It's back-to-school season once again! 🚌 And whether you're welcoming the school year or feeling some type of way about it, we know it comes with both challenges and opportunities!
That said, we're going to talk through the good and tough of back-to-school. Along the way we'll give you some tips on prioritizing your wellness through it and how you can use this as a time to establish new routines and reprioritize your health!
What we LOVE about Back-to-School
Routine!
Everyone is back on a schedule. 🗓️ If your kids went to camp or summer school, maybe you did have a schedule, but for many families, summer can be less structured. There's more go with the flow, which can be great in so many ways, but it can also pose challenges. Being back on a schedule can help with food timing, food choices, building a workout routine, etc.
The Newness
The energy that comes with a new classroom, school supplies, activities, and friends is one you can harness for yourself! Get yourself a new health journal, workout gear, or outfit for school pickup. Harness the energy of newness and set yourself up for success! You can even consider new goals or double down on what you've been working on. ✨
What's tough about Back-to-School
Being Over-Scheduled
There's a fine line between scheduled and over-scheduled. Not to mention, the nights might be later and the mornings earlier. 😮💨
Emotional Load
You're raising little humans who have their own activities, social pressures, school/grade pressures, and more. That's a lot for a parent/caregiver who cares as much as you do! Navigating it all can be stressful (and a trigger for emotional eating). 😓
Tips for Prioritizing Your Health & Reducing Stress
Establish an Evening Routine
A bedtime routine is just as important for you as it is for your kids.
Prep for the Morning ☀️
Think about what breakfast will be & prep what you can 🍳
Set backpacks and clothes out to reduce morning stress
If possible/needed, pack your lunch
Include Self-Care
Do your skincare routine 🧖🏼♀️
Find space for quiet time or meditation
Set a Bedtime 😴
Prioritize & honor that time
Put alarms & alerts on your phone if you're working to change your bedtime
You Matter in the Morning!
Start the day off on the right foot.
Healthy Breakfast
If you're making the kids breakfast, you should make yours too! 😘
Or there are healthy grab-and-go options:
yogurt & fruit
overnight oats
prepping or buying pre-chopped veggies to throw into eggs
Drink 8z of Water 💧
Hydration before coffee, please!
Your Exercise Schedule
Determine Your Best Time
Are you a morning person? Is a midday workout more reasonable? Would the evening work best for your routine? Find the answer to this question and lean in (there's no right time to work out, just the one that will help you be the most consistent). 💪🏻
Fit it In 🏃🏼♀️
Find pockets of time throughout the day for physical activity if a "workout" doesn't feel realistic right now.
a brisk walk during lunch break
stretching between meetings
walking during your kid's soccer practice
Include Your Kids 🤍
Family walks or bike rides after dinner
Bedtime yoga or stretching to help everyone wind down for bed
Go to YouTube and find a kid's workout or dance video!
Other Habits to Think About
Watch your caffeine intake! ☕️
Drinking too much caffeine or drinking it late in the day can really mess with your routine and ability to fall asleep.
That evening drink. 🍷
While a glass of wine after a long day may sound like the perfect nightcap, it can also negatively impact your health goals. Calories and sugar are the obvious ones, but alcohol is also known to negatively impact sleep.
Are there other ways to wind down at the end of the day?
a cozy bath
a mask and a book 🧖🏼♀️
a mocktail
an evening meditation or stretch
Make a Dinner Plan for Late Nights 🍽️
A band concert, basketball game, PTA event, or any number of things can lead to a late night. This can lead to a scramble and possibly poorer choices.
Think ahead! These events are often planned in advance, so make a plan in advance!
Have easy grab & go things on hand
Have freezer meals stocked up to pull & heat up
Make a list of healthier options for eating out
Make a List/Write it Out 📝
Being the busy parent/caregiver you are, you've got a LOT on your plate. When all of that is swirling around in your head, it can be overwhelming. Write it down. What actually needs to get done on a daily basis? Weekly basis? Just today or this week?
This may also help you find pockets in your schedule where you can add a workout, walk, or meal prep time!
While back-to-school time can be overwhelming, it's also exciting and allows new routines and habits to be established. So, we encourage you to take some time to find the opportunities in this new season!
If you need help honing in on your goals or talking through your routine to find areas of opportunity, a health coach would be the perfect person! We're equipped to help you find your strengths, break down barriers, and support you through change; if you want to learn more, you can fill out this interest form.
Happy Back-to-School, Mama!
Comments