Tips for a Stress-Free Return to School

For many people, the start of the school year is synonymous with anxiety. After a summer spent at a relaxed pace with few constraints—especially regarding time—the start of the school year can feel like a stressful time.

So why not take a different approach? Here are a few tips—though this list isn't exhaustive—to help you survive the back-to-school rush.

A Slow Start to the School Year: Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity

Before embarking on this new chapter, take a moment to reflect on the kind of life you want to lead. Do you want an active, stimulating life, or a calm one focused on what really matters? There’s no wrong choice. Just listen to yourself and meet your own needs. 

The “slow return to school” aligns with the principles of “slow life,” a philosophy centered on the values of “the here and now.” Living in the present moment and prioritizing quality over quantity allow you to see your life—and those around you—in a new light.

A "slow return to school" invites you to get back to what really matters, to take your time, and to slow down. It encourages you to listen to yourself, to listen to your needs, and—above all—to respect them. 

The “slow start to the school year” is a concept that fits perfectly into our society, where everything moves very quickly—or rather, I should say, is expected to move very quickly—once you make a few small adjustments. Here are a few of them.

A Slow Start to the School Year: Savor the Start of the School Year and Get Inspired with New Projects

Think of this time as a time of renewal. It’s a bit like the start of a new cycle. Why not take advantage of this general sense of momentum to start new personal and professional projects? Maybe it’s time to take care of yourself, isn’t it?

Schedule appointments starting in the third week of August to ensure a strategic start to the school year

• For avoid stress If you feel overwhelmed in the evening when you get home from school or work, you can visit your primary care physician starting in late August to obtain the medical certificates required to participate in sports. Please also note that these certificates stating there are no medical contraindications to a specific sport are valid for two years, provided you continue to participate in the same sport and your health status has not changed since the certificate was issued.

• To save time, you can also pay the annual school insurance premium before the school year begins. You’ll need these documents for school and, if necessary, for after-school care. It’s really helpful to have them ready in advance!

• At the same time, why not take advantage of the community association forums to sign up—yourself and your children—for the various sports and arts activities you’ve already chosen? Especially since you’ll already have your medical certificate(s)…

A Gradual Return to Work: Preparing Your Work Environment

If possible, take advantage of your return from vacation to reorganize your workspace: declutter it, change up the decor, treat yourself to a cushion for a more comfortable seat, some small office supplies, and so on.

The idea is to make your workday enjoyable and inspiring. 

Indian Summer

For many people, the start of the school year signals the end of summer vacation—and thus the end of summer and the arrival of gray, rainy, and monotonous days… Think again! 

It’s common for August to stretch into September. There’s still time to make the most of the remaining nice days by walking or biking to work or taking the kids to school, and—after a day spent indoors—to take a walk in the park, stroll through your town, or relax on a patio.

For Parents: A Tip for the Upcoming School Year 

Many schools provide the school supply list in July. It’s a good idea to get started right at the beginning of summer break to free your mind from what’s often seen as a chore (sorting through supplies and buying what’s left)…

In addition, more and more parent-teacher associationsare offering group purchases of school supplies, which is financially appealing and alleviates the hassle of shopping and the risk of mixing up the large- or small-ruled notebooks or failing to find that all-important spiral-bound notebook needed for biology class…

As you can see, a “slow start to the school year” is the art of slowing down the frantic whirlwind you feel yourself being sucked into every time school starts. It’s also an opportunity to reassess your priorities and—why not?—embrace the spirit of “slow life” throughout the entire year.