I admit—I was not ready for school to start. We’ve been going non-stop, and there have been moments where I feel like there was no break or end in sight. I’m not sure if it is back to school blues, or back to school stress.
We went from summer to school in no time. Our vacation was wonderful (unless you count that one day we drove through Pikes Peak), but it honestly felt like there was little to no break or real vacation. I graded, I worked at night—and then it was like diving head first back into work and school when we returned.
I had vacation hangover.
Now that school has started the days seem so long. I feel like I have to remind myself to breathe. That’s bad. That’s called chaos, or being busy, but I’ve found that I can manage that in small ways, small steps to not feel like I want to take a nap at 9 am.
Here are a few things I’ve done to manage feeling so “blah.”
- I bought a new notebook. So simple, but so fun writing down things for my classes in a crisp, new notebook.
- I got a new back to school outfit (maybe 2). I felt some comfortable on the first day because I was wearing some new LuLaRoe in some fun, fresh colors. I even did the whole jewelry thing with it all, too.
- Checklists were made. I bought a new planner (like I needed one), and color coded everyone in the family and my work schedules. I also try to write out a to-do list, and always remind myself that it is okay if I don’t check items off. I know they are there, I try to prioritize (and squeeze in the Netflix time, too).
- School prep was sort of fun. I decided to revamp my courses because let’s be real—students get bored hearing the same thing every semester and they need to be engaged in what they are learning. I found new essays and poems to introduce to my classes, and I wrote some small writing samples that included personal experiences.
- I tried tea every morning instead of coffee…and it is amazing. I might long to have a full on British tea party, but I am starting my mornings with a cup of tea and quiet time. It is so nice. Also, I shared a video from “The Crown” stars (Netflix) on the perfect cup of tea on Facebook.
- I have decided to set new goals for myself…and keep track of them. I have a traveler’s notebook to write some things down and I want to be accountable for it–working out (yoga before bed to sleep well), eating right, taking time to move away from the computer/technology and toward a book, starting a new reading list–I could go on.
So, if you are like me, feeling a little blah that we’re back to school, or you are having a little stress, just try to focus and find a way to manage it all. Make a list, tackle some of it. Plan a fun weekend outing–try a new meal at dinner…start a reading list. Whatever you do, just remember to relax. These little moments will fly by—and I always have the morning chaos on my mind as I watch the kids get ready in the mornings—they are growing up too fast…and this momma wants to take it all in.
My people (and one of our dogs). <3