Back to School Health and Wellness Tips

Back to school season is here. Even though the decision of whether or not to send kids back into the classroom varies between parents, guardians, teachers, and school officials—now’s the time to focus on youths, because they’re the ones we care about the most.

To help make sure your loved ones are able to get back into the swing of things, we created this short list of back to school wellness tips, because there’s still plenty of time to make sure youths are prepared for school sessions, whether they’ll be at home or in a more traditional setting. 

So, keep reading to learn a few health and wellness tips for kids to help that special youngster in your life, whether it’s your own child, a relative, or a family friend. Just make sure you show how much you care by helping them get everything they need to succeed. 

Since it may seem obvious to buy paper, pencils, a bookbag, clothes, or a tablet, this is a list of wellness inspired tips. Each one of these tips will make sure your child looks and feels their absolute best, when they crack open their textbooks and begin learning after a seemingly long summer.

Prevent Mask Irritation 

Going back to school this year is different, because of the added safety measures that many students will have to follow due to the pandemic. Since many children will have to wear masks indoors, make sure you follow a few steps to prevent them from being exposed to mask irritation. 

Purchase a strong but comfortable mask made with material that is both soft and breathable. Cotton may work best, especially for a child who suffers from acne or has oily skin. Try to avoid fabrics that can cause irritation or breakouts, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon. 

Remember that health care officials recommend washing cloth masks after each use, which helps to kill germs but will also remove excess oil and dead skin cells. 

Whether you decide to wash masks by hand or with a washing machine, make sure to follow the directions on the mask and use hot water, unless directed to do otherwise. Also consider using a detergent that’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Encourage a Consistent Sleep Schedule 

During the summer months, sleep schedules can get a little thrown off. But now is the time to make sure young ones get enough rest, so that they can successfully attack their studies. Sleep deprivation can lead to problems, such difficulty concentrating and reduced attention span. 

By setting a consistent sleep schedule and making sure your child gets the right amount of rest, you’re setting that student up for success. Generally, all it takes is a normal bedtime routine to make sure kids fall asleep at a regular time. Consider reading to them before bed or getting them to take a relaxing bath before they tuck in. 

Minimize the amount of exposure your child has to blue screens from electronic devices and keep the home quiet before bedtime. This is especially true for younger children who may have trouble adjusting to a sleep schedule after spending the summer staying up a little later.  

According to health officials, preschoolers should get between 10 to 13 hours of sleep,  and elementary school aged children should get between 9 to 11 hours of sleep. Those ranges include the total amount of sleep at night and during naps. But keep in mind that an hour more or less may be appropriate for some children.

Pay Close Attention to Nutrition 

Encouraging healthy eating habits should always be the goal that every parent sets for their kid. Eating healthy at an early age can help foster positive habits that carry over into adulthood to reduce the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and heart problems. 

In regards to adjusting back into the classroom, a healthy diet is especially important during the school year, because a good diet can help boost memory development, keep arteries clear, and help new brain cells grow. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, a variety of proteins, and some oils. And make sure to limit their consumption of solid fats and added sugars, while reducing their sodium intake.

Start each morning off right by giving your child a healthy breakfast, which can improve cognitive function, reduced absenteeism, and improved mood, according to CDC officials. Adequate hydration is also important, so encourage kids to drink water throughout the day.

Book a Relaxing Session on Booksy

Children need to relax and destress too. So, help them ease into the school year by supporting local barbers, groomers, hair stylists, and nail technicians. Many beauty and grooming experts welcome children into their shop or salon. Others may provide Mobile Services at the location of your choice.

So, make sure to schedule a haircut appointment or hair styling session that will make sure your child feels their absolute best. Scroll through industry experts in your area to make absolutely sure they cater to children. And review the portfolio of that Booksy business owner to find the right look that your child will love to sport.

If you want to get a haircut for a family friend or relative, consider sending them an eGift Card. To make that happen, all you need to do is open the Booksy profile of the hairstylist or grooming expert and find the ‘SHOP’ tab. Then choose from the eGift Card options that are available and send that eGift Card to directly via email.