Back to School - Back to Stress ?  How to Ease the Transition

Summer has a way of making life feel lighter—full of energy and relaxation. It's a time when we can momentarily set aside our worries and truly unwind. But when September rolls around, that carefree feeling starts to fade, and with the return to school, excitement can quickly turn into stress.

While this time of year offers fresh beginnings and new opportunities, it can also bring a surge of anxiety. The back-to-school transition affects everyone, but younger students, who may lack coping techniques, often feel the impact more intensely.

Here are a few strategies to help make the transition smoother, avoid past mistakes, and leverage digital mental health tools to maintain balance:

1. Reassess Routines and Learn from Past Challenges

Reflect on the last school term. What contributed to stress or difficult experiences? Was last-minute cramming or procrastination a problem? Did a lack of organization affect your performance? Use these insights to build healthier habits this year. Establish a consistent study schedule and stick to routines that keep stress at bay.

2. Set Realistic, Manageable Goals

Avoid packing your schedule with too many commitments. Set academic and personal goals that are challenging but achievable. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way. This method not only helps maintain motivation but also reduces feelings of overwhelm.

3. Leverage Digital Mental Health Tools

Incorporating digital tools can make a significant difference in managing school-related stress. In your virtual client area, MI SANITAS, there are special digital health programs designed to support mental wellbeing. In the “Mental Wellbeing” section, you'll find tools for stress management and emotional intelligence.
The program “Cuida tu mente” offers an online psychological assessment that helps personalize your experience, evaluating your emotional state and identifying the need for any psychological intervention. It also provides self-guided content—videos, audios, podcasts—to improve emotional wellbeing and target specific areas of concern. For those needing more personalized support, the app offers psychological assistance and ongoing monitoring from a professional.

By proactively addressing these areas, students - and parents as well as teachers - can reduce the strain of the back-to-school transition, turning stress into an opportunity for growth and success.