5 Ways to Make the School Year Less Stressful
My kids start school next week and I’m really having mixed emotions about it. On one hand, I do love having them all here playing together. But on the other hand, a little quiet time is not all that bad! I’ll still have my youngest son (2 1/2 years) at home with me but really, having the other 2 at school, even if it’s just for a few hours, will give me so much time to get things done. Or maybe just nap, right? Who doesn’t love a good nap! I think this video by WhatsUpMoms sums up how I feel…
Now, even though I do have those few hours of quiet time, I still need to make sure that I stay on track and stick to our daily routine. Not every day can be a nap day! Here are five tips to make this school year a little bit easier:
#1. Get Some Sleep
Since I have more time during the day to get work done, I won’t have to stay up until midnight every night. One thing I’ve learned is that sleep is so important to both mom and kids. Make sure you get plenty of sleep to help you deal with everyday issues that school can bring.
#2. Schedule a Night Out
This is important all year long. Whether it’s date night or girls night out, or even just meeting a friend for coffee. We all love our kids, there’s no question about that. But let’s face it, everyone need some time away. Be sure to put your night out on the schedule, if you don’t it might never happen.
#3. Connect with Other Moms
Whether this is your first time sending your child to school, or you’ve been doing it for years, it’s always good to connect with other moms in your child’s class. Together you can be each other’s support throughout the year.
#4. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
If you’re anything like me, you might snack when you feel pressured or stressed. Keeping healthy snacks on hand is important, so you don’t resort to snacking on unhealthy things. Although that coke and 8 chocolate cookies look good, eating too much of it isn’t going to help you.
#5. Don’t Forget to Exercise
I try to exercise at least 3-4 times a week to help me deal with stress. Since the kids are going back to school, you may have even more time to exercise. Just think, when you’re healthy you can deal with stress a lot better. Plus, exercising might help you escape the realities of all those responsibilities for a moment or two.
Besides quiet time and a regular schedule, the school year beginning also means that I get to hear all about my kids’ day when they come home. I love to sit down and listen to what they did with their friends and the lessons they’re learning.
What do you have planned for your day while the kids are at school?
