Summer has been great. I don’t have kids, so back to school doesn’t mean much to me. I do take advantage of the sales. 🛍
Do I want Post-its in multiple colors for a discount? Yes, please. ✔️
For the past four years, CYS has hosted a “Back To School Giveaway,” and I really enjoy that. Check out the winners below 👇. It’s fun to give back to the community and put a smile on someone’s face who has supported us.
In this blog post, I will share how to keep your head on straight during the chaos of back-to-school. This works perfectly with this month coinciding with National Wellness Month! Thanks, Emily, for letting us know!
- Step 1: I’m gonna need you to breathe, sis.
Literally. Stop, take a deep breath, and reset. Sometimes that’s all you need to keep from spiraling when life feels like too much.
- Step 2: Structure.
During summer, a lot of us throw out our structure and schedule. It’s Summer! Let the kids play. Eat brunch at a slow pace. Go grocery shopping whenever. During school, you need to snap into action. Having a schedule gives your family consistency and helps you maintain a sense of calm when things go haywire. Map out your week. Fewer headaches, more Zen.
- Step 3: Fitness.
When was the last time you worked out? For real. A walk? Twenty minutes on the elliptical? Lifting weights at lunch? Anything? Working out for just twenty minutes reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. I’m not saying exercise EVERY day. That’s obsessive imo; twice a week is a good start…listen to your body and adjust for what works for you. Your fitness doesn’t have to be in a gym either. Ride bikes with your kids. Go for a walk at lunch. Use an app on your phone and create an at-home gym for convenience. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying those endorphins.
- Step 4: Mindfulness.
This goes hand in hand with step 3. Have you gone overboard on your Netflix queue? Are you stuck on your couch all evening? Are you focusing on the glossy photos on your ex’s social media timeline?
STAHP. ✋
If you spend all day watching TV and scrolling the internet, you aren’t feeding your mind positivity. It’s National Book Month! Pick up a book. Read an article that inspires and educates you. Check out a new autobiography on Audible. If you’ve never used Audible, you can start a trial (free for 30 days). I enjoy audiobooks. It makes me feel like I am there. I can listen when I’m writing or while I’m doing chores around my apartment. Listening to classical/lofi music or watching motivational videos can have a similar effect on feeding your brain positivity.
- Step 5: There Will Be A Crash Out.
No matter how much you plan, meditate, and think positively, a bad day will come. It’s inevitable. First breathe. Then realize this is just one day in your life. This day… like all days, will end. You will get through it, and when you do, take some time to treat yourself. A latte. Your favorite movie. A yoga class. Dark chocolate. Choose you at the end of the day.
Start fresh tomorrow; give yourself grace. 🫶🏽
