Back to School Season: Don’t Forget About Your Nervous System!
Summer is quickly winding down and back to school season is right around the corner. I honestly can’t believe it. Summer always flies by in the blink of an eye! As we transition into back to school season, most families focus on the essentials: back to school shopping, school supplies, and getting back into a solid routine. There is something else that you should also consider prioritizing this back to school season - your child’s nervous system health!
Why the Nervous System Matters - Especially Now
The nervous system is the control center of our entire body. It regulates every movement and emotions to sleep, focus, digestion, and immune function. In children, a healthy immune system plays an essential role in brain development, regulating behavior, and the ability to adapt to stress.
Back to school season often brings:
New routines and early mornings
Increased mental and emotional stress
Heavier backpacks and more sitting
Less outdoor time and physical activity.
All of these factors can place added strain on your child’s spine and body, which can potentially lead to signs of a dysregulated nervous system. Some of these signs of imbalance include poor sleep, headaches, digestive issues, “big feelings” or emotional breakdowns, difficulty focusing, mood swings, or even poor immune function.
How Chiropractic Care Can Support a Healthy Nervous System
Chiropractic adjustments are beneficial for so much more than just posture or pain relief - they are about optimizing nervous system function! Gentle, specific adjustments help remove interference in the spine that may be interrupting how the brain is communicating with the rest of the body. When the nervous system is well supported and well-regulated, kids often experience:
Better Sleep
Improved focus and behavior
Stronger immune system
Better digestion
Greater ability to adapt to stress
For children in school, a well-regulated nervous system may mean fewer sick days, improved behavior in the classroom, and an easier time transitioning into back to school mode.
Practical Tips for Parents
Here are a few ways you can support your child’s nervous system during the back-to-school transition:
Prioritize sleep: Creating a solid bedtime routine is going to make a world of a difference! A rested brain is a healthier, more adaptable brain.
Encourage movement: Children will be sitting for way longer once they are back in school, so prioritizing movement is going to be a game changer! Make time for daily physical activity to counteract those long periods of sitting in school.
Lighten the backpack: Try to keep backpacks as light as possible and make sure you child is using both straps!
Create calm routines: Predictable schedules and screen-free downtime help reduce stress.
Schedule a wellness check: A chiropractic adjustment can help your child start the year in alignment - physically and neurologically!
This School Year, Your Child Deserves to Thrive!
Back-to-school season should be a time filled with excitement and opportunity - not stress! A well functioning nervous system is crucial for your child to be able to adapt to change, focus in class, and feel their best.
Seahaven Chiropractic is committed to supporting you and your family during this season. You and your family deserve to thrive - not just survive! If you’re curious about how chiropractic care can support your child this school year, we would love to chat. Schedule an appointment today and let’s set your family up for success!
