I've been thinking a lot about transitions lately.
Going back to school isn't just the start of another year, it's the end of a season. It's saying goodbye to slower mornings, flexible schedules, vacations, and extra time with the people we love. It's also stepping back into meaningful work, reconnecting with colleagues, and welcoming a new group of students.
Those things can exist together.
It's completely normal to feel excited about what's ahead while also grieving what you're leaving behind.
As Candace Reels writes, "Two things can be true at the same time; they can even seem rather contradictory. Truth isn't always either/or. It's often both/and."
The interesting thing about transitions is that our brains don't distinguish between good change and hard change. Even positive transitions require us to adjust. That's why it's completely normal to feel excited about a new school year while also feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even a little sad. Those emotions aren't competing with each other, they're simply part of being human.
So, then how can we make this transition a little easier on ourselves?
1. Expect the transition to take time.
One of the biggest mistakes we make is expecting ourselves to feel "back to normal" on Day 1.
Research on life transitions tells us that even positive changes require psychological adjustment. Our brains have spent weeks adapting to a slower summer rhythm. It's normal for the first few weeks back to feel mentally and emotionally taxing as you shift into a new routine. Instead of asking yourself, "Why am I so exhausted already?" Try asking, "How can I support myself while I'm adjusting?"
2. Make room for mixed emotion.
Psychologist Susan David, author of Emotional Agility, reminds us that difficult emotions aren't obstacles rather they're information. You don't have to choose between excitement and sadness.
You can feel: excited and overwhelmed, grateful and exhausted, hopeful and anxious.
Naming your emotions instead of fighting them actually helps your brain regulate them.
3. Protect one piece of your summer.
One reason transitions feel so abrupt is because we often abandon everything that made us feel like ourselves during the summer. Maybe for you it was: morning coffee on the porch, evening walks, reading for pleasure, or exercising. Instead of assuming all of that has to disappear ask yourself. "What is one thing from my summer routine I can intentionally carry into the school year?" Research on habit formation shows that maintaining familiar routines during periods of change creates stability and reduces stress.
4. Aim for good enough.
This isn't about lowering your expectations, it's about recognizing the mental load that comes with the start of a new school year. Every day, you're making countless decisions, learning new names, establishing routines, and solving problems. It's a lot. So, give yourself permission to embrace "good enough" during these first few weeks. Your classroom doesn't have to be Pinterest-perfect, and every lesson doesn't have to be your best one yet. Focus on what matters most: helping students feel connected.
