As summer fades and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to prepare for back to school with new routines and healthy habits that will set you up for success.
While the change from relaxed summer days to structured school schedules can be a challenge, implementing a few simple autumn health tips will help ease the transition for both you and your family, making mornings less stressful and afternoons more enjoyable.
Here are some tried-and-true ways to prepare for back to school and set everyone up for a thriving year ahead.
Get organised
Set up a family command centre in a key spot, like the kitchen or near the front door, to keep everyone’s schedules, notices, meal plans, and to-do lists in one place. Consider adding a magnetic board for reminders, magazine holders for schoolwork, and a charging station for devices.
Create a weekly schedule for each child, marking homework days, activities, and what to pack. Laminating the schedule lets you easily update it each week.
Prepare the night before
Minimise the chaos of busy mornings by preparing the night before. Lay out outfits, pack school bags, and get any after-school gear ready. You can even prep breakfast ahead of time:
Overnight oats, chia puddings, or gut-healthy smoothies are perfect for an easy, ready-to-go breakfast.
Try these 3-ingredient pancakes or baked oatmeal can be made the night before for a quick start to the day.
Breakfast muffins are also great for a grab-and-go option when you’re in a rush.
Be ready for the afternoon snack-attacks
School days and after-school activities can leave everyone feeling hungry. To avoid unhealthy snacks, prepare some energy-supporting snacks ahead of time. Some great options include:
- Smoothies, yoghurt parfaits, or homemade granola bars
- Trail mix, veggies with hummus, and nut or seed butter sandwiches
These snacks will help keep everyone energised and nourished until dinnertime.
And here are some gut loving lunchbox ideas for kids, they also work great as afternoon snacks.
Get ready for those back-to-school bugs
With the return to school, germs can seem inevitable, but there are ways to support your immune system and give your family the best chance of staying healthy.
Spend time outdoors in nature, ensure everyone is getting enough sleep, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and consider a high-quality probiotic supplement to support gut health and immunity.
