Coping With Stress: Back-to-School Edition for Working Parents

You can’t pour from an empty cup, as they say. So, make sure you’re filling up on the good stuff: plenty of sleep, regular exercise, and well-balanced meals. And no, that third cup of coffee doesn’t count as breakfast.

• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate: A few minutes of mindfulness can work wonders.
• Embrace a healthy lifestyle: Swap the stress-snacking for nutritious meals.
• Exercise regularly: Get moving—it’s a great stressbuster.
• Get plenty of sleep: Aim for those magical 8 hours. Yes, it’s possible!

Amid the chaos of work emails and carpool schedules give yourself permission to unplug. Don’t try to be a superhero all the time! When you feel your stress level rising, reach out and connect with your spouse, friends, family, or anyone you trust. Sometimes, just talking things out can make a world of difference.

• Limit your news intake to a couple of times a day and take a breather from endlessly scrolling on social media. Your brain will thank you.
• Be sure carve out time for your favorite hobbies – whether it’s reading, gardening, or binge-watching a new show, engage in activities that bring you joy.