4 tips on managing back-to-school stress during COVID-19

Back-to-school is usually an exciting time for many parents and students. But, with the start of the 2020 school year comes a new set of obstacles. Parents, teachers and students are all expected to adapt to a new norm. The reality of the situation is that: the 2020 school year won't be easy.

As well all try to cope with our changing environments during this pandemic, we are all looking for ways to manage the stress. Check out some of these tips from real people going through back to school preparations and decision-making. While there is no one-step solution that can act as a cure-all for the stress of back-to-school, these stress management and wellness tips can help you to ease yourself into the new normal and get into a healthy school routine!

1. Be Prepared

While this tip may seem obvious, it can cause a lot of headaches if it is overlooked. This could be as easy as reading through a syllabus, or checking website announcements from the school.

Get in contact with teachers if you have any questions. It is important to be aware of what the new rules will be this school year and how you can best abide by them. Many teachers have been flexible during this time, so don’t be afraid to reach out directly if a problem arises. Have the same flexibility and show kindness to teachers in return. The goal is to not only make things easier for parents (and kids), but to make the entire process easier for teachers and other students as well.

Some classes have moved to entirely virtual classes, which can be a difficult transition for many. Set a regular work area aside that is dedicated to school. Take lunch breaks and study breaks as needed. Encourage children to seek out social support from other classmates.

2. Set a Regular Sleep Schedule

Getting back in a regular routine is essential to getting back on track with the new school year. This applies to both parents and students. It is also important to get enough sleep as a part of a healthy and balanced routine. Sleep is essential to health and, according to the American Institute of Stress, it can help to lower stress levels.

Getting into a nightly relaxation routine can help to prepare your body for sleep. Techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind. In addition, finding ways to neutralize stress before bed makes for a more restful night. Take a hot bath, sip on chamomile tea, avoid screens, or try essential oils.

Populum’s Lavender + CBD Face Oil is a great example of a resource you can take advantage of to help get in a relaxation routine. Formulated with lavender oil to help to promote calmness and is great to use before getting a restful night’s sleep.

3. Stay Active

More time at the computer can make remembering to take breaks from screens harder. It is important to continue to regularly exercise and get the body moving. If possible, get outside during a lunch break or take a walk. If you don’t have access to a gym, do a workout or stretch routine in your home. Exercise is important to any healthy and balanced routine.

Outside sports like running, frisbee, biking and golf have become increasingly more popular as they can be performed even while social distancing. Bonus! Once you’re done exercising, recover with Populum’s Cold Therapy Hemp Rub. It's a great way to soothe sore muscles.

4. Give Yourself a Break

Take time for yourself and go easy. Emily Rockwell, Populum’s Director of Business Development, is a full-time mom trying to get her two boys back into a school routine.

“Truthfully, I'm not managing. I'm simply staying afloat,” said Rockwell. “Between snack requests, meal-making, technology glitches, and my full-time job that I love, there is rarely a minute during the day for any peace.”

“I've been making sure to give myself Saturday mornings to sleep in until 7:00am, take a hot bath with a book, and regroup my mind. And of course I take my Populum CBD at night with a cup of tea to wind down,” said Rockwell.

CBD oil can be a great tool to wind down from a long day. Try putting a couple drops in a chamomile tea at night. CBD can also be used as a part of a wake-up routine. CBD during the day can help bring about a sense of calmness. CBD coffee is a great way to wake up, as the CBD can help to balance out the negative side effects of caffeine.

Rockwell also offered up some words of advice: “Meal planning and online grocery shopping have become total life-savers. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been several adaptations in how we live our everyday lives. Take advantage of these! Whatever makes your life a little easier so that you can focus on important tasks like schoolwork, is something worth taking advantage of.”

Back-to-school may have a different feel this year, but the excitement doesn’t have to completely be forgotten. Simple changes can help to manage stress and can help bring about the joy a new school year brings.

Remember, we are all going through a difficult situation, so it is important to show a little extra love and understanding to one another. This may be the new normal for now, but with a little help from one another we can have a great school year!