There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anything this school year.

Back-to-School during the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench in virtually every plan for parents, teachers and students alike. Despite the uncertainties and the new educational landscape, there are things that you can do to keep yourself and your family on track and healthy with a back-to-school wellness routine.

Whether you are the student or the parent of a student, the new school year is a lot like New Year’s Eve. It is a great time to make commitments and goals to better yourself. Whether your back to school plan for 2020 is online, in person or a mix of the two these wellness routine tips can help you get the semester off to a good start.

Sleep is crucial for learning

Surprisingly, staying up all night to cram for a test or finish homework that you forgot to do, is not the best way to succeed. Studies show that getting a good night’s sleep has the ability to improve memory and help the brain process and retain information. Waking up with a clear mind can help you be more creative and better at problem-solving. After a long, weird summer, it is important to get back into a manageable sleep routine, which you should start adjusting to, prior to the first day of school. Proper rest can also boost your immune system.

For kids, this should mean a reasonable bedtime, which could also consist of setting out their clothes for the next day. You may want to wear them out a little more than usual in the beginning so that they go right to sleep. For adults, don’t stay up late scrolling on social media and consider using a natural option like CBD for sleep to get to bed and stay there.

Nutrition is key

“Hanger” is a real thing. Not only can waiting too long between meals make you irritable, but it can also cause a loss of focus. Whether you are trying to pay attention in an online lecture or your child is getting ready to throw a tantrum, sometimes proper nutrition can make a big difference. Meal prepping is a great activity for the whole family, whether students are learning on campus or in front of a computer screen at home.

Prepping meals in advance can keep everyone on track and ensure that when it is time to refuel, no one is left digging through the fridge or reaching for a Snickers bar. By the way, they were right. You are not yourself when you are hungry. Packing a lunch should be part of your back to school 2020 plan at home or in a classroom.

Schedule time to relax

Once school begins, life can quickly get a little overwhelming especially if you are a college student with a heavy course load or a parent trying to fill in the gaps left by online learning for your children. Mental health is important for everyone. As a parent or adult student, you must remember that selfcare not optional if you are planning to bring your best self to the table every day. This could mean taking the time to read a book, take a walk or spend time with a friend.

The same goes for kids. Your little ones need to know there is more to life than sitting at the computer or at a desk with a mask on. While playdates may not be the best option during the current pandemic, make sure your children have stimulating activities the can do outside of schoolwork.

Make facemasks fun

Let’s be real. Facemasks are not much fun, but you are going to have to wear one and even more so if going back to school during the coronavirus in person. As a college student, this may not seem like a really big deal, but you do need to find one that is comfortable and not a distraction.

If you are a parent of little ones in school, comfort is also important, but try and make it less daunting. This is a scary time and it is important to maintain some of the lighthearted innocents of youth. Consider letting your child choose their own mask or decorate it so that they feel like it is less of a burden. If you are super motivated and crafty, now is a perfect time to teach life skills like sewing!

Make sure to move

Life is different, and if you or your children are going to school from home in an online learning environment, there are going to be fewer chances to get up and move. There won’t be any sprinting across campus to make it to your next class on time. Recess is going to look very, very different. Make time to take care of your body.

If you have to set an alarm to remind yourself to get up and stretch, do that. Adults tend to lean over if their working environment is not ergonomically correct, which can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. Receptra Serious Relief Targeted Topical is great for dealing with common low back and shoulder pain you put yourself through, but coupled with stretching, you just might feel ok!

Kids have a lot of pent up energy but can also experience the fatigue and restlessness of sitting. If their school has not scheduled active mobility into their day, make sure it is encouraged outside of the classroom, wherever that may be.

Going Back to School during the Coronavirus

There hasn’t been a whole lot of normal this year and it is important to understand that you are not alone. The educational landscape is very different, but no one has an advantage. If you are pursuing an advanced degree, know that you are doing something that will make a difference in your future and that you can make the most of this experience, even if it is not the experience you envisioned.

If you are a parent with school-age children, it is worth having the potentially uncomfortable discussion about the coronavirus pandemic so that they understand the importance of all of the things they are being asked to do. We’re all in this together.