Ways to Manage Stress During the School Year

Another school year is upon us; for many, that means chaotic mornings, missing socks, and last-minute homework projects. But what if we told you that could all be in the past with a few ways to manage stress? (Okay, not the missing socks. There will always be missing socks.)

Ways to Manage Stress This School Year

This school year can be different. Imagine a school year where mornings run smoothly, you know where your keys are, and your children are calm and ready to leave the house on time. This can be a reality most mornings. (We cannot guarantee every morning because of life, but we can make the majority great with a few tweaks and ways to manage stress.)

Start your day with God’s Word

Do you want to set the tone for your whole day? Start your day immersed in God’s word. Plan time in your mornings to come to God, praising and thanking Him for another day. The amount of time you spend with God is up to you.

Maybe you rise 30 minutes before your children to read Scripture and a devotional, complete a Bible study section, pray, and listen to a song. If you do not have a half hour, try just five minutes in the morning delving into His word using a Bible app on your phone.

Embrace routines

Children and adults thrive on routine. Routines offer structure and security in an otherwise insecure world. But your routines don’t have to be stuffy or inflexible. Make this fun. Try creating a visual chart showing your younger children what to do morning and night.

Once you practice your routines, you will notice a dramatic shift in your stress level. Knowing what to do next takes away the mental effort of remembering everything at once. For example, if your children learn to pack their backpacks and lay out their school clothes the night before, your morning will run smoother.

Keep all doctor appointments

Stress can cause several physical conditions, such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, acid reflux, chest tightness or pain, and even heart attack. Keep your doctor appointments and screenings to stay on top of medical changes. If you feel anxious, talk this over with your doctor.

Don’t forget about vision and dental appointments. Many parents prioritize their children’s vision and dental appointments but place themselves on the back burner. Yet, your vision and dental hygiene can affect your physical health in other ways.

Exercise consistently for peace of mind

Exercise is an effective method for relieving stress, boosting immunity, and conditioning the body. Physical exercise also improves memory, focus, and cognitive function. Not only are you working out to lower your blood pressure and release tense muscles, but to give yourself peace of mind.

If you are starting, try walking around your neighborhood or follow a walking video at home. Eventually, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.

Eat healthier foods

One of the simplest ways to manage stress is to eat healthier foods most of the time. The name of the game is moderation and consistency. When you consistently eat a healthy balance of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, then little treats occasionally will not harm your health.

Unfortunately, most people in the U.S. have access to fast food or packaged foods full of chemicals and preservatives that can exacerbate anxiety and stress symptoms.

Keep to a sleep schedule

Sleep deprivation can make anxiety and stress worse. If you are not getting enough sleep, you might have problems with memory and emotions. You might snap at your spouse and children. To ensure everyone in the house during the school year gets enough shut-eye, create a nightly routine.

For example, you could have your children take a bath after dinner, put on their pajamas, brush their teeth, and then climb into bed for a story. This could be your nightly routine Sunday through Thursday for your children, with your own routine afterward. Routines trigger the brain that this-follows-that, so the nightly routine equals time to sleep.

Keep a journal

A journal can work as a best friend during a stressful school year. You can use your journal to vent your frustrations, work out problems, and sketch solutions. You can also record your personal and professional goals, track workouts and meals, and jot down ideas and important contact information.

You might want to purchase a nice notebook to use as a journal for the school year. Depending on your needs, you may want to carry it in your purse or a pocket, so the size you choose will be based on what works for you. Many people find that journaling before bed helps to empty their minds of anxious thoughts and rest better.

Smile at your children after school

It might be tempting to ask your child about their behavior or homework as soon as you see them after school. Avoid those conversations until later. Instead, greet your children with a big smile and a warm greeting. Children respond well to a smile from their parents or guardians, especially after a hard day at school.

Try to remember that what you do sets the tone for your children. They will react to your voice and facial expressions. You can address behavior and homework at the appropriate time, but also ask them what they liked about school and any concerns they may have, like bullying or problems with friends.

Establish a game or movie night

As you create routines to make life smoother during the school year, consider creating a game or movie night. For example, maybe every Friday night will be your family night. You will start with pizza for dinner and everyone’s favorite dessert, followed by an hour or so of a board game. You could finish the night off with a family movie. You could alternate who gets to choose the game and the movie.

These family nights give everyone something to look forward to at the end of the school and work week. It also helps your children know that their input is valued and that they are a part of the family. This is even more important as they enter their teenage years and want to be more independent. Bring them into family games or movie nights for the bonding that they really need but might not be able to admit.

Talk to someone

Sometimes, kids in school with project deadlines, homework, and extracurricular activities can make you feel like you are back in school, too. It is easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed, especially as the year progresses or you are asked to assume specific roles. You know that this season is temporary, and your children will grow up, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging now.

Is there a trusted friend or family member you could talk to you? Maybe another parent you can confide in about how you feel? Talking to someone in person or over the phone can help relieve stress as you share your concerns. Don’t forget to reciprocate and listen to your friend when they share their frustrations with you. You can also bounce ideas off each other on ways to manage the stress from the school year.

Christian Counseling for Managing Stress

Contact our office today if you need to speak to someone confidentially about ways to manage stress or other concerns. Our reception team will connect you to a Christian counselor.

School should be a wonderful experience for your children, providing them with high-quality education and socialization skills. It should also be a wonderful time in your life as you share things with your children. If you need help, a counselor is only a call or click away. You can choose to meet your counselor face-to-face or participate in virtual sessions.