As summer winds down, you can feel the buzz of students and teachers getting ready to head back to school. However, this transition also brings potential health risks due to increased close-proximity interaction in classrooms and social settings, making contagious infections a concern not only for those on campus but also for their families at home.
With a few lifestyle tweaks and a diet that includes immune-boosting supplements, you have the tools to rock a smooth and healthy school year. Every family can navigate the school year while safeguarding their well-being and reducing the risks of illness by proactively addressing these challenges.
Here are some tips for staying one step ahead of the back-to-school sniffles and sneezes.
Beating The Schoolyard Germs: 6 Tips to Keep Sickness Away
The annual transition back to school can benefit from careful planning and a focus on well-being in order to reduce stress and optimize wellness.
Create A Structure For Success
Plan, plan, plan! Setting a structured daily routine is vital for adults and children during the back-to-school season. Predictable routines create stability and reduce stress for students and parents alike. Create a schedule that includes consistent sleep, study hours, meals, and physical activities.
Prepare To Avoid Morning Chaos
Mornings can be hectic. Streamline this important part of the day by organizing for swift departures. Designate a spot near the door for essentials like backpacks, keys, and lunch boxes to be placed the night before. This will help save time and prevent forgetfulness. Involve children in arranging their school supplies to help promote a morning checklist that fosters independence and responsibility. A child who starts the morning off on the right foot at home is more likely to have a good day in the classroom.
Eliminate Distractions
Focus on what matters most. Designate a quiet and clutter-free area for reading, studying or working away from the TV or gaming systems. Remove potential distractions such as smartphones during a work or study session. A well-organized study space free from distractions enhances concentration and can help students stay on task while doing homework or attending virtual classes.
Get Up & Get Moving!
Physical movement is like daily medicine when it comes to our health. Increased blood flow and brain activity associated with movement can boost wellness for both body and mind. Encourage students to participate in enjoyable activities like walking, jogging, biking, or sports. Invite kids to engage in age-appropriate physical activities, such as playing outside or joining a sports team. And when it’s practical, play outside with them. Movement is good medicine for parents too! Physical activity uplifts mood, reduces stress, and improves focus, which is essential for a healthy back-to-school routine.
Prioritize Sleep
Earn A’s in the classroom by prioritizing the Z’s at home. Adequate sleep is essential for adults and children to recharge, heal, and grow. Create a consistent bedtime routine for winding down and relaxing. Be sure to reduce screen time before bed. Keep bedrooms conducive to good sleep – quiet, cool, and dark. It’s been well studied…quality sleep enhances memory, attention, and problem-solving skills and is a must for academic success.
Prepare for Allergies
Warding off cold and flu season has its challenges. Managing wellness for students with moderate to extreme allergies even more so. To prepare for allergies, inform school staff or colleagues about known allergies. Supply needed medications, like antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors, with clear usage instructions. For seasonal allergies, monitor pollen forecasts and take precautions like closing windows during high pollen counts and washing outdoor-exposed clothing.
Extra Credit: Diet & Supplements for Success
While preparation and applying smart lifestyle changes can play a significant role in preventing setbacks caused by stress or illness, it's important to recognize that even with the best efforts, our bodies may still require additional support to bolster our immune defenses. A good diet is an excellent start, including nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water for hydration.
Of course, eating healthy and being a student are at times at odds. A well-designed supplementation regimen can bridge the nutritional and environmental gaps that might otherwise hinder our immune system's ability to function optimally.
Essentials supplements that can help:
-
The Immunity Booster - C Buffered Powder
- A Comprehensive Shield: Multivitamins
Multivitamins act as comprehensive shields, offering a complete nutritional defense against health challenges. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, these supplements support various bodily functions, such as enhanced vision from vitamin A, a boost in bone health from vitamin D, and an immune system boost from zinc. Integrating daily multivitamins empowers students and teachers with a comprehensive mix of beneficial nutrients.
- Anxiety & Stress Relief: Magnesium
The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and stress for students and teachers. Anxiety can impact their emotional and physical well-being. Magnesium is known as the anti-stress mineral. It can help soothe the nervous system, supporting the body’s ability to regulate during high-stress periods. Incorporating magnesium supplements into their routines assists students and teachers in stress management, fostering emotional equilibrium and enhancing immune system resilience for improved health.
- Nootropics for Mind & Body
For academic achievement, students and teachers must prioritize cognitive function, focus, and stress resilience. Natural nootropics – substances believed to enhance memory, learning, and brain resilience against injuries – have become increasingly popular. Studies show they can deliver the cognitive boost that’s ideal for effective learning and memory retention.
Ashwagandha: An Ayurvedic herb that reduces stress and anxiety while potentially improving cognition and memory.
Bacopa: Recognized for enhancing memory, it boosts learning ability, memory retention, and cognitive performance. It also acts as an adaptogen, aiding in stress management.
Rhodiola Rosea: As an adaptogen, it lessens the effects of physiological and psychological stress, bolstering stress resistance and well-being.
L-theanine: Induces relaxation and diminishes stress and anxiety by enhancing
neurotransmitters like GABA, promoting a state of calm.
Having The Best Year Ever
As the new school year begins, empower students, teachers, and staff to prioritize their well-being. The strain of academic studies, teaching, or supporting loved ones can take a toll on both body and mind. Often, we lose sight of our own needs while focusing on these responsibilities. It's crucial to integrate actionable steps into our health routines during the academic year and beyond to foster success.
As the new school year begins, empower students, teachers, and staff to prioritize their well-being. The strain of academic studies, teaching, or supporting loved ones can take a toll on both body and mind. Often, we lose sight of our own needs while focusing on these responsibilities. It's crucial to integrate actionable steps into our health routines during the academic year and beyond to foster success.
These tips and supplements act as trusted allies, supporting achievement in academics and overall health. Here's to a thriving school year, where minds flourish, friendships bloom, and our bodies remain healthy and strong!
