Tips On How To Deal With Back-To-School Stress A Midst COVID-19

As kids go back-to-school in the midst of a global pandemic, parents’ stress levels are at an all-time high.

As if COVID-19, unrest in cities, and a presidential election weren’t enough.

Add homework, practices, piano lessons, parent-teacher conferences, and now virtual learning! Parents are in for a strange, stressful school year. We have compiled some tips on how parents can cope with back-to-school stress in a pandemic.

Exercise   

Working out tends to be considered an activity to improve one’s physical health, however, exercising can also help mentally. Parents who aren’t accustomed to physical activity can benefit from taking a short jog or even a walk. Just the time alone from a parent’s busy life can reduce stress.

Many people claim to not have time to exercise. What this really means is they prioritize other things ahead of physical activity. Once a person is in a routine, experiencing the endorphins, and start completing fitness goals I guarantee they will view exercise as a necessary outlet vital to their mental wellbeing.

Meditation 

People have been meditating to relieve stress for 3,000 years. Separating from one’s self is a life-changing experience. However, getting started is tough, even though meditation is basically just sitting in silence. For a busy parent, this can seem impossible.

Like exercising, those who claim to not have the time to meditate just aren’t prioritizing their mental health. The benefits of meditation go beyond the session, the sense of calm, peace, and balance is carried with you throughout the day.

For those new, to meditation, we suggest trying this free 5-minute mediation guide you can do anywhere from Goodful. Meditation is a great tool that is free and accessible to anyone.

CBD

The cannabinoid or chemical compound found in the cannabis plant known for its medicinal properties has shown great promise as a stress reliever. This 2015 study done by The National Institute of Drug Abuse has found that CBD reduced stress in animals. Another study by Neuropsychopharmacology showed that CBD reduces the anxiety induced by public speaking.

While there hasn’t been enough research to definitively say that CBD will help with back-to-school stress, there is a reason scientists are studying CBD now. When taken correctly, CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in our brains. These receptors may play a role in altering serotonin signals. The neurotransmitter, serotonin, affects our mental health. People experiencing stress are thought to have low serotonin levels.

For first-time CBD users, the marketplace can seem a bit confusing. There are many ways to take CBD – oils, capsules, CBD infused drinks, edibles, topical products. We suggest sublingually or absorbed under the tongue. CBD oil is a great way to make sure your body is digesting the CBD and the results are felt relatively quickly.

Diet

Having a healthy diet is key to maintaining stress. Strengthening our immune systems by eating properly can improve our mood and reduce blood pressure. Making sure our bodies have what they need is crucial.

Many people who are stressed turn to eating unhealthy, convenient foods. These foods are usually filled with sugar and preservatives and not the vitamins our immune systems need to help reduce stress levels.

A Plan

The stress associated with being a parent, especially going back-to-school in a pandemic can seem unmanageable. Using only one of these methods may not be enough to combat anxiety. A multi-faceted approach will deliver better results. Incorporating CBD into your exercise, meditation, or diet can deliver the help you need to combat stress.

Creating healthy habits and making time for mental wellness is the key to overcoming back-to-school stress. It’s important to pause, reflect, and spend time alone. Prioritizing healthy practices leads to building healthy habits. Eating properly, exercising, meditating, and taking  CBD tinctures are all ways to make back-to-school more tolerable.