GetBeyondEQ

    The first month of school can be a rollercoaster of emotions — excitement, nervous energy, and, for many, a creeping sense of overwhelm. Whether you’re a student navigating new classes, a parent juggling schedules, or a teacher balancing lesson plans with relationship-building, the early weeks set the tone for the year. By applying emotional dexterity skills, you can shift from chaos to control and create a smoother, more enjoyable school experience.  1. Recognize the Emotional Transition Period Big transitions trigger emotional turbulence. The brain thrives on predictability, and the start of school disrupts that rhythm. Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel unsettled — this awareness helps reduce stress. Action Tip: Each evening, name one positive moment from the day. This keeps the mind anchored in gratitude rather than overwhelm.  2. Manage Stress with the IRRA Method From Beyond Emotional Intelligence , the IRRA method — Identify, Recognize, Resp...

The start of a new school year is filled with promise, but it’s also a time of emotional challenges—new schedules, academic expectations, social dynamics, and the transition from summer freedom to structured routines. Emotional dexterity can be the key to not just surviving but thriving during this shift.  1. Start with Emotional-Awareness Students, parents, and educators alike benefit from regularly checking in with their emotions. Recognizing stress, excitement, or anxiety early allows for proactive responses rather than reactive outbursts.  Quick Practice: At the start or end of the day, take 60 seconds to name your emotions without judgment. This builds emotional awareness—the first step in managing them effectively.  2. Flip the Emotional Light Switch When the inevitable challenges arise—a tough test, a missed assignment, or a conflict with a classmate—students can use emotional creators to shift their state.  Examples: Listening to uplifting mu...