by Emma DiStefano. Illustrations by Shainna Rosenbaum

​With the fall semester rapidly approaching, finding the perfect study spot is an essential back-to-school item for students. As a St. Johns local who attended Bartram Trail and is now a senior at Rollins College, I have spent plenty of time in search of a good cup of coffee and a cozy corner to settle in with my textbooks. Thankfully, we have some best study spots right in our own backyard. Whether you what a quiet place to focus or a space to work with friends, these 5 local spots have a little something for everyone.


My all-time favorite café to study at is Spring Park Coffee, located in the heart of Green Cove Springs. Spring Park offers unique and delicious specialty lattes, and cozy atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for a productive afternoon. With antique furniture and eclectic décor, this café makes you feel like you are on the set of the beloved sitcom Friends.


Brass Tacks is another great local spot, and I like to think of it as the hip, younger sibling of Spring Park. With its locations in Fruit Cove and on Southside Blvd, it’s a great spot for both local high schoolers and students at UNF. If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend the Rex sandwich and their signature Black Jack cold brew.
    
For students at Jacksonville University, The Greenhouse Bar located in the Riverside neighborhood, is an excellent choice. This bright, plant-filled café boasts plenty of room for friends and creative drinks. I recommend the Velvet Elvis, one of their signature lattes with banana and peanut butter, inspired by the music legend’s favorite snack!


The next spot on my list is Tetherball Coffee, located in the Mandarin area right off San Jose Blvd. This spot is great for whimsical spirits or anyone looking to spice up their usual coffee order. The welcoming atmosphere and fun seasonal drink menu make every visit feel a little different, so be sure to ask what's currently on special.


Finishing my list is Miss Cruffin in Fruit Cove, a charming French-style bakery that's become a local favorite. With great pastries, bright décor, and a cozy atmosphere, it's an ideal destination for a study date, getting lost in a good book, or tackling a creative project.


No matter what you’re looking for, St. Johns is home to an incredible variety of locally owned spots. Supporting small businesses gives you the chance to discover great coffee, delicious food, and welcoming spaces along the way. This semester, skip the chain coffee shop and explore one of these local gems, you may just find your new favorite study spot.

As the school bells begin to ring and summer’s carefree rhythm gives way to packed schedules and homework, many families in St. Johns find themselves feeling overwhelmed. The return to routine often brings a wave of stress — not just for students facing academic pressure, but also for parents juggling it all behind the scenes. But what if there were a gentle, effective way to ease anxiety and restore balance for the whole family? More local parents are turning to clinical hypnotherapy as a powerful tool to help kids build confidence, parents find calm, and everyone thrive in the busy back-to-school season.


Families Stress Less
As back-to-school season arrives in St. Johns, many families feel more than excitement — stress, anxiety, and burnout can quickly take over. Between early mornings, busy routines, and academic pressures, both students and parents may struggle to stay balanced. Increasingly, local families are discovering the surprising benefits of hypnotherapy to ease the transition and support overall well-being.


Calmer Kids, More Confident Test Takers
Even the brightest students can freeze up on test day. Hypnotherapy helps children calm their minds, release anxiety, and build real confidence. Through guided focus and mental rehearsal, kids can shift from fear to clarity — and even begin to enjoy the learning process.


Stressed Parents Deserve Support Too
Juggling careers, kids, and endless responsibilities can leave parents exhausted. Hypnotherapy offers a space to reset. Whether it’s worry, perfectionism, or burnout, parents can find renewed energy, peace, and presence for themselves and their families.


A Smart Investment in Family Well-Being
Hypnosis works deeply to create lasting change — helping families sleep better, focus more, and experience greater calm at home. Sessions are personalized for students with school anxiety or parents feeling overwhelmed.


Ready to start the year with more ease and confidence? Visit www.wellmindedhypnosis.com to book your free consultation. Locations in Nocatee, St. Augustine, and virtual.

by Diana Brummer, LCSW
​Owner, Good Mental Health LLC

With summer winding down, many parents and kids feel the tension of shifting from lazy, unstructured days to the more hectic pace of a new school year. But with a little planning and empathy, you can create a smoother, more positive transition for your family.


Start with routines: Easing your child back into a school schedule is about more than setting the alarm. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a week or two before school starts. This helps reset their internal clocks and ensures they’re rested and ready for those early mornings. Practice morning routines like getting dressed, having breakfast, and packing backpacks. Even a “dress rehearsal” or visiting the school campus beforehand can make those routines feel familiar on day one.


Create structure with flexibility: Kids thrive on routines, but too much rigidity can add stress. Use a family calendar or a visual schedule so everyone knows what to expect each day. Prepare a dedicated homework space with all the supplies they’ll need, and consider using checklists to help them remember important tasks or items to bring.


Support their emotions: Back-to-school brings excitement and nerves. Start conversations about what your child is looking forward to and what makes them anxious. Be available to listen—sometimes they just need reassurance that their feelings are normal. Books, drawings, or play can also help younger kids express what they’re feeling.


Reconnect socially: Arrange a few playdates or outings with classmates before school starts to rebuild social bonds. Attending back-to-school events or meeting new teachers ahead of time can lessen first-day jitters. Remind your child of past successes and challenges they’ve overcome so they head into the year with confidence.


Maintain healthy habits: Over the last weeks of summer, focus on balanced nutrition, regular meals, and plenty of outdoor activity. Starting each school day with a healthy breakfast can boost your child’s energy and focus.


Finally, remember that transitions aren’t always seamless—and that’s okay. Allow space for extra downtime in the first weeks. Keeping communication open and your approach flexible will reassure your child that you’re in this together, every step of the way.


By preparing early, showing empathy, and building excitement, you’re setting your kids up for a strong start—academically, emotionally, and socially.


Good Mental Health is a counseling and coaching practice based in St. Johns, Florida, offering individual, couples, and family counseling to adolescents and adults. Sessions are available face-to-face and online. We hope to provide the tools and skills necessary to heal past wounds, grow healthy relationships, and build stronger families. For more information, visit GoodMentalHealthLLC.com. ​