Back to School Stress – Sneak Away to a Spa to Unwind

Heading back to school isn’t just stressful for the students – the teachers and the parents are also full of nerves, anxieties, and stressors. As back to school shopping lists get longer and more expensive thanks to inflation and an increased reliance on technology, the stress put on families can cause tension headaches even before any homework is assigned. That’s why you should consider putting one more thing on your back to school to do list (we know – one more thing! But trust us, this one is fun), a visit to the spa! A trip to the spa can put you and your teen at ease before heading back to school. And a spafinder gift card can be an excellent “Welcome Back” present for any teacher also struggling with the end of summer blues. 

A school stress crisis 

It’s no secret that teenagers have been struggling. With the pandemic years only recently behind us, they are more stressed, depressed and anxious than ever. According to Research.com: “on a 10-point scale, where normal values for adults are 3.8, American teens rated their stress rate at an average score of 5.8.” And teens are not only anxious about school work but they are stressed about their futures as paying for college gets more expensive, job prospects seem slim, and the climate spins out of control. 

On the other side of the desk, teachers aren’t faring much better. Exhausted by the pandemic, low pay, and phone addiction in schools, teachers are experiencing burn out at a high rate and they are leaving the profession in droves. This has led to a national teacher shortage that has left our schools and classrooms ill equipped to handle our students. And our test scores and graduation rates are suffering. 

Mindfulness in and out of the classroom

Parents can use a trip to the spa as a way to reconnect with their kid and create a special memory with their teen. Be sure to call ahead to make sure that the spa allows children as some do not allow anyone under the age of 18 and some only allow ages 16 and up. If a spa treatment seems too much for your little one but they could still use some pampering to relax, try a mani/pedi or a salon. They can still experience the destressing of a spa but in a less secluded setting. Luckily a Spafinder gift card covers them all. For more guidance on what treatments work best for teens, click here.

Wellness can also be used inside the classroom with great success. Schools that have instituted meditation rooms, yoga practices, and mindfulness training have seen increased focus, reduced aggression, and overall happiness improve in their students. 

An at-home spa is way better than homework

Finally, if a trip to the spa is out of your budget, consider throwing a DIY spa day at home. We have some fun, easy and affordable DIY spa recipes that can turn your sunday scaries into a sunday funday. This is perfect for a kid who wants to destress with friends and disconnect before the school year starts up anew.