As summer vacation winds down it’s time to start gearing up for a return to the classroom. Back to school is always a fun time with the flurry of activity as you purchase supplies, backpacks, and that cool lunchbox you’ve been eyeing all summer.
But is your brain ready?
Summer vacation typically means sleeping in, staying up late, kicking back, and not giving too much thought to learning. In other words, you might need to gear up your brain and get it back into school mode.
So, how do you go from summer brain to school brain? These tips will help.
Maintain a routine
Speaking of routines, the return to school means rising early, catching the bus, doing homework, and participating in extracurricular activities. In other words, time management is a must. Find a good routine that works for you and your schedule, so you won’t find yourself scrambling to do homework the morning it’s due or miss the bus because you overslept.
Make daily activity a priority
Exercise is not only good for your body, but also for your brain and your mental health. Walking for just a few minutes a day can provide great benefits. If time is an issue, the Scientific 7-Minute Workout is a good option for getting your body moving.
Develop a habit of reading
Reading is a fundamental skill that is beneficial in just about everything that you do. Not only is it fun to get immersed in a good story, but it also engages your brain and keeps it active. Find something that interests you whether it’s cowboy fiction, mysteries, or a good biography and just start reading. Make it a point to read every day – books, magazines, newspapers, even internet articles – everything counts!
Eat brain-boosting foods
A healthy diet is important for preventing illness and keeping you strong and mobile. Additionally certain foods can also benefit your brain. When you are choosing your fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, and whole grains, make sure to get some fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel. Leafy greens are also great brain food too.
Cultivate a learning lifestyle
Make it a point to learn something new each day. Learn a fact, a new word, watch a documentary, or read an article that interests you. Get your brain in the habit of learning and it will love the learning process. Brain training exercises can be fun and challenging too, when you are keeping your brain actively engaged.
Learn how to identify and manage stress
Stress can impact your physical and mental health, but it can also negatively affect your brain, causing memory problems, brain fog, and poor decision-making. Practice daily stress relief. Additionally, learn strategies to identify and manage stress for when you encounter social anxiety and test anxiety.
If the transition from summer brain to school brain is proving to be difficult for you, our neurofeedback treatments may help. Call today and schedule a brain map to see if it is right for you.
*Sandstone Center for Neurofeedback does not diagnose medical conditions. Sandstone Center for Neurofeedback is a nonmedical, medication-free program for children and adults who struggle with symptoms related to mental health.