How To Relieve Stress During Back-To-School Time
6 Tips For a Stress-Free Fall
Wouldn’t it be nice if Back To School could be stress-free?
I don’t know anyone who actually thinks this time of year is stress-free. We frantically try to relax for Labour Day only to be thrust into the muck of the first day of school.
If only life could be like that Staples commercial that plays “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” song for Back To School time.
Traffic is crazy. We know sniffles will be spreading soon. We experience the life transition of the kids growing up and going off to school or starting a new chapter.
When everything feels so chaotic it’s hard to keep a perspective on what we can control.
With back-to-school time, we start thinking and worrying about all those things that feel so stressful as we head into the darker and colder months.
That tickle in the back of your throat becomes a pervasive thought that maybe you’re getting sick.
All the things you have to do start piling up.
It feels like there’s no time to yourself.
But we do have the power to stop this rumination from getting out of control.
Our thoughts and actions are some of the few things we can have complete control over with practice.
And it’s simple actions during busy times of the year that will make us Unstressable and save us from burning out completely.
It’s not about trying to cram in more, but about taking the right actions to manage stress well.
While there are nearly infinite things we can do to work on improving our health, it’s not about having the perfect 3-hour morning routine, fancy biohacking gadgets, or any fad diet that quickly goes out of style.
These are just a few starting points that most people find doable. Pick just one of these at a time to work on that feel most ready to take action on:
Take 15-Minutes To Plan Your Week
Have 5-10 Minutes a Day To Breathe and Ground Yourself
Add in 1-2 Good Nutrition Practices To Keep Your Body and Especially Your Immune System Healthy
Improve Your Sleep Hygiene and Bedtime Routine
Write Down 3 Things You Are Grateful For Each Day
Get 10-15 Minutes of Outdoor Activity Daily
Plan Your Day to Stay Stress-Free
A well-structured day helps keep stress at bay. Set aside time for your tasks, prioritize what’s important, and be sure to include breaks. This isn’t always realistic but we do our best to feel our best.
Strive for progress over perfection.
Take Time for Yourself Each Day
Self-care is crucial, especially during hectic times. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, a relaxing bath, or a visit to Flow Spa, make sure to dedicate time to recharge.
Include time for this in your week before you schedule tasks and appointments by using the Reverse Productivity Method.
Eat Slowly and Mindfully
Rushing through meals can add unnecessary stress. Mindful eating is a sneaky way to practice mindfulness without taking any additional time out to meditate.
Slow down, savour each bite, and practice mindful eating to improve digestion and reduce stress.
Improve Your Sleep Routine
A good night’s sleep is the foundation of a productive day. Set a consistent bedtime, create a calming pre-sleep routine, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable.
Practice Gratitude Daily
Focusing on what you’re grateful for can shift your mindset and reduce stress. Take a moment each day to reflect on the positives, no matter how small. Let go of troubles from the past and think about the bright spots that bring you joy.
Get Outdoor Activity
Fresh air and physical activity are powerful stress relievers. Whether it’s a morning walk or an evening jog, spending time outdoors can significantly improve your mood and well-being.
While I like to get outside daily, even 15 minutes just three times per week is enough to reduce stress levels as the weather gets colder again.
One Action At A Time Is All It Takes
Work on taking action for a week and assess how it went for you. Keep doing it if it’s doing you some good, and if it isn’t, try something else!
I know that working on these habits can be challenging, which is why I’ve put together a Back To School Stress Challenge. It’s designed with quick actions and lessons to provide you with accountability and support as you work on these health goals.
The challenge is free to join for those committed to improving their well-being this fall. However, spots are limited due to the personalized attention I provide for everyone in the challenge through the Flow Coach platform.
If you're interested in learning more about the Back To School Stress Challenge and how it can help you create lasting health habits, click the link below to go to the sign up page.