As September approaches, many teens are getting ready to head back to school. While a new school year can be exciting, it can also bring a lot of pressure. There can be this unspoken expectation to come back looking your best, feeling your best, and having everything figured out. The truth is, that’s a lot to carry. Whether you’re starting a new school, returning to familiar faces, or balancing school with appointments, treatments, or other health challenges, it’s okay if you’re feeling a mix of emotions. Instead of striving to be the “perfect” version of yourself this September, try focusing on something different: creating your own September Comfort Kit—a collection of tools and habits that help you feel supported, organized, and grounded when life gets busy.
📱 Apps That Can Make Life a Little Easier
The right apps can help you stay organized, study more efficiently, and even take mindful breaks throughout the day Here are a few teen favourites:
•Notion – Keep track of homework, schedules, goals, and notes all in one place.
•Quizlet – Make studying a little less stressful with digital flashcards and practice quizzes.
•Forest – Stay focused by putting your phone down and growing a virtual forest while you work.
•Upopolis (App launching Fall 2026) – Connect with other youth living with medical conditions, discover helpful resources, and find a supportive community that understands what you’re going through.
✍️Give Journaling a Chance
We know—just hearing the word journaling might make some people roll their eyes. But before you dismiss it, hear us out! Journaling isn’t about writing the perfect story or filling pages every day. It’s simply a space to unload your thoughts, process emotions, celebrate small wins, or make sense of a difficult day. Research shows journaling can help reduce stress, improve self-awareness, strengthen problem- solving skills, and even boost memory.
If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these prompts:
•What’s one thing I’m looking forward to this month?
•What’s something I’m nervous about?
• What helps me feel calm when I’m overwhelmed?
• What’s one thing I’m proud of from this summer?
• If I could be kind to myself this week, what would that look like?
🎧 Create Your Comfort Playlist
Music can be incredibly powerful. Build a playlist filled with songs that help you feel calm, motivated, understood, or simply make you smile. On tough days, press play and let it be a reminder that you have tools to help you through.
🎙️Listen to a Podcast
Whether you’re riding the bus, getting ready in the morning, or winding down before bed, podcasts can inspire, distract, or help you learn something new. Find one that makes you laugh, teaches you a new skill, or reminds you that you’re not alone.
🙏 Practice Daily Gratitude
Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It simply means noticing the small moments that bring comfort or joy. Each day, try writing down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big. Maybe it’s your favourite snack, a funny conversation with a friend, your pet, or getting outside for a few minutes.
💙 Create a Simple Coping Plan
Think about what helps you when you’re having a difficult day before that day arrives.
Your coping plan might include:
•Going for a short walk
• Texting a trusted friend or family member
• Listening to your comfort playlist
• Taking a few deep breaths
• Drawing, reading, or playing a game
•Taking a break from social media
Having a plan ready can make overwhelming moments feel a little more manageable.
📵 Disconnect to Reconnect
It’s easy to compare your life to everyone else’s highlight reel online—especially during back-to-
school season. Remember that social media usually shows the best moments, not the whole
story. Give yourself permission to unplug occasionally. Even a short break from scrolling can help you
reconnect with what you need.
One Last Reminder…
Some days you’ll feel like you’ve got everything under control. Other days, you might feel
overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious—and that’s okay. Remember, showing up is enough. Don’t wait until you’re having a hard day to use the tools in your Comfort Kit. Try one or two of these ideas now so they become familiar when you need them most.
As you head into a new school year, be patient with yourself. Transitions can be exciting, but they can also be challenging. Give yourself permission to slow down, ask for support when you need it, and take care of your mental health along the way. You don’t have to have it all figured out this September. You are enough—exactly as you are.