How to Beat The ‘Back To School’ Blues

Anniki Sommerville - 30 Aug 16

We’re all familiar with that ‘back to school’ feeling. It’s not only kids that get a dark, wobbly sensation as summer draws to a close. Initially the holidays stretch on into infinity. There’s mountains of time to fill and usually the big holiday to look forward to (and then recover from).

But then suddenly it’s the AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY and it’s almost done. Many of us make resolutions in January which we rarely keep. I don’t know anyone who has successfully kept a resolution when it’s dark outside and you feel sad and fat after Christmas. Instead think of September as a good time to harness that dooming ‘back to school’ feeling.

Rather than feeling deflated at the prospect, how about following a few of these tips?

Finally Sort Your Wardrobe

Take everything and throw it on the floor. Think about the person you actually are rather than some flighty, experimental person. See those Kate Moss pirate boots – well they were NEVER a good idea. Get two piles going- CLOTHES I ACTUALLY WEAR versus THE CRAZY LADY WHO DOESN’T EXIST.

Once you do this you’ll see that trainers and dungarees are all you need.

Buy some nice stationary

I love a notebook. A new notebook signals a fresh start. It signals my FANTASY life is about to happen but all I need to do is commit it to paper. Spend a while choosing the right book (with a nice empowering statement on the front like ‘LET’S DO THIS’) and then draw some diagrams. Some of these books come with diagrams so you just have to colour them in. None of the things in the notebook might actually happen but you’ll feel so good when you get your new book out (and other people will think you REALLY know where you’re headed).

Plan a Digital Detox (and ACTUALLY DO IT!)

I know. You love Instagram. You love going on the DM side bar of shame and reading about Kim Kardashian’s latest bum implants. But how about ONE day where you pretend you’re living in the 70’s? (without the revolting food and polyester roll necks). Listen to Joni Mitchell. Parent like your Mum parented (mine liked to tell me ‘only boring people get bored’ and then send me to my room.) Make a mud pie. Don’t upload any photos of you ‘being all 70’s at home today’ (and if you manage it then HIGH FIVE because I’ve never succeeded).

Get clever (er)

Do you have NO IDEA what anyone is talking about these days? Do you worry that you’ll bump into Lauren Laverne and be tongue -tied? I was once interviewed about Gordon Brown for a radio show and the only thing I could think of to say was that he ‘smiled funny’. Needless to say my TV career failed to take off after this. Take one afternoon and visit an art gallery. See a film with subtitles. If you can’t be bothered then watch a documentary on BBC4.

Eat something green on Monday-Wednesday

Every Monday eat something green. See if you can do this on Tuesday and Wednesday. We all know how our diet tends to get worse as the week progresses (so Friday is usually chips and Magnums). Back to school is about getting a bit more healthy and virtuous. Just a bit.

Re-read a book you love 

We’re always looking out for the new thing but sometimes it’s nice to just re-read something you KNOW you like. Try picking up Bridget Jones again. Laugh at how neurotic and yet accurate her descriptions are. Feel sad that you never have the energy or inclination to wonder ‘does he like me or not’. 

Be nicer to your fella

Apparently according to a recent study by Relate, couples are more likely to break up post summer holidays. It’s easy to see how hot weather/ kids in your hair can contribute to this. Many men don’t look after their feet so look bad in sandals.  So tell him his hair suits him that way (even if he’s bald). Whisper the lyrics to the song you got married to. Buy him a packet of Minstrels and don’t eat them before you get home.

And remember going back to school doesn’t need to be a drag. Sharpen your pencils. Prepare. Life is short. Use this time.

Anniki Sommerville

I'm Super Editor here at SelfishMother.com and love reading all your fantastic posts and mulling over all the complexities of modern parenting. We have a fantastic and supportive community of writers here and I've learnt just how transformative and therapeutic writing can me. If you've had a bad day then write about it. If you've had a good day- do the same! You'll feel better just airing your thoughts and realising that no one has a master plan. I'm Mum to a daughter who's 3 and my passions are writing, reading and doing yoga (I love saying that but to be honest I'm no yogi).

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