Health Habits

Back to School, Back to You: 5 Health Habits Adults Should Steal from Kids

By Jessica Dybus, DNP, FNP-BC

Every fall, kids head back to school armed with routines, structure, and healthy habits—whether they like it or not. And while adults may not get shiny new notebooks or packed lunches, there’s a lot we could (and should) learn from that back-to-school energy.

At Platinum Provider Group, we believe that grown-ups deserve a reset too. If your health routines have been on summer break, now’s the perfect time to get back on track. These five kid-approved habits aren’t just for students—they’re wellness essentials for adults, too.

Here are five back-to-school habits that grown-ups should totally steal:

1. Stick to a Sleep Routine—Even Adults Need a Bedtime

Remember when bedtime was non-negotiable? Turns out, it still should be. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, your brain processes the day, and your immune system gets stronger. Adults need 7–9 hours a night for optimal health, but many of us aren’t getting it.

💙DYK? Poor sleep is linked to higher risks of heart disease, weight gain, and depression.

💙Pro Tip: Set a wind-down routine like reading a book or putting your phone away 30 minutes before lights out. (Yes, we said put your phone away.)

2. Don’t Skip Lunch—Fuel Your Body Like You Mean It

Kids don’t get to skip lunch, and neither should you. When you skip meals, your body misses out on the fuel it needs to think clearly, move well, and stay energized. Balanced meals throughout the day support your metabolism and help regulate blood sugar.

💙Think simple: A protein-packed wrap, a handful of almonds, and fruit go a long way.

💙Bonus: Don’t forget to hydrate! Aim for at least 90 oz of water per day - 3 Stanleys.

3. Get Moving Every Day (Play Counts!)

Gym class. Recess. Dance class. As kids, movement was built into every day. As adults, it’s easy to let that slide—but your body still needs it. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a pickleball match, or dancing in your kitchen, movement boosts mood, energy, and heart health.

💙No gym required: 30 minutes of movement a day adds up. Park farther away, take the stairs, stretch during Netflix.

💙Goal: Aim for 10,000 steps a day to help keep your BMI under 28.

4. Go in for Your Annual Checkup

Back-to-school season means doctor’s visits and immunizations for kids—but grown-ups need preventive care, too. Your annual wellness visit is the best way to catch issues early, stay current on screenings, and set health goals with your provider.

💙Haven’t been in a while? Don’t wait for a problem to show up. Schedule that appointment.

💙Bonus: Ask your provider about vaccines that are recommended for the fall season, like flu or shingles.

5. Ask for Help When You Need It—No Shame, Just Self-Care

When kids struggle, they’re encouraged to speak up. Adults? Not so much. But the truth is, asking for help is a strength—not a weakness. Whether it’s physical burnout, emotional stress, or mental health challenges, support is available.

💙Mental health matters: Anxiety, depression, grief, and stress are common - and treatable.

💙Start here: Give yourself permission to talk to your provider or check the back of your insurance card for available resources. You’re not alone.

Make This Your Health Reset Moment

Back to school doesn’t just mean a new season for kids—it’s a chance for all of us to hit reset and recommit to habits that help us feel better, think clearer, and live longer.

Whether you need to get your steps in, drink more water, or finally schedule that checkup, the time is now.

Need help getting started? We’re here. Our team at Platinum Provider Group is ready to support you—whether it’s your first wellness visit or your fifteenth. 👉 Book your appointment at www.myppg.care

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Jessica Dybus, DNP, FNP-BC

Jessica is located in the Mays Landing office.  She is a family nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Rutgers University with her Doctor of Nursing Practice and is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).  She is best known for her commitment, compassion, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of her patients. Her goals are to always advocate for her patients, listen to their concerns, and ensure effective outcomes and management.  She enjoys watching her Philadelphia Eagles & Phillies play and sending time with her family and furbaby, Brody.