New Year – New Who?

Coming back to school after a long break can be rough on all of us, students and staff alike. Here are some tips to get through the first couple of weeks. One thing to emphasize is tapping into your community, who and whatever it may be.

* Name your feelings: It’s normal to feel excited, nervous, tired, or all three. Naming feelings helps manage them.

* Start small: Focus on getting through the first day or first class, not the whole week.

* Use calming strategies: Deep breathing, stretching, or quiet music can help reset your mind.

* Reconnect with peers: Say hi to at least one person each day—even small interactions matter.

* Practice self-kindness: You might feel “rusty” at first, and that’s okay.