Back to school time can be a chaotic and stressful time of year. The good news though? It doesn’t have to be! By mindfully applying the tips below, you too can create space in your home to find peace and balance. Starting the school year intentionally will not only help you feel more at ease but will help your student find their success as well.

So, what exactly does the word “mindfully” even mean? In the simplest of terms, it means that we are paying attention, or we are intentionally aware of what we are doing. So, starting the school year mindfully, means that we are paying special attention to why and how we are going to create a successful environment for the school year.

Below are five tips on how you can help create an atmosphere for success for your students as they head back to school. The tips are in no particular order, and personally, I do believe all five of them are equally important. But what’s even more important is thinking about what each of these could look like in your family. Some tips may work better than others, but my hope is that by implementing them in the ways that work for you and your family, that you’ll begin to find your own rhythm and balance and your family’s connections will not only grow stronger together, but each person will grow in their own way as well.

5 tips to cultivate success and start the school year mindfully:

Tip #1: Set goals with your student

Taking the time to sit down together and discuss what goals everyone has for the school year is a simple way to start thinking mindfully about the upcoming year. These goals should be realistic and age appropriate. For younger students, a goal can be as simple as “try my best” or “make a new friend.” For older students, get them excited about the upcoming year and try and challenge their thinking towards more specific goals such as “Memorize my multiplication facts” or “Audition for the school talent show.” As you help guide your student towards their specific goals, you will also learn about what is most important in their world of school and be able to help support them along their journey.

Tip #2: Create a morning routine

Children (and adults too) thrive on routine. When children are getting up at the same time every day and know exactly what to do each morning to prepare for school, you are helping set them up for success throughout their day. Setting clear guidelines and helping your student create a positive easy flowing morning routine will help keep their minds at ease during the day.

Tip #3: Technology-Free Zones

We all love technology, but it can very easily become all consuming, especially to children. Along with creating your morning routine, create times in your day (both morning and evening) when technology is turned off for everyone. Technology has such a strong effect on our brains and children are especially susceptible. Children can easily become overstimulated by too much electronic time because they lack the self-regulation skills to know when their mind has had enough. The best times for technology-free zones are in the mornings before school as well as cutting off electronics at least 2 hours before bedtime. This allows the body’s normal release of melatonin, a hormone that helps our body prepare for sleep, begin.

Tip #4: Spend time outdoors

Students are given less time than ever before to play and be outside. Research shows that when students have time to connect with nature, breathe in fresh air, and get a little playtime exercise, their academic performance improves. Not only that but being outside in the sunlight has mood boosting benefits, improves energy and focus, enriches creativity, and can even enhance immunity!

Tip #5: Prioritize your family schedule

Families schedules are being stretched thinner and thinner and this can leave less time for building strong familial connections. Sit down as a family and decide what takes priority. Schedule the most important family priorities first and then fill in the rest of the time. This may take a few weeks to get just right, but when you finally find a schedule that honors your family’s proprieties, everyone will be happier!

All five of these tips will help you find the space to mindfully work through a successful school year. Beginning a new routine can be challenging, so if you aren’t already applying any of the tips above, try implementing one at a time for at least a week or two before introducing another. But as with everything in life, take what works for you and your family and leave what doesn’t. After all, isn’t that what being mindful is all about?

Kim DeMoss

Founder, Project Mindful Movement™

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