Ah, back-to-school season. The time of year that fills the air with a mix of new book smells, freshly cleaned classrooms, and, for those who remember, the oddly comforting yet slightly toxic scent of 1970s alcohol copies (if you know, you know).
It’s a season of nostalgia, excitement, and, let’s be honest, a bit of unease. Who among us hasn’t felt a wave of old school jitters as September approaches?
Personally, I can’t help but think of those classic school dreams that seem to resurface for me around this time.
You know the ones: you’re walking down the hallway, minding your own business, and then—BAM!—you realize you’re stark naked. People are pointing, laughing, and you’re frantically trying to find a locker to crawl into.
Or maybe it’s the dream where you’re sitting in a classroom, about to take a test, and you realize you’re not prepared. Can’t find a pencil? Oh that feeling!
These dreams are so vivid, so real, that even years later, they can still send a shiver down your spine. I’ve unpacked these feelings over time, and while they don’t haunt me as they used to, they do remind me of the anxiety that many feel as the school year kicks off.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, or guardian, this time of year can stir up a lot of emotions—some lovely and nostalgic, others more along the lines of "Why am I naked in this hallway?!"
So, how do we support those who are feeling metaphorically (or in their dreams, literally) naked as they prepare for the new school year? How do we ease those pangs of anxiety, fear, or that vague sense of unease that you can’t quite put your finger on?
Well, here’s a set of tools to create a little more calm and a lot more confidence as we dive into the school year. For you and those you are supporting.
Here’s my go-to formula:
1. Pause for You
First things first, take a moment to pause. Meaning taking the time, slowing your body, breath and thoughts right down (easier said than done, but with practice gets easier). Whether you’re the one going back to school or supporting someone who is, give yourself permission to have a slow down and breathe moment. This simple act can do wonders in calming the nerves. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of preparation, but a little pause can bring clarity and peace.
2. Validate the Real
Next, let’s validate those feelings—whatever they are. Scared? Anxious? Excited? All of the above? It’s all real, and it’s all okay. We often try to push away uncomfortable emotions, but acknowledging them is key to managing them. It’s okay to feel uneasy about that first day back or nervous about the unknown. These feelings are part of the process, and recognizing them can make them a little less daunting. This step is magic—you can validate yourself, and you can validate others too. For example, 'That must be really challenging, unsettling, annoying'—whatever feeling they are expressing. If you don’t know, ask, 'What is it that you’re feeling?' All feelings are valid here.
3. Affirm the Strengths
Finally, let’s affirm the strengths. You’ve got this. Your kids, your students—they’ve got this. Remind yourself and those around you of the strengths they bring to the table. Whether it’s resilience, creativity, or just plain determination, everyone has something that will help them navigate the challenges ahead. Highlighting these strengths can boost confidence and help everyone feel a little more prepared (and a little less naked).
As we all step into this new school year, let’s remember that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. From nostalgia to nerves, it’s all part of the experience. And if you find yourself—or someone you care about—feeling a little "naked" in the hallway, just remember: pause, validate, and affirm. It’s a small but mighty formula that can make a big difference.
So here’s to new books, fresh starts, and maybe even a dream where you’re fully clothed.
We’ve got this!
Glad you were here.
Xo
Sherry