New beginnings can be fun, exciting and can bring on feelings of stress and overwhelm. Both can be true at the same time. Back to school is no exception. This article will break down some foundational tools to help you move forward with a plan to lean into the fun feelings and minimize the stressful ones.
Break Down the Big into Smaller Blocks
Those of you familiar with Home Management for Everyone know the foundational premise of breaking the big down into smaller blocks that feel more doable. That is what we will do with back to school planning to make the transition smoother.
Step-by-Step Guide to Back to School Planning
Step 1: Brain Dump
Do a brain dump of all the things swirling around up there. Digital, pen and paper, whatever works for you—just dump it all out of your brain and then take a deep breath. (insert example of brain dump list—I can write one down and send you a screenshot) This is a great method for back-to-school preparation.
Step 2: Categorize Your Brain Dump
Now, break them down into categories that make sense to you. I will show you suggested categories, but feel free to flex to what is helpful in your scenario, especially with back-to-school tasks.
Step 3: Migrate Your Brain Dump List
Migrate your brain dump list and place each item under the category that it correlates to. (If you are curious about the why behind the process—the brain dump allows you to stop the swirling which is draining your energy. The categories allow you to give it structure. Assigning the tasks from the dump to categories then allows for consolidating any duplicate thoughts, and seeing where tasks can be streamlined. This all serves to save your mental and physical energy as you handle back-to-school preparations.)
Step 4: Assign Due Dates and Integrate with Schedule
- Start to give due dates to items
- Look at the dates of items that need to get done and incorporate them with your schedule now. (Ex: I need to pick up this calculator at Staples which I will be by on Tuesday at 3:00 for my doctor’s appointment. Or: I need to brainstorm snack ideas with my kid, here is a quiet time from 4-4:30 next week where we can sit down together.)
- Any new items that pop up, give them a place on the master plan and don’t let them swirl around your brain. Back-to-school planning requires keeping an organized schedule.
Step 5: Appreciate Your Hard Work
Most importantly, give yourself kudos for your work. Take a moment to appreciate all the planning and scheduling you do to help others. The fuel of appreciating your hard work will keep you going to the finish line, especially during the back-to-school period.
You Are Not Alone
Here at Joyful Support, we want you to know you are never alone in these times of joy and overwhelm. Let us know what of this was helpful and what you still need help with. You aren’t alone, we see you, and we can do this better together, especially during the back-to-school season.