Do you feel that your backpack is getting so heavy to the point where you feel like you’re going to slump down the hallway? Does your back hurt from carrying such heavy materials? Perhaps your backpack is just too heavy. Carrying such a heavy bag from here to there may cause you to have back problems in the future. Here are some ways that you can do to reduce the weight of your backpack and make things easier on yourself:

- Get rid of the unnecessary items.
Do you really need to carry all of the items that are in your backpack right now? Even just getting rid of some random papers could decrease the weight that you carry on your back. Try bringing less items to and from school or even leave a set of your pencils at school, so you don’t need to put another set in your bag.

- Try carrying some items.
Is it a requirement that all students need to keep every single items of their belongings in their bag? If schools set that rule, then they are simply insane. Try to carry some of your items when you walk to school, like a textbook. Then when you go home, you can wear your jacket instead of stuffing it in your bag as well.

- Use your locker if you have one.
Most middle schools and high schools provide their students with a locker. In order to prevent yourself from carrying a heavy backpack, try to put your book bag in your locker and carry the materials you need for class instead. It not only prevents you from carrying something, but can also be much more convenient.

- Take advantage of school supplies.
If your school provides pencils for you every day, use the pencils at school. If your school provides two sets of textbooks for you (one to keep at home and one to use in school), use the textbook at the school instead of carrying your heavy textbook from home. This will reduce the size and weight of your backpack tremendously. Use what the school provides for you if you can.

- Do all your homework at home.
Because some books are only available in the classrooms, some kids need to bring their own textbooks to school in order to do their homework. Not only is this irresponsible; it will mean an extra thing for you to carry in your backpack. Do everything at home, and you won’t have to bring extra material to school. If you’re school allows you to have some time in school to do your homework, try to use that time as wisely as you can so you don’t have to carry your textbook home and do your homework then.

Your book bag should not be heavier than 15% of your weight because carrying one over that weight can cause back pains. Carry a lighter backpack to school everyday, and you’ll be satisfied!