Change is not something that is easily accepted by most human beings...

We are naturally known to be creatures of habit, enjoying spending time doing things we do best and possibly even shying away from the things that are unknown to us. 

The month of September is all about change, particularly for those who are of school or university age (and their parents). 

Whether they are venturing into a new school or educational setting or simply having a change of teachers or lessons, the transition can have a significant impact, both positive and negative, on them and you. 

The significant changes come at a time in which there has been a long period of not having routine with a long summer holiday behind and what might seem an even longer period until the next major school holiday break being Christmas. 

So whilst we may not feel comfortable or confident that changes are afoot, it is inevitable.

These tips will best prepare you for the varying transitions that might make you feel overwhelmed.

1. Organisation

Draw up lists of what to do and the things to get.  

 Following this simple task will avoid a mad last minute panic before the event.

By doing this it will, in itself, allow you to embrace any changes that come your way with much more ease and calm.

This is relevant for school children and people going back to work after the summer break but it’s particularly important for anyone with a bigger transition such as going away to school or starting university.

Logistics of setting yourself up, often in a new city, requires a lot more planning. 

The greater the transition, the more planning is likely required and with logistics in play, the more plans in place will likely mitigate the potential feeling of stress. 

Whether it’s completed in bite size pieces (with a pre-prepared list saved in your phone, stationery shopping can be done while you are out and about) or it might require a purposely planned trip (familiarising yourself with the area in which you will live when university starts). 

Whichever group you fall into, by organising yourself early it sets you up for a less thought provoking break so you can relax more fully. 

To make sure you have it covered, it’s   worth checking out the ultimate back to school checklist

Using the Scouts’ motto: Be prepared. 

2. Talk

Another motto, this time by BT for those old enough to remember:

It’s good to talk.

Talking things through with someone, especially if they have knowledge of what the subject is about, will alleviate some of the worries that might be felt.

Whatever age you are, being able to open up and express what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling, which might include how to solve the problems that you might face, is a lifelong skill which should be promoted at the earliest opportunity.

If you feel it might be needed, asking for help is a good way to work your way through what is on your mind. 

Getting this help not only gives you the advantage of the ‘two heads are better than one’ proverb. 

Vocalising what is a challenge to you often allows you to break it down and work out how to tackle each part separately so the fuller challenge is more easily faced. 

After discussion, as soon as action starts taking place, the enormity of the challenge tends to subside because after it’s broken down and the ‘doing’ begins, the unknown is quashed and things often seem a little easier. 

 If there is a greater need to talk with a professional, there are many organisations that can and will help support you, including: Young Minds or Mind and Kooth (a great interactive resource).

3. Routine

Rather than burning the candles at both ends, recharging and making sure you are having proper downtime during the long summer break will almost definitely have a positive impact on anyone’s mental health.

 Of course it’s a good time to allow hair to be let down but by packing out every minute of every day is a sure way of burning yourself out before anything has even begun, with any changes that you return to feeling twice as exhausting.

Even if you do not have a child of school age in your life, the same applies to you!

It’s all too easy (we are all guilty of it!) to prioritise many other things but not ourselves. 

If you find that finding time for yourself to relax in a way that allows you to switch off is challenging, you might even need to schedule it in.

Block out half an hour to an hour in your diary to take a walk, read a book, play a game with your child(ren) or something else that allows you to enjoy that time. 

This should continue when you do start back again in September (perhaps returning to work), so the routine is well and truly set and the intention of looking after yourself is continued. 

By setting a time to invest in yourself at least once a week (maybe even every day if it’s realistic), it will set a precedent to others, not only to understand that your boundaries set are to be respected but also to look after themselves in a similar way. 

This pause and moment of self-care will undoubtedly, in turn, have a positive effect on all those around you whether it’s your family or your clients.

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It probably isn’t the actual change of anything that creates a sense of angst among people. 

It is the fear of the unknown. 

Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a good example of huge changes felt by both child and parent. 

Whilst your child gains independence, as the parent, you partially pass the baton of responsibility over to your child as their wings stretch out a little more for the next stage of life. 

This can lead to much thought on both parts. 

Your organisation will be rewarded -keeping schoolbooks in a set place, preparing the packed lunch as much as possible and packing the schoolbag the evening before will allow you all ‘to be ready’ each morning. 

Having a talk will keep communication lines open -

It could be about how social circles change (and not for the first time in the coming years!) or what positive things come out of a new setting for both of you are. 

Sticking to a routine that works -

has to be a win for you both and it is worth keeping in mind that no children are the same so where one routine works for one it might look very different to another’s. 

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Change doesn’t have to bring worry.  

The power of positive thinking and how to embrace change is well worth considering. 

The positives from change can outweigh the negatives if considered in a different way. 

The changes that we have personally navigated up to this point are proof of that. 

Whilst there may be some changes that we recall with a feeling of sadness, maybe even regret, we have still learned from them. 

After all, we can’t stand still. 

We have to change. 

If you feel you are not ready to get back to work after the summer and need business support to change that, get in touch.

Anna

anna@akavirtualassistant.com