Get That Back-to-School Feeling

It’s safe to say that one of the main advantages of being an adult is that school is no longer a mandatory everyday requirement. Yes, there are the jobs that must be attended at least five days a week, but sitting in class all day, asking to go to the washroom, and writing in pencil is no longer compulsory. Autonomous women who have paid their dues with education get to forgo the everyday grind of learning things they instantly forget (hello, fractions) in favor of the pursuit of happiness and financial security.

That being said, there is something exciting about that back-to-school feeling and the sense of rebirth that it implies, especially for moms who get their day back. And those of us lucky enough to go back to school at some point. But, have no fear, there are ways to get that feeling back without having to be in the presence of chalk dust.

Here are six ways to get that back-to-school feeling outside of any institution:

New clothes: A fresh stack of t-shirts is one way to feel fresh going back to school. You’ve developed a new sense of style over the summer, and you can’t wait to show it off to everyone in your class. Pick up a few new items for fall that you can look forward to sporting when your summer wardrobe gets worn out.

Change up your environment: Get yourself into a new classroom! Change your route to work, the restaurants your frequent, your overall environment to experience something new! Trying booking an offsite meeting or team-building activity to get out of your everyday setting. Even one day outside the cubicle can do wonders for your mental health. Especially if it involves the outdoors. Floating offices? Yes, please.

New friends: Being in a new class or group, with unfamiliar people is an ideal opportunity to reinvent the way people see you. As an adult, you have the freedom to learn additional skills if you want, whether that’s ceramics, dance, improv, or cooking. Taking instructional classes is a great way to surround yourself with a different group while also learning a technique you always wanted to have. Bonus point: you’ll have an expert instructing you, and they may just be the teacher who changes your life.

Commit to a new good habit: “New year new you” has probably fallen through by this point, so it’s time to check in with your goals and habits. The beginning of a season is the perfect time to put into practice some great routines that will improve your well-being, and treating it like homework will help keep you accountable. Want to drink more water? Have a daily goal of 8 glasses per day. Want to exercise more? Schedule it in your calendar as if it’s an appointment. Want to eat healthier? Just start by eating at least one vegetable per day. It’s better than nothing!

Pack exciting snacks in your lunch: The most important break in your day is for lunch. This is when you refuel for the rest of the afternoon and it’s your chance to take in some tasty treats. The stand-out part of the packed lunch is not the dull salami sandwich or health conscious carrot sticks, but the fun snacks that decorate the sidelines. Goldfish crackers, fruit roll-ups, gushers, granola bars… pack yourself a treat every day. Something you’ll look forward to. You’ve earned it, and now that you’re an adult, you get to be in charge of what flavor NutriGrain bars you buy (Apple Cinnamon, oh yeah).

Let yourself have recess: Perhaps the critical tip for your back-to-school refresh – let yourself have recess. It’s when all of the fun is had, and it’s what really prepares you for what lies indoors. In order to be productive and creative, you need to give your brain a little time to recuperate from all the work it’s doing. Take a portion of your lunch break to get outside, go for a walk, and if you pass by a tether ball, don’t leave it hanging.

“I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. 
Firsts are best because they are beginnings.” -Jenny Han

By Jill Bennett