Back to School Safety

Summer’s almost over, and school has officially started. No matter how old you are, whether you’re in 5th grade or entering your senior year of college, it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle, especially when classes are in session. Here are some healthy habits everyone, even parents, should follow this school year.

1. Get a good night’s sleep - Although our sleeping schedules have shifted this summer, it’s time to get them back in order. Sleep is vital to everyone, even adults. It’s important for learning, memory, maintaining weight, among other things.

Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, poor concentration, difficulty learning, decreased problem-solving skills, as well as errors and accidents. Plus, it can lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior, which is what everyone wants to avoid in the classroom.

Recommendations for:

preschoolers (ages 3-5) to get 10 to 13 hours of sleep each night
school-aged children (ages 6-13) to get 9 to 11 hours
teenagers (ages 14-17) to get 8 to 10 hours
and young adults (ages 18-25) to get 7 to 9 hours

2. Manage anxiety/stress - Mental health is just as important as physical health. Anxiety can affect anyone from a kindergartener to a freshman leaving for college. Managing a consistent sleeping schedule can help minimize back-to-school anxiety/stress.

The source of anxiety can stem from fear of making friends to the pressure of doing well in classes. Relieve back-to-school anxiety by:

Attending orientation and/or going on a school tour
Joining clubs or sports
Purchasing supplies
Staying organized

3. Eat breakfast - An empty stomach leads to an unhappy, grumpy child (even adult). Yogurt, granola bars, and fruit are simple, healthy ways to ensure you get something in your stomach before running out the door. Especially, if you’re trying to catch the bus or make it to campus on time for your class. Eating a healthy breakfast will:

Maintain your body weight
Improve concentration and alertness
Meet daily nutritional requirements
Keep you/your child from missing fewer school days

4. Stay active! - The day and age we live in today, everyone is glued to their phones. Minimize screen time by playing outside, going to the gym, or doing any outdoor activity such as hiking or biking. The benefits of physical activity, for both the old and young, are endless. A few includes: