As the summer comes to an end and the back to School merch floods the storefronts... the anxiety comes creeping in.

Although I am no longer in school, I still feel back to school/work jitters. Maybe you didn't accomplish all you wanted to during the Summer, maybe you are dreading seeing someone when you return to school/work, or maybe it's just the fact that it's another year of being somewhere you really don't want to be.

Here are my ways for Mentally Preparing for that first couple weeks back to school/work:

1. Wake up Earlier

A week before school/work begins, start going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. This will make the first week back a little easier since you will be used to waking up at the crack of dawn.

2. Plan away the Jitters

Plan away the jitters by setting some goals you have for the school year, semester, or just goals for the remainder of the year. Create a vision board with pictures that inspire you, providing you with hope and maybe even a little excitement to go back to school/work.

3. Plan a Trip

Sometimes we can feel extra anxious if we feel trapped. Trapped in a school environment or work environment we don't love... if changing schools or work is not an option right now, plan a trip. You don't even actually have to TAKE the trip...just the act of planning one as been shown to lift our mood and ease tension!

4. Have Fun

Remember that just because work or school is starting back up in a couple of weeks does not mean your vacation mentality has to end. Think of new creative ways you can incorporate holiday activities into your weekly routine once school/work starts.