A few years ago, I was chatting with a student who was about to enter a new school year. When I asked them how they were feeling about school starting, they paused and laughed: “Honestly, I don’t even know.”
Then they continued to explain. Part of them was excited to go back and see friends. Another part felt nervous about school in general. Part of them was curious about what the year would have in store. But another part was scared about fitting in and keeping up with work.
In other words, they were feeling… a lot of emotions.
What stuck with me wasn’t how unusual that interaction was. It was how normal that experience actually is.
It’s natural to feel many different emotions about going back to school. You might feel anxious one second and eager the next. You might feel excited about all of the possibilities while also sad that summer is ending.
If you’re feeling different emotions before starting a new school year, that’s OK. It often means you care about what’s about to happen. Rather than trying to ignore your feelings or wish them away, focus on managing them in a healthy way. Here are ten tips for what to do when you feel multiple emotions about going back to school.
10 Things to Do When You Feel Different Emotions Before a New School Year
1. Remind Yourself That It’s Normal to Have Mixed Emotions
When faced with mixed emotions, many students believe they shouldn’t feel nervous if they’re excited or shouldn’t feel excited if they’re nervous.
But here’s the thing. You can feel multiple emotions at once, and that’s perfectly OK.
It’s normal to feel anxious about certain aspects of school while still being excited for other parts. Remember that human emotions aren’t always black and white.
Instead of judging yourself for having mixed emotions, acknowledge that this feeling is completely normal. You’re going through a major transition. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up.
Read also: 65 Motivational Back-to-School Quotes Every Student Needs to Read
2. Identify What You’re Actually Feeling
Mixed emotions can often feel so overwhelming because the emotions themselves are unclear.
Take a moment to identify what you’re actually feeling. Are you worried about making friends? Are you looking forward to a new class? Are you concerned about getting good grades? Are you sad that summer is ending?
Allowing yourself to become emotionally aware means you understand what you’re truly feeling underneath the surface. You’ll know it when you recognize each individual emotion.
Read also: 10 Back to School Ideas Preschool Parents Need to Try This Year
3. Focus on What You Can Control
The problem with school induced anxiety is that it often grows out of students worrying about things they can’t control.
You can’t control every teacher you’ll have, every assignment you’ll receive, every social situation you’ll encounter, or every challenge that may come your way.
What you can control is how prepared you are, how you respond to challenges, how much effort you put forth, and what daily habits you cultivate. When you stop worrying about the unknown and focus on things you can control, you’ll feel less anxious overall.
Read also: 12 Back-to-School Shopping List Essentials for 8th Grade
4. Prepare Yourself as Much as You Can
Preparation is your friend. Don’t wait until the night before school starts to organize yourself.
Buy and gather all of your supplies, prepare your class schedule, and get a head start on any assignments you may have. The more prepared you are, the less you’ll have to worry about on your first day.
You don’t need to go overboard. Do what you can to feel prepared, and allow yourself to trust that things will work out.
5. Talk About How You’re Feeling
Sometimes students feel as though they’re the only ones who feel nervous or anxious about school starting.
But that’s rarely the case. Most people feel at least some sort of anxiety or nervousness about what’s to come. Speak with friends, siblings, parents, or another trusted adult about how you’re feeling.
You might be surprised to find that many people feel exactly the way that you do. Sometimes just talking about your emotions out loud can help you feel better.
6. Stop Playing Out Worst Case Scenarios
Whenever we feel worried or anxious about something, our minds often try to prepare us for the worst.
What if I fail that test? What if I get a bad teacher? What if I don’t make any friends?
While it’s good to be prepared for life’s challenges, you don’t have to assume the worst things will happen to you. Tell yourself that things will be OK and focus on the positive outcomes that could occur instead.
7. Practice Returning to a “School Lifestyle”
After a few months of summer, it can be tough to get yourself back into a school mindset.
Try a week or two before school starts to slowly adjust your sleep schedule, daily habits, and routine. Not only will this help the transition feel less dramatic, but it’ll also allow you to ease your body back into a school lifestyle.
You’ll feel more energized, focused, and balanced.
8. Shift Your Mindset to See Opportunities
It’s easy to harp on everything that could go wrong for the upcoming school year.
But what about all of the things that can go right? A new school year is full of opportunities. You could make new friends, discover new passions, learn valuable skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Positive thinking doesn’t mean pretending like challenges won’t arise. It means reminding yourself that there are just as many good things waiting for you as there are bad.
9. Allow Yourself to Start Fresh
Remember: A new school year means a fresh start.
Last year may not have gone the way you wanted it to. You might have struggled in school, felt lonely, or battled with your mental health. That’s OK!
You don’t have to let past mistakes or failures dictate how your new school year goes. Give yourself a chance to start over.
10. Trust Yourself More Than You Trust Fear
Fear likes to tell you that you’re not good enough or ready for what’s to come.
It will try to trick you into believing you’re going to fail or embarrass yourself. It might even convince you that you’ll struggle more than everyone else.
But fear doesn’t always know what it’s talking about. Remember the last time you pushed through a challenge? You are more capable than you think.
Trust in yourself and your ability to adapt to change. You’ve got this!
Conclusion
Feeling nervous, excited, happy, scared, worried, and eager are all normal emotions to feel before a new school year.
Remember that new school years aren’t just about academics. They’re an opportunity to grow as a person and learn more about yourself. Embrace the journey.
FAQ
Is nervousness about school normal?
Yes! Many students experience some sort of nervousness before going back to school.
Why do I have mixed emotions about school?
Transitions often bring up mixed emotions. You could be excited about spending time with classmates while dreading your morning commute.
How can I not worry about school?
Focus on the things you can control. Take good care of yourself and prepare as best you can. Most things you worry about won’t end up happening.
How can I not be scared to go back to school?
Accept that you’re feeling scared. Try to pinpoint exactly what you’re afraid of. Talk it out with someone you trust. Remind yourself that you are stronger than your fears.
Why do I feel indifferent about going back to school?
Feeling indifferent about school could be your brain’s way of protecting you from feeling other emotions. Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling, even if it’s nothing at all.
I’m scared to go back to school. What should I do?
Start by talking about your feelings of fear and anxiety. Spend time with friends or family who make you feel comfortable. Remind yourself that you are not your fears. You are stronger than you realize.
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