With summer break drawing to a close over the next few weeks, many transitions might be happening in your life right now. Whether you have kids going back to school, are a teacher preparing your classroom or your summer travel schedule is over and your work hours are back to normal, tension can be at an all-time high. So how do you keep your head above the waves, make your days calm, and navigate these choppy back-to-school waters? 

Take a Step Back & Breathe

You can easily get caught up in being in the pressure-cooker of big and small transitions—but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. Take a step back, acknowledge that what you’re navigating through is challenging, and remember that it will end at some point. This simple mindset shift will loosen the resistance, bring more relaxed acceptance, and possibly even enjoyment to this time. 

Plan Ahead (But Not Obsessively!)

Being organized as you get adjusted to a new routine can be really helpful to minimize the upheaval. Need to up school supplies? Pack a list! Commute times are longer with everyone heading back to normalcy? Plan your day accordingly. Organize in a way that serves you (as opposed to it being a rigid schedule or plan), and that intentionally provides you with more headspace and calm.

Self-Care, Self-Care, Self-Care

It’s easy to put your wellness routine on hold until life calms down again but your body and mind will thank you if you keep your rituals as best as you can. Making self-care a priority will mean you can last the distance and not completely lose your sanity! Fuel up with nourishing foods, drink water like it’s your job, get to bed on time, fit in a little exercise or gentle movement, and spend some time outside in the sunshine.

Pack Your Bags With Nature’s Calm

With so much going on right now your mind is likely in a state of constant overdrive. If you’re feeling completely wound up and tense but exhausted at the same time, make sure help is in reach—literally!. Clean, plant-based products like essential oils and CBD are a great support act to help you keep pace and in balance during this hectic season. 

Build in Switch-Off Time

Build in some downtime as you become familiar with the new routine and surroundings: relax in front of your favorite show, have coffee with a familiar face, play with the kids on the floor, read, do some yoga, or go for a walk. Choose something that lets your mind switch off and enjoy the moment.

The bottom line is: change is life. And while it certainly has its challenges, it can also be full of “silver linings” if you know where to look and have space for some perspective. So, look forward to easing the tension, navigating this season with a little more ease and calm, and set yourself up to thrive in this next chapter of your life.