Back to school takes on a whole new meaning this year. It’s not only back to school, it’s back to work, back to socializing, commuting… all the things we haven’t been able to do for the past year and a half!
While it’s all so exciting, it can also be anxiety-inducing for so many reasons. Maybe no one’s really seen you and you’ve put on some weight, or maybe you don’t know how to transition back to “normal” without defaulting back to a high-stress, go-go-go lifestyle you don’t want.
So, what can we do to help us minimize our anxiety while getting back to some of our more “normal” activities? We can put a bit more effort into our food, movement, and self-care.
Here are my top five tips for getting back into the swing of things while minimizing stress and anxiety.
Stay hydrated.
Dehydration is not just feeling like you’re thirsty, it can cause changes in mood, fatigue, brain fog and headaches, just to name a few. It’s especially easy when you are running on coffee all day (which dehydrates you even more).
Make sure you are eating and fueling yourself properly.
This isn’t just a question of, “Am I eating enough?” This means asking yourself, “Am I eating regularly enough throughout the day?” “Am I eating nutrient-dense foods that are actually going to keep me full, energetic and satisfied until my next meal?” Think protein, fibre, carbohydrates and some fat.
Get physical.
I cannot stress this enough, but when I say physical, I literally mean any type of movement. Something as simple as doing 10 squats every time you go to use the bathroom, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking a short walk over your lunch break will help.
Sleep.
I know this can be hard, but sleep regulates mood, appetite, weight, behaviours… pretty much everything! Set out a realistic routine for yourself. That might mean working on getting two nights of great sleep in a week before you build from there. If you get distracted easily, set as many reminders and alarms as you need to get you into bed on time.
Make time for self-care.
This looks different for everyone, and when I say self-care, I mean anything that makes you happy and relaxed. Since the pandemic, we’ve been almost forced to slow down and start enjoying the little things in life. Don’t give that up just because we’re going back to “normal”. There is nothing normal about not allowing time for yourself, and I don’t know why that’s something that seems to be celebrated in our society. Carve out 10 minutes (or more!) each day to do something you love.
And if you need help managing your sleep to manage your stress, you know where to find us. Book a complimentary sleep consultation to find out how we can help you sleep better.
