• Bath time

• Mani/pedi

• Face mask

• Meditation

• Running/exercise

• Yoga

• Dancing

• Cooking

• Painting

There are so many ways to relax and focus on you… you just have to make time for it. You deserve it! Making yourself a priority before the school year begins will allow you to cope with all the changes and uncertainty, realign your priorities and be in better health to help your kiddos. They could use some of these techniques, too!

Empathy and Compassion

How many times have we gone home after a long day of teaching and dealing with issues to vent to our loved ones and try to feel better but no one fully understands what you’re going through? It’s so hard, right? I know, my friend, but here’s my cold, honest truth: IT’S UP TO YOU to make yourself feel better.

I know it sounds bad but hear me out: when you experience these things, you realize that you have the power to see the positive in every situation. You also learn compassion and empathy which are 2 skills teachers, parents, and students REALLY need right now.

Try to be understanding with others who don’t have another choice but to implement the rules they have been given and most importantly, be kind to yourself.

I told my sister the other day, “there is only so much you can do BUT you have the power of staying positive, being a role model to your kids and showing them that everything will be alright. It may just take some time.” 💜

How are you adapting to all the changes this summer? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other in this time of need. Comment below or email me at chanty@chantymacias.com.

Stay tuned for my top tips and daily habits for positivity coming up next week! 👏