It can be a bit of a shock to the system going back to school after the summer holidays. Whether you’re starting at a new school or beginning a new school year, any change can make us feel a bit anxious. How can we make this new start feel less daunting?

Tips for going back to school or starting a new school: 

• Try and get into a good morning routine, allowing enough time to have breakfast, get dressed and check your school bag without feeling rushed
• If you’re feeling anxious in the morning or the night before school, try listening to some calming music and practising some breathing exercises, e.g. deep breath in through the nose, hold it there and then breathe out through the mouth
• Talk to your family about any anxieties you’re having. It can be helpful to get these off your chest and to problem-solve together
• Each night, make a list of things you are looking forward to for the next day or in the year ahead, or all the things that went well that day, to remind you of all the positives there are.

Starting anything new can feel quite alarming, but take it one day at a time and you’ll soon feel more comfortable as you get settled in.

Other support and advice:

• Kooth.com offers free, safe and anonymous online wellbeing and mental health support for young people aged 11 to 18
• Visit our emotional wellbeing and mental health page on Camden Rise.