Detach, Detox, De-stress.

Chapter 1: Back to school

Nobody wants to go back to school. Trust me, I get it.
But not to worry, for all you younger girls I'll be your big sister. And for my older ones, I'll be your knowledgeable younger sister.

What do I buy for school this year?
It's always a tough one! I know most of us would rather just stick a pen in our pocket and come to school unequipped and just borrow from everyone else, trust me I've done that loads but it gets you nowhere! Whether you're too lazy, can't be bothered, or want to look cool and not care about your equipment, this needs to change girls!!
Here's a list of stationary related items you'll need to pack for school:
•Pencil Case
•Pens/highlighters/ruler/pencils/glue stick/scissors
•Scientific Calculator
•Folders
•Blank notepad
•Any textbooks you are told to bring

Other stuff you may need to bring in your school bag:
•Makeup Bag
•Drink/food
•Timetable/planner (school will give you this)
•Money for food/bus/spare change etc
•Bus card (if required)
•Perfume/deodorant
•PE kit (only days when you have PE)
•Paracetamol (unless they have it at school)
•Plasters/tissues/pads + tampons just in case
•Book/library book/school book
•Your phone/ laptop IF you are allowed/have to bring them
•Anything else you are required to bring

⚠️Do NOT bring paracetamol or other medication unless you know how much to take, and don't bring Piriton or other medication that makes you drowsy/sleepy. Only bring some if an adult at home knows you have it. It is just in case you feel ill or have a headache at school and cannot be provided with anything there⚠️

I would recommend bringing a backpack or a larger handbag to carry your stuff in for school. It's up to you, colour wise I would choose black, white or a grey. Of course it's your choice though! You choose whatever bag you want for school, unless it's too childish people might say something to you and you may get picked on for it. However that doesn't mean you have to stop liking what you like right now. You still watch cartoons? That's okay, you can watch them at home still, no one's stopping you! Whatever you like doing you do not have to change for anyone else. 

I'm worried about my new class/new seating plan this year/I don't know anyone in my classes:
That's okay, I didn't either! There were loads of people I didn't know or like in my class this year but as annoying as they were, I missed them so much at the end of the year. I'd give anything to be back in that class again, so don't sweat it.
You don't have to like everyone in your class, I sure didn't!
Don't stress about a seating plan, maybe you'll end up getting on with that person you get sat next to and maybe you won't, it's not the end of the world, just someone you have to deal with a couple times a week. Try speaking to them if you don't know them, and if you don't end up getting along, you can ask the teacher to move and if not, you've just got to crack on and do your work, don't let them distract you!
I made some amazing friends in my lessons this year, I liked them better than the ones from last year which was crazy because we were an inseparable class! Don't let seating plans give you a bad attitude to that lesson.

What if my teachers don't like me this year?
Trust me, it's nothing to worry about.
We've all been there. A teacher tells you off once and suddenly all these thoughts come flying in your head about getting bad grades and the teacher hating you forever.
 Come on, it's fine. I'm telling you now guys, IT'S NOT THAT DEEP!!
This doesn't mean go and get told off for the fun of it, you'll basically live in detention at that point, but getting told off for not knowing an answer, or talking too much is not going to affect your report card/grades. After that just take the hint and get on with your work, and think nothing else of it. 99.9% of the time, the teacher will not remember this and be absolutely fine with you next lesson.
Besides, even if the teacher doesn't like you a lot/at all, they can't let their feelings on you affect your grade. Sure if you aren't the best at that lesson or don't behave well in it it will affect your report card, but your grade on the actual work will not change.

I find it hard to make friends:
Sadly girl, I have waaaayyyy too many personal experiences with this.
Us quiet girls have to stick together. So let's paint the picture. You're sat next to another girl you don't know in a lesson this year. You want to talk to her, you're dying to make new friends, and you know what you want to say but the words just don't come out. I get you! It's so frustrating girl.
And you can't always wait for the other person to negotiate a conversation because sometimes they might be just as shy as you as well.
So here are my tips:

You don't have to make a big conversation. Start with small talk, works like a charm. For example, simply saying Hi or Hello can start a conversation up, or "Do you know what time it is?" Or "Sorry/excuse me, what's the date today?" Or even "I wasn't listening, what are we meant to be doing?" If you want to resonate with them, try "It's too hot/cold today" or "This is so hard!"
Even if you do know the answers I have used these a lot.
Sometimes it's easier to start with this rather than "Hello, my name is _____, what's yours?"
Personally I hate that. I don't like saying my name to someone I don't know, so I wait for them to ask instead. Sometimes you have to push yourself though. Connecting through social media helps. If you find them on snap, TikTok, Insta etc, give them a follow/ a DM saying "Hey it's ___ I sit next to you in ____"
If people don't remember your name right away that's okay! Some people need time after all these new people they're meeting.

A tip from my personal experience:
If other people don't like you, it doesn't mean everyone hates you!
If you happen to be a people pleaser and want everyone to like you, I understand how frustrating it is to find out someone doesn't like you for no reason. But you can't be friends with everyone right? Chances are, if someone dislikes you before you've even met/spoke, they don't deserve your kindness anyway. Keep your head up and move on.

Back to school can be tough. Really tough. But if anyone has anymore questions please comment I'd love to help anyone out.