Okay, not me exactly. In fact, I might qualify as the poster child for “How Not to Handle Fall Anxiety.” But the good thing is, as your local, just-a-little-on-the-right-side-of-crazy mommy blogger, I’ve got some people on my speed-dial who know how to help fretful parents calm the heck down. So, here are some tips from your local stress experts. Breathe in...breathe out...
Work it out. Taking time away from, well, everything for a little physical fitness may seem selfish, but Patrick Wellington, a personal trainer and Fitness Director of Key Health Institute of Edmond (formerly Transformation Fitness), argues, “If you prioritize your health, it helps you be a better parent. Taking time to work out will help you do all your other priorities better by improving your mood, energy and patience.”
Physical activity such as yoga, Wellington says, and any other exercise that helps regulate breathing or offers mental meditation time (such as running), are especially useful for managing stress. He said instead of overdoing your workout once or twice a week, spend a little time being active each day, because “Something is always better than nothing.” (For a list of yoga centers in Edmond, click here.)
Eat your way to Zen. “The right diet or snack can often make the difference between coping smoothly under pressure and falling to pieces,” says Paula Partlow, a registered and licensed dietitian at Banister and Associates.
That means that when we are faced with an overwhelming schedule of activities and ever-growing to-do list, one thing we can control is what goes in and out of our body. When it comes to stress, Partlow gives very specific advice for keeping the body at a peak level, which includes drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables throughout the day, starting the day off with breakfast to avoid over-eating and crashing later on, and eating at least two daily servings of good quality lean protein, such as skinless chicken or turkey, fish, lean beef, or eggs and peanuts for non-meat options.
And although the weather is chillier and the celebrating is stepping up, she suggests limiting alcohol, sugar and caffeine, which dehydrate and are filled with empty calories. Putting good things in, in the long run, helps the mind and body deal with change and busy schedules.
Be better together. One of the best ways to take on the stresses of a new school year is working together as a family to talk to one another about expectations and figuring out what needs to be handled when. Jackie Shaw, a licensed therapist and Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling, says, “Preparation and communication tend to go hand-in-hand in easing stress and helping improve our outlook on our ability to cope with new events.”
A new school year brings change, which is stressful for anyone at any age. Yet, families in harmony can go a long way to making this time of year fun. “I have found that the children and parents who have the easiest transitions are those who work together to make the future exciting and fulfilling,” Shaw adds.
So, just remember, as a parent, you set the tone for the fall and holiday season. But, don’t let that be another stressor. Instead, let it make you determined to take care of your body and mind and enjoy all the wonderful things this time of year has to offer!
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