Making sure kids avoid back-to-school burnout
back to school burnout at the end of the summer holidays, just after entering Year 11.
“I remember one week in particular when I had a concert (I was performing in a band and two choirs), the semi-finals of a netball competition, two English mock exams and a school science trip that I had been looking forward to for months.
“I had the flu and was bed-bound for most of the week, which was probably caused by overworking and not getting enough rest. I ended up missing out on all of the events that I had been preparing for for ages and, to be honest, it made me feel super sad.”
On average, preschool and primary school aged children experience three to eight coughs or colds a year, while teenagers tend to contract between two and four.
With peak cold and flu season beginning in September, kids who burn out early in the year are more than likely to get ill and miss out on the exciting activities the school year has to offer.
Fortunately, there are some simple precautionary steps you and your child can take to avoid the threat of back to school burn out. Get out and about and get those endorphins flowing. Whether they’re exercising, enjoying a country walk or playing their favourite sport, endorphins will help to reduce stress and improve their mood - the perfect antidote to back to school stress! Have things to look forward to Whether it’s coffee with friends or a trip to the movies, it’s about the little things. It’s important to make sure they have fun incentives throughout the school year, particularly during exam seasons. Many of us will remember the stress that comes with GCSEs and A Levels, so make sure to reward hard work. By ‘well’ we mean ‘healthy’. Lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies and, of course, plenty of water. It’s easy for kids to opt for sugar-rich snacks and energy drinks to get them through the day, so it’s important to ensure they have plenty of healthy alternatives to graze on when they get home. Healthy food and drink is a great start, but why not give your kids an immunisation boost with some extra vitamins and supplements? Thiamine, folic acid and ascorbic acid are all great for concentration and brain function, while vitamins C, B6 and E are proven to boost immunity.
Sophie, who takes supplements to combat back to school burn out, recommends UnBeelievable Health Bee Prepared Max Strength, an allin-one combination of high-quality, natural ingredients designed to help support the immune system.