Tips on cures for September stress

You are Not a Bear

Just because the summer is over does not mean it is time to hibernate. Spend as much time as you can outdoors. It also reduces rumination and has a calming effect on the body and mind. If possible, walk your child to school.  Walking to school has been shown to improve students’ focus and behavior. You’ll de-stress and she/he will focus.

Spin Your Words Wisely

How you speak about accomplishing tasks on your endless to-do list affects how you feel about them. Saying “I have to finish the project” drains energy. It suggests you are working on the project because it is expected of you. However, “I want to finish the project” is optimistic and motivating. Not only will you be more likely to complete the project, it will be more enjoyable and less stressful.

Walk the Walk

Make healthy habits a family value. Model the behavior you want to encourage. Eat the fruits and vegetables you serve to your kids. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Make sleep a priority for everyone. Everyone will be happier, healthier and less stressed.

Get Stress-Hardy

When a setback arises, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Framing the setback as a temporary challenge rather than a permanent roadblock will help you navigate your way through it. A positive mindset about stress is linked with better health and greater life-satisfaction. How you handle adversity and stress and come out on the other side says a lot about you.

Resist “Me Mode”

When we feel overwhelmed, it is tempting to withdraw from others and to retreat into oneself. Too much self-focus can lead to a double whammy of stress. Remember to look outside of yourself for connection and inspiration. Look up from your phone. Make plans with friends. Lend a hand to someone in need. Doings things with and for others is resilience-building. Even small gestures like opening a door for a stranger, holding the elevator, bringing a co-worker coffee, or telling your partner how much you appreciate them can help can mitigate daily stress. Making an effort, even when you least feel like it, will fortify you.

Take a Parenting Chill Pill

Resist the temptation to fill every afternoon with after school activities and allow for some downtime. Encourage your kids to keep themselves busy and to fill free time by coming up with their own plans. In addition to boosting their creativity and ability to take initiative, you will benefit from not having to shuttle them to yet another afterschool practice.

About the author:

Positive Psychiatrist and founder of Positive Prescription, Dr. Samantha Boardman, gives her tips on cures for September stress