The simplest way to thrive during back-to-school season

It’s that time of year again! Somehow summer flew by (as usual) and we are back in the full swing of the back-to-school season, with school drop-offs, after-school activities, and homework assistance now being part of our daily routines. And of course, our jobs, personal goals, hobbies, and social lives are all supposed to fit in there somewhere, too.

To say it’s a lot to balance is an understatement. I wish I could hand you the perfect formula for balance, but the truth is, it doesn’t exist. Instead, I want to share something I remind myself of often, and maybe it will resonate with you. 

If you have ever been on a plane, you are probably familiar with the drill for safety procedures. They always remind you to put your oxygen mask on first. It is a simple line with a powerful meaning. As parents, partners, and professionals, we tend to put everyone else first and end up running on empty ourselves. 

Prioritizing other people isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a good thing - it shows that you love and care about others! But when it causes you to become depleted, stressed, and unhealthy, then not only are you doing a poor job caring for yourself, but there’s no way you can show up fully for other people.

So, as the back to school season ramps up, here is a gentle reminder to put your oxygen mask on first. 

When it comes to fitness, the best way you can do this is by scheduling your Rise workouts into your week like they are non-negotiable meetings. Because exercise is non-negotiable. 

For nutrition and fueling your body, carve out time to plan and prepare healthy meals for all of you - not just for kids’ lunchboxes. Better yet, make it a time where the kids can help you and you can spend time together at the grocery store and in the kitchen, chatting about their new classes, teachers, and the school year.

You may need to wake up an hour earlier to fit in a workout, a walk, time to journal or read, or whatever else it may be that seems to get squeezed out of your day otherwise. But restructuring your day so that you can start it off positively in the morning is a great way to put on your “oxygen mask”, so you can then show up for others throughout the day.

There is no perfect, one-size-fits-all routine that I can share with you as you transition to back to school season, but there are small, intentional steps that work for everyone that can make a big difference. If you need help creating a plan for your lifestyle, we would love to help support you one-on-one. You can schedule a meeting with one of our Rise coaches, and we’d love to chat with you about how Rise might be a great fit for you.