10 Back to School Tips Everyone Can Use

With the end of August comes the start of the back to school season. Whether you are a parent getting the kids ready for a new school year, a student gearing up for the fall semester, or a working professional ready to get back to a normal routine after summertime, Paleo Scavenger is here to give you our top ten tips for back to school!

#1 Catch some zzz’s. Sleep is essential to everyone, especially children. Get your kids on a “back to school” sleep schedule two weeks before the first day of classes. Need to work on your own bedtime? Try a new nighttime routine. Turn off all screens an hour before bed and do something for yourself to relax and unwind. Whether it is curling up with a good book, meditating, or practicing a light yoga routine, pick something that you enjoy and try it out for a week or two. You may even find you sleep better.

#2 Get Active. Parents, get your children involved in after school programs to keep them active. Whether it is football, volleyball, or a running club, get your kids moving! Make sure you get moving too. The holidays are only four short months away, so what better time to join a gym or sign up for classes at a local studio? There is still time for your New Year’s resolutions you made back in January. It’s never too late to get started.

#3 Stock Up on Supplies. What’s the one thing children enjoy most about back to school season? Back to school shopping! Take an inventory of what supplies you already have on hand and make a list of new school supplies needed. Are you past the age where you need school supplies? Stock up on back to school supplies anyways! Whether it’s for your office or your home, take advantage of back to school deals. 5 notebooks for $2, don’t mind if we do!

#4 Schedule Play Dates. All work and no play is not fun for anyone. Parents, make sure your kids have some fun play dates lined up for the first month of school so they have designated days with friends to look forward to. Play dates aren’t just for kids either. Plan a health and wellness date with your friend, significant other, or close family member. Stay in and cook a healthy dinner together or venture out into the community and try a new workout class at a local studio. Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, everything's better with friends.

#5 Stay healthy. Cold and flu season is right around the corner. Make a conscience effort to make sure you and your family are all getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. The best way to load up on those micronutrients is through real food, but you can always complement your healthy lifestyle with the addition of a multivitamin.

#6 Plan and Prepare. Ask your children to pick out the next day’s outfit the night before to avoid the morning scramble to get out the door. Follow their lead and do the same for yourself. Whether you pack a gym bag, or lay out your office outfit, do your future self a favor and plan ahead.

#7 Pack Lunches. Besides laying out clothes for tomorrow, pack everyone’s lunch the night before. That includes your office lunch too! Ask the children to help and make it a family affair. Be sure to stock up on healthy snack options like fresh fruit, nut butters, farmers market veggies, and chewy granola.

#8 Wardrobe Update. As we transition from the warm summer months to the cooler months of fall, everyone can go through their current wardrobe and donate clothing items that no longer fit or are outdated. Take this opportunity to make room for new seasonal items that are in style.

#9 Make Earth Day Everyday. Make sure everyone in your family has a reusable water bottle and glassware to use in their packed lunches. No need to bother with plastic bags, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. Stock up and save the earth one packed lunch at a time! Just remind the kiddos to bring the glassware home and to not accidentally discard it after their lunch hour at school.

#10 Stock up on Snacks. Hunger can strike anyone at any time and no one likes a hangry child, or adult for that matter. Stock up on healthy snacks for the house, your car, or office desk and never be left snack-less. Some of our favorites include a mix of healthy nuts like almonds and cashews, dried fruit, or homemade granola.