The start of a new school year is an exciting time for families. New teachers, new routines, school activities, and opportunities to learn can make the transition from summer both fun and hectic. Unfortunately, the beginning of the school year can also bring crowded classrooms, busy schedules, less sleep, and plenty of opportunities for sickness to make their way into your home.
While you cannot prevent every cold or illness, there are several simple steps your family can take to stay healthier as everyone heads back to school. From building healthy routines to creating a cleaner home environment, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are three helpful ways to stay healthy as the school year begins.
1. Get Back Into a Healthy Routine
Summer schedules can be wonderfully relaxed, but getting back into a routine is important once school starts. One of the best things parents can do is help their children gradually return to consistent sleeping and eating habits. You’ll be amazed at the difference this makes in overall health as well as the overall attitude of your family members.
Make sure everyone in the family is getting enough sleep each night. A good night’s rest can help children and adults feel more energized, focused, and ready to take on busy school and work days. Consider setting consistent bedtimes and limiting screen time before bed to make winding down easier.
Healthy meals and snacks are important, too. Busy mornings can make it tempting to grab something quick and head out the door, but a nutritious breakfast can help kids stay focused throughout the school day. Preparing lunches and snacks ahead of time can also make mornings less stressful.
Don’t forget about hydration! Drinking enough water is crucial for a healthy body. Encourage your children to bring reusable water bottles to school and make drinking water a regular part of everyone’s daily routine.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
When children return to school, they come into contact with classmates, teachers, shared supplies, and countless frequently touched surfaces. That means they may also bring more nasty and pesky things home with them. Cleaning will help keep the nasty things at bay.
Creating a few simple cleaning habits can help your family maintain a healthier home. Encourage everyone to wash their hands when they arrive home, especially before eating. Frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops, should also be cleaned regularly.
It can also help to establish a designated place for backpacks, shoes, and school supplies. This can reduce clutter while preventing dirt from being tracked throughout the house. Remember that keeping your home clean doesn’t mean you have to spend every evening scrubbing. A simple routine that involves the entire family can make cleaning more manageable and help everyone take responsibility for maintaining a comfortable home.
3. Schedule Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Your carpets and upholstered furniture work hard every day. They collect dirt, dust, non-living allergens*, crumbs, pet hair, and other unwanted particles that can make their way into your home. As school starts and your family’s schedule becomes busier, now can be an excellent time to give your carpet and upholstery a fresh start. Scheduling a professional carpet cleaning in Wilmington can help remove deeply embedded dirt and non-living allergens* that regular vacuuming may leave behind.
Professional cleaning can be especially helpful after a busy summer filled with children, pets, visitors, and outdoor activities. Your furniture deserves attention, too. Upholstered sofas, chairs, and other furniture can collect dirt and debris over time, making professional upholstery cleaning another great way to refresh your living space.
At Cape Fear Chem-Dry, our team can help you create a cleaner, fresher home for your family. Whether you’re preparing for the school year or simply want to give your home the reset it deserves, we’re here for you! Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning with our crew can be an important part of your back-to-school routine.
Start the School Year With a Healthier, Fresher Home
The beginning of a new school year is the perfect opportunity to establish healthy habits for the entire family. By creating consistent routines, keeping frequently used areas clean, and scheduling professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, you can help make your home a healthier and more comfortable place.