Back To School Wellness Tips

With schools and workplaces reopening after the holidays, many families are adjusting to back-to-school routines after a long break. While a new academic year brings excitement, in some instances, new beginnings, it may also leave learners, parents and educators feeling unsettled or overwhelmed.

“It may be a fresh start for learners entering a new grade, repeating a year or transitioning to high school or tertiary,” said Eshana Ratibar Ghela (Student Wellness Specialist at the Durban North campus). Ghela is also a registered Counsellor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).

“With the right mindset and preparation, the return to school and work may feel far more manageable”.

Ghela shared five practical wellness tips to support learners, parents and educators during the back-to-school period:

1. Get organised early

“Being organised plays a key role in reducing stress and anxiety. Learners are encouraged to use planners, apps or simple checklists to manage their schoolwork and deadlines. Creating a dedicated study space at home can also help establish a focused learning mindset”.

Ghela says that an organised space reduces anxiety and supports better concentration. “Daily or weekly reviews of schoolwork can also help learners retain information more effectively”.

“Parents can support this process by helping their children prepare their study areas and by staying engaged with school communication. When families organise together, it creates a calmer environment and helps children feel supported”.

Educators are also encouraged to put clear systems in place before the term begins. “Teachers often take on many emotional roles for learners, which can be exhausting. Managing their own stress is essential to avoid burnout.”

2. Re-establish healthy routines

“Routines provide structure and predictability - vital for mental wellbeing. Morning and evening routines may help reduce decision fatigue, support better sleep and ease anxiety by creating a sense of stability”. “Knowing what to expect each day conserves mental energy and helps both children and parents cope better with busy schedules,” said Ghela.

3. Practise healthy communication

“Open and calm communication is key, especially during periods of transition. Parents are encouraged to listen attentively to their children and guide them without constant instruction or criticism”.

“When children feel heard, they’re more likely to open up about deeper issues such as bullying or stress,” says Ghela.

“Educators may also benefit from starting lessons with short grounding rituals, such as breathing exercises or moments of calm, to help learners regulate their emotions and focus”.

4. Check in on mental health

“Changes in behaviour can be early signs that someone is struggling. These may include changes in sleep or eating patterns, persistent sadness, fatigue, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating or physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches”.

“If something feels out of character or is ongoing, it’s important not to ignore it,” says Ghela.

5. Seek professional support when needed

“Talking to a trusted friend, family member or mental health professional can make a significant difference,” Ghela says. “If feelings of anxiety, depression or distress become overwhelming, reaching out for help is essential”.

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