9 Strategies for Managing Stress This School Year

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As the new school year unfolds, many parents—myself included—are grappling with mixed emotions while sending our kids back to school. After keeping my children sheltered at home for the last 18 months, the thought of them returning to a classroom amid ongoing health concerns is overwhelming. I oscillate between anxiety about their safety, joy at their social interaction, and stress over potential disruptions. While I wish the stress would ease with time, I’ve realized that I need to take proactive steps to maintain my well-being throughout the year.

Here are my top nine strategies for navigating stress during this school year. You might find them useful too!

1. Limit News Intake
   Over the past year and a half, I’ve become a compulsive news consumer. While it’s understandable given the current climate, I’ve learned that excessive exposure can heighten anxiety. By curating my news sources to include only trustworthy outlets such as the CDC and experts in virology, I’ve found relief. Reducing time spent on social media has also lessened my stress levels.
2. Stay Active
   Exercise has always been an important aspect of my life for both physical and mental health. During the pandemic, I struggled to maintain my routine but have recently reintroduced daily workouts. I purchased an exercise bike, and just half an hour of cycling while catching up on a show helps clear my mind and reduces my worries about the school year.
3. Practice Mindfulness
   Meditation is a technique I’ve utilized for years, although I recently took a break. Taking just a few moments to breathe deeply and disconnect from daily distractions can significantly help. I recommend using meditation apps like Calm or Insight Timer for guidance.
4. Seek Professional Support
   Therapy has been my go-to method for managing anxiety for two decades. Whether in-person or online, having a therapist to talk through feelings and fears—especially about sending kids back to school—has been invaluable. It helps to have a non-judgmental space to explore these anxieties.
5. Consider Medication
   For many, therapy alone may not suffice. If you find yourself struggling, medication can be a beneficial option. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine what might work best for you. Remember, it’s okay to seek help during these challenging times.
6. Connect with Supportive Friends
   Having a support network is crucial. I have a few friends who share similar anxieties, and we often lean on each other during tough moments. Sharing articles that evoke concern and discussing our feelings helps us cope together.
7. Communicate with School Staff
   Before the school year began, I reached out to my kids’ teachers and administrators with questions about safety protocols. Knowing that the school is taking precautions seriously has eased some of my worries. Open communication with educators can provide reassurance and clarity.
8. Focus on Controllable Factors
   A major source of anxiety stems from feeling powerless. Instead, I concentrate on what I can control, such as equipping my children with well-fitting masks and teaching them proper hygiene practices. This proactive approach helps mitigate feelings of helplessness.
9. Develop Contingency Plans
   It’s wise to anticipate potential disruptions, such as quarantines. I’ve started thinking about plans for remote learning and childcare arrangements should we face any setbacks. This preparation helps alleviate some of the stress of uncertainty.

I hope these strategies will help me maintain a sense of calm during this school year, and perhaps they’ll do the same for you. Remember, it’s okay to seek support and to prioritize your mental health.

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Summary

Navigating the stress of a new school year can be daunting, especially amidst ongoing health concerns. By limiting news consumption, staying active, practicing mindfulness, seeking professional support, considering medication, connecting with friends, communicating with school staff, focusing on controllable factors, and developing contingency plans, parents can manage their anxiety effectively.