It's back to school time! Yay! The back-to-school season can be a whirlwind of activities, with the hustle and bustle of schedules, assignments, and those inevitable nervous jitters. In the midst of all this, finding a way to stay grounded is essential for maintaining your well-being. Here are three tips to help you anchor yourself during this busy time:
1. Remember Your Breath
With all the busyness, it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the simplest yet most effective tools to keep calm is a breathwork practice. No equipment is necessary, and you can do it anytime, anywhere. A go-to technique is the long exhale, which can work wonders in releasing the pressure valve, activating endorphins, and helping you relax.
How to do the long exhale:
- Get into a comfortable position.
- Let your muscles relax and intentionally release any tension.
- Take a deep inhale through your nose.
- Exhale slowly, making sure your exhale is at least twice as long as your inhale.
For example, if you inhale for four counts, exhale for eight. This practice can quickly bring a sense of calm and clarity, helping you to face the day's challenges with a more centered mindset.
2. Establish a Morning Routine
I am not a morning person. I am a sunrise person. If I could just start my morning with the sun, it would eliminate most of the resistance I experience in the mornings. But alas, my life is not set up that way, so having a structured morning routine has helped me set a positive tone for the rest of the day. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a few consistent actions to start your day can make a big difference. Consider incorporating some of the following elements into your morning:
- Wiggle: Some gentle stretching, yoga, or wiggling can help release tension, oxygenate your cells, and energize your body, aiding in the transition from the sleep state to wakefulness.
- Gratitude: Whether it’s a gratitude journal or a quiet moment of reflection, this practice elevates your mood and helps you see the bigger picture throughout your day.
- Mindful eating (or drinking): Every morning, I drink a cup of tea. On weekends, it's coffee. I slowly sip my favorite flavors and anchor myself in the present moment. Knowing I will soon be off to the races, I imprint this moment of peace in my soul, so I can anchor myself to it during the day. Tea is such a part of my mindfulness routine that my 12 and 14-year-olds now have their own tea box and a nighttime tea ritual together. It is so cute.
By establishing a morning routine, you can create a sense of predictability and stability, which can be incredibly grounding during transitional periods.
3. Create a Family Calendar
The family calendar is my family’s saving grace. With four children, we strive to live simply and protect our time, but we also want our kids to have intentional, life-affirming activities that boost their sense of curiosity and connectedness. We've enrolled the kids in volleyball and gymnastics this season so keeping track of everyone’s schedules can be a bit daunting, but having a centralized family calendar can bring a sense of order and calm to the chaos.
Here’s how you can set one up effectively:
- Choose a visible spot: Place the calendar in a location where everyone can see it, such as the kitchen or living room. We also have a shared digital calendar so when we make changes on the go the older girls can see it on their calendars wherever they are.
- Color-code: Assign different colors for each family member to make it easy to see who needs to be where and when.
- Include all activities: Make sure to write down all appointments, school events, extracurricular activities, and family time.
By having a clear visual representation of the family's schedule, you can reduce last-minute surprises and ensure everyone is on the same page. This practice helps manage the frenzy of the back-to-school season, allowing for smoother transitions and more peace of mind.
As you navigate the back-to-school transition, remember to take a few moments each day to ground yourself. By incorporating breathwork, establishing a morning routine, and using a family calendar, you can create a more manageable and less stressful environment for yourself and your family. Here's to a smooth and successful start to the new school year!
It takes a village to raise kids and it takes a village to support moms. Consider letting me be a part of your village by integrating Reiki into your routine to lighten the load. Balancing your energy can help you see where to prioritize and where you need to surrender, reducing feelings of overwhelm. Book a session today for our special back-to-school offer and receive a free copy of our eBook on maintaining balance during busy times.
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