Keep Your Sanity During the School Year

The day has started and you’ve successfully gotten the kids off to school.

For moms, staying sane is a daily task.  Sometimes it’s even an hourly ask.  Figuring out how to stay calm, safe, and in charge while raising little ones is a full time job in and of itself.  For many moms, back-to-school time brings the relief of a regular schedule but the anxiety of being overly busy. Fortunately, there are a number of ways any mom can keep her sanity during the busiest of school days.

First off, make sure you give yourself extra time in the morning to get ready.  Never try to rush yourself through the morning.  If you do, you’ll find that you’re stressed, forgetful, and anxious about your day.  Simply setting your alarm clock for ten or fifteen minutes before you usually wake up can give you an extra boost during your morning to help you stay comfortable and in charge.  If nothing else, it will give you a few extra valuable minutes to spend in the shower or fixing your hair.

Next, always make sure you know when to say “no.”  You don’t have to say “yes” to everything.  It’s easy for many moms to overly commit during the school year.  Unfortunately, the pressure to commit to every club, group, and fundraiser can be overwhelming.  Saying “no” is incredibly important, though, not just for your sanity.  It’s also important for your husband’s sanity and that of your kids.  Remember that even if someone really, really wants you to commit to something, it’s okay to say no and to have a few nights a week that you just spend with your family.

Remember that while the school year may be busy, it will rush by and soon it will be summertime again.  By taking steps to minimize your stress during the year, you’ll be relaxed and ready when summer does roll around again.