Are Your Kids Back at School? 5 Ways for Parents to Practice Self Care During Back to School

While a lot of parents secretly (or not-so-secretly) rejoice when their kids go back to school, many still struggle to prioritize their own needs. You might be juggling after school activities, appointments, housework, your own career, and a seemingly endless to-do list…but it’s important to carve out time for yourself in the midst of all the chaos. Keep reading for tips on how to incorporate self-care into your routine now that school has started. 

Get Outside

Getting into nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and even improve your health by lowering your blood pressure. Try to get outside when you can, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day (it only takes 10 minutes to receive the benefits!). If you can, try to find a nature path to walk or hike, or you can start smaller by drinking your morning coffee or eating your lunch outside. 

Move Your Body 

Exercise is a proven stress reliever and makes us feel good by boosting endorphins in the brain. Even if you don’t have the time to get to the gym, you can try to find small ways to move your body throughout the day. Try walking to the bus stop instead of driving, doing some jumping jacks or sit-ups while you watch the morning news, or even dancing while you clean the house—every little bit helps! 

Take a Mental Break 

It can be hard to unwind when it feels like we have a million things to do. Mindfulness meditation is an extremely effective way to manage stress and improve our mental and physical health. Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness by leaving your phone in another room and finding a place in your home where you feel the most at peace. For some guided videos or activities, you can check out free resources available on YouTube or the App Store on your phone. If you don’t think meditation is for you, that’s okay! You can still practice mindfulness by doing small things like listening to your favorite song, lighting a candle you love, or by leaving your worries behind during your morning shower. 

Connect With Friends 

Be sure to connect with friends and loved one outside of the context of being parents. Don’t wait to run into that other mom you like at Open School Night—give her a call! Or if you have an old friend that you haven’t seen in a while, try to plan a time to grab coffee or even to meet over FaceTime if getting together in person isn’t a possibility. Having strong social connections isn’t only beneficial to our mental health—it’s important for our physical health, too. Studies have shown that adults with meaningful friendships and social supports are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections. So don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and reach out!

Give Yourself Permission

Stop feeling guilty for taking time for yourself! Practicing self-care doesn’t make you selfish; in fact, it can actually make you a more effective parent because you will have more energy and patience to be there for your children. It’s also important to remember that self-care sometimes means saying “No” to things that we can’t or don’t want to do. If this is something you struggle with, it might be a good idea to research how to set healthy boundaries or to reach out to a professional who can help improve your interpersonal effectiveness skills. At Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy, we offer individual therapy for parents and caregivers who are looking to become the best versions of themselves.

Asking for help can be hard, but we’re here to support you every step of the way! Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute call with our intake coordinator to learn about what services might be right for you.