Heading back to school can be a stressful time for many people. Whether you’re heading to college, the parents of young children, or heading back to work (we LOVE our teachers) – we feel you! And, we’re here to help. There are several effective strategies you can try to help get a handle on those increased, and often unexpected, stressors. Plus, ways to reduce stress during the seasonal chaos, which is: back to school. Here are 10 tools to manage back-to-school stress:
1. Plan and organize:
Create a schedule or to-do list to help you stay on top of your tasks. Whether they’re assignments, deadlines, extra-curriculars or events. Having a clear plan can alleviate stress and give you a sense of control over your responsibilities.
This strategy can be applied to planning meals, lunches, and snacks too! Look at your weekly schedule – are certain days busier than others? Meal prep and cook on the weekends and reach for leftovers on nights with non-stop activities. Protein bars and snacks plus ready to drink meal replacements can be helpful in a pinch. So, keep them on hand – in your bag, locker, desk, or car!
2. Set realistic goals:
Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. By doing so, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and can track your progress more effectively. Check off your accomplishments along the way! It’s always rewarding removing things from your to-do list.
3. Prioritize self-care:
Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and engage in regular exercise. These activities can boost your energy levels, improve concentration, and reduce feelings of stress.
Sometimes that’s easier said than done! If lacking energy inhibits your motivation to exercise – consider an energy drink or pre-workout. If you struggling to fall asleep – check out a sleep support product. Finding it difficult to eat balanced meals regularly? A multivitamin can provide nutritional assurance to cover your bases.
READ MORE: How to Start a Self-Care Routine
4. Establish a routine:
Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and stability. Allocate specific times for studying, leisure activities, extra-curriculars, and relaxation to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Seek support and practice positive self-talk:
Speak with friends, family, or a trusted teacher or counselor about any concerns or anxieties you may have. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide emotional support and help you gain perspective on your situation.
Be kind and supportive to yourself. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Acknowledge your efforts and progress, even if it’s small, celebrate your achievements along the way.
6. Practice stress management techniques:
Incorporate stress management techniques into your routine. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective methods for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. And for days when you need something to help unwind or fall asleep – products containing ingredients like l-theanine, ashwagandha, and melatonin can help.
READ MORE: Best Supplements to Manage Stress & Sleep
7. Breaks and downtime:
It’s important to take regular breaks and incorporate downtime into your schedule. Engage in activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, listening to music, reading, spending time with friends and family, or spending time outdoors. These breaks can rejuvenate your mind and help you recharge.
8. Time management:
Develop effective time management skills by prioritizing tasks, avoiding procrastination, and breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable chunks. This approach can help you stay organized and reduce stress related to deadlines. The same can be said with any new health or fitness goal!
9. Be flexible and adaptable:
Recognize that unexpected changes and challenges may arise. Cultivate a mindset of flexibility and adaptability, as this can help you navigate difficulties.
10. Prefer to keep things simple?
Our new Stress Relief Vitapak® Program provides science-baked formulations to better manage stress, support cognition, gut and digestive health. Plus, overall health and wellness for both Men and Women, with our clinically proven multivitamins to help boost stress defense nutrients and fill nutritional gaps^*. Now that’s an easy routine to follow!
Remember that everyone experiences stress differently, so it’s essential to find what works best for you. Experiment with these strategies and adapt them to your unique situation.
^In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study of 112 healthy volunteers, subjects taking the GNC vitamin and mineral blends for six weeks experienced significant improvements in serum levels of certain key ingredients compared to a placebo and a leading multivitamin formula based upon multivariate statistical analysis of a group of B vitamins (thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotic, folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12) and key antioxidants and carotenoids (a group of beta-carotene, alpha tocopherol, selenium, lutein and lycopene). Statistical improvements in SF-36 Vitality and Mental Health scored were also observed compared to placebo.
