How to Destress Your First Day of School

The first day of school can be challenging, frightening and stressful, particularly when you begin junior high, high school, college or transfer to a new school. Fortunately, there are many things you can do before, during and after the first day of school to make the day go smoothly and decrease your anxiety.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Small notebook

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Instructions

Before School

• 1

  Fix your sleeping habits. If you have become used to staying up late and sleeping in, prepare to wake up early. Begin going to bed around nine o'clock a few weeks before school starts. Set an alarm clock to wake up earlier. Change this habit to help you feel less sleepy at school and allow you to cope with stress more effectively.

• 2

  Tour the school. Find the front office, lunchroom, gymnasium and your classes. Locate your locker and practice opening it if possible. Meet your teachers if you can. Know where you need to go and what you need to do to decrease your stress level. on the first day.

• 3

  Purchase all the new supplies, including a backpack, notebooks and writing utensils, that you will need to start school. Load enough for the first day into your backpack so you are well prepared.

• 4

  Write several positive affirmations, such as "Don't take it personally," or "You can do this," in a small notebook that fits in your pocket. Include quotations such as this one by Abraham Lincoln: "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." Memorize some of these quotes.

• 5

  Lay out clothes, socks and shoes and take a shower the night before school starts. Place your backpack and jacket in an easily accessible place so you don't have to search for them in the morning.

During School

• 6

  Breathe deeply. Close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose while you mentally count to five. Count to five again as you exhale through your mouth. Stretch your arms as high as you can over your head, then bend down to touch your toes. Hold each of these positions for five to ten seconds. Use these breathing and stretching techniques between each class period or anytime you feel anxious or nervous.

• 7

  Open your notebook between classes and read your positive quotations and affirmations.

• 8

  Be alone. Make your way to the bathroom or go outside during break. Read from your notebook, stretch and perform breathing exercises. Go for a quick jog or walk around the school grounds. Sit or lay down on the grass and relax for a few minutes.

• 9

  Imagine yourself in a calm place during breaks or at lunch time. Picture yourself lying on your bed or running on the beach. Close your eyes and visualize the details of the place clearly.

• 10

  Laugh it off. If you are made fun of or you give a wrong answer during class, allow yourself a chuckle. Laughter is often the best medicine for stress.

• 11

  Find ways to become involved and make friends. Try out for a sports team, join the photography club or sign up to audition for the school play.

After School

• 12

  Spend time relaxing. Lie on your bed or soak in the bathtub, turn on some tranquil music and close your eyes. Think about positive things that happened during your day, such as making a new friend or completing your homework.

• 13

  Consider ways to turn negative moments into positive ones. Stay after school or plan to get there early the next day to look around if you still have trouble finding your classes. Be kind to others, even to people who weren't nice to you.

• 14

  Exercise. Take a walk or a jog. Turn on some happy music and dance around the house. Get some fresh air and sunshine. Invite friends to go for a walk, take a bike ride, enroll in an after-school dance class or play catch.

• 15

  Spend time doing something you enjoy. Play with your pet, read a book or watch a movie. Work on your favorite hobby or start a new one. Try cooking, painting or writing a story.