Hello, amazing mums! The new school year is about to start – Are you ready?
You may have mixed feelings about the end of school holidays. (I know I do…) You adore your kids, but now maybe getting to the end of your ability to keep finding activities for the school holidays.
You find yourself eagerly anticipating their return to school. Yet, a part of you hesitates, thinking about the morning rush, the post-school activities, and the overall hustle and bustle. It’s a bit of a dilemma, right? Many mums I’ve talked to share this same sentiment.
Today, I’d like to offer you some tips on embracing the new school year, cultivating a sense of calm and control, and alleviating the stress that often comes with the back-to-school transition.
Because, let’s face it, how your morning kicks off with the kids can set the tone for the entire day.
Ever experienced one of those mornings? The ones where it’s a mad rush – trying to get everyone out the door, running late, perhaps raising your voice to wake up the kids from their slumber. By the time you reach work, you’re already feeling flustered, as if you’ve tackled a full day’s worth of challenges before even starting your official workday.
Let’s make these mornings a bit more manageable, shall we?
The goal is to ensure you don’t feel like you’re playing catch-up before even starting to work.
Let’s explore these practical tips and tricks that can ease the back-to-school transition for you and the kids. BONUS: they can contribute to fostering better family dynamics and relationships. (wink!)
Preparation is Key!
It’s not confined to just school-related matters; it extends to various aspects of our daily routine. Let’s Dig deeper into my first tip – ensuring everything is set in advance.
- Lay the uniforms out the night before – it is a real game-changer! Get the kids involved, they can lay it out the night before to ease the morning routine. This will help give the kids a sense of responsibility and reduce the morning questions of “Mum, where are my socks?” or “Mum, where are my undies?”
- Pack the majority of the school bag the night before. This can ensure there is nothing missed in the morning. Previously, I have had messages from my kids saying they left their homework book at home. I get the kids to pack the bag the night before to prevent this.
- Pre-pack lunches, as I prepare dinner, I multitask and spend an extra 5-10 minutes assembling school lunches. This way, it sits in the fridge ready for the next morning. You can also pack non-refrigerated items in the lunchbox the night before. Keep the water bottle on the bench and ice bricks in the freezer for easy assembly in the morning. These small steps significantly cut down on morning stress.
- Don’t forget about after-school activities. If there’s a sports event or a music lesson, have them lay out the required gear the night before. This simple preparation streamlines their morning routine and sets a positive tone for the entire day.
So, remember, the key is preparation – it makes all the difference.
Plan your meals
Planning meals is a lifesaver.
Take five to ten minutes on the weekend to sketch out what meals to cook during the week. This helps make a grocery list and stops those last-minute store runs for a couple of items that turn into a bigger shopping spree.
Meal planning covers more than just dinners; it includes thinking about lunches and using leftovers wisely. This method removes the stress of deciding what to cook when you’re exhausted after work. It trims the decision-making load and ensures you have all the ingredients ready.
Don’t forget to plan breakfasts too. Kids might be picky, but involving them in choosing from a set list for the week can make mornings much smoother. It’s about making mornings easier and more organised!
Organise your schedule
Another tip I swear by is scheduling. I use a calendar in the kitchen to jot down everything on the agenda for the kids that week – school events, after-school activities, and any late nights. It helps me plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
Seeing the week’s plan in advance lets me prepare, like organising to use a pre-made meal for busy evenings.
I also have a whiteboard on the fridge with a chart for my kids. It lists their daily tasks so they can tick off each item. This eliminates the need for constant reminders about brushing teeth or packing for school.
As kids get older, they take on more responsibility, making mornings smoother. For younger ones, consider a reward system. If they complete their tasks for the week, offer a reward – like a special activity on the weekend. It makes mornings less stressful and increases the chances of everyone being on time.
Ensure time for yourself
My final tip is super important, especially for mums who often put themselves last. Carve out time for yourself in the morning before things get crazy. Whether it’s 5 or 10 minutes, or like me, 30 minutes for a morning walk…… it’s crucial.
Use this time to exercise, clear your head, and set your intentions for the day. Taking a few moments for yourself before the family wakes up can make a huge difference. You could have a glass of water, enjoy a cup of green tea, or even do a quick meditation. It’s a game-changer for setting a positive mindset and reducing stress before the day begins.
Some mums say they’re too tired to wake up earlier, but even just 5 or 10 minutes can make a big impact. Doing morning stretches, a short meditation, or having a moment in peace can actually boost your energy and bring more calm to your thoughts throughout the day.
If the busyness of life is still overwhelming, consider adaptogenic herbs. As a naturopath, I often recommend herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and lion’s mane to support the body’s response to stress. It’s essential to get qualified advice to find what suits you best. There are many formulations out there to provide the support you need.
Today, my goal was to show you how to make school terms easier by incorporating routines like planning meals, preparing things the night before, scheduling, and creating charts for your kids. As well as, highlighting the importance of self-care time for yourself. These routines can become as effortless as brushing your teeth every day.
Remember, it’s okay if things aren’t perfect, and there might be occasional speed bumps. Stay flexible and adapt the routines to fit your lifestyle and family needs.
If you need more support along the way, I’m here for you. Congratulations to all you mums navigating through the school holidays and now gearing up for the brand new school year. It’s an exciting time for both kids and parents, and I’m excited to support you through this journey.
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This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
