Stress during Back-to-School Season
When you hear the words “Back to School,” what emotion comes to mind? For some this brings a sense of relief, for others it stirs up sadness, and for many, it’s a mixed bag! Whether you’re feeling excited, scared, or a little of both, the reality is that there may be some stress involved. While stress is normal, many people struggle to manage it in healthy ways. The good news is, stress management is a skill, and just like any other skill we develop as moms, this one can be practiced and refined!
Here are three practical ideas for improving your stress now that school is back in session:
Make your first move in the morning one of intention
If you’re anything like me, your mornings sometimes start before you do. You open your eyes and kids are making demands, emails are calling your name, your to-do list feels a mile long and scrolling social media becomes an “escape” from the responsibilities immediately piling up. All of this, and your nervous system is put on high alert before you’ve even stepped foot out of bed! Now take a moment to imagine a morning that starts with peace. What does that look like to you? Maybe it’s an early workout, a few minutes of stretching and breathing at the foot of your bed, or sitting on your front porch with your favorite drink in hand, listening to the outside air. Whatever it is, spending “me” time with intention is a great way to create calm within our nervous systems and set our days on the right foot.
2. Step outside
It has only been in the last 100+ years that we’ve spent most of our time inside. Not coincidentally, mental health issues have also been on the rise. Immersing ourselves in the outside world is a quick and relatively easy way to re-set our nervous systems. Connecting with nature might look like a five-minute walk around the block, gardening, listening to the birds, or intentionally taking a moment to look up at the clouds and trees as we shuffle kids to and from their many activities. There’s no wrong way to “step outside” and these moments of intentionality can bring a sense of calm on days when motherhood feels like anything but that!
3. Give your smartphone a break
We’ve all heard it: Comparison is the thief of joy! When you start to notice your stress building, take inventory of the amount of time you’ve spent on your screen, especially on social media. New research has coined the term “meta-stress” as the act of stressing about one’s stress and suggests this type of worrying is on the rise (Hasan MK, 2025). In other words, when we’re watching the carefree nature of someone else’s highlight reel, it can really nail down the feelings of failure we experience while, say, trying to juggle life as a full-time mom and employee. Taking intentional breaks from social media and smartphones can have a profound effect on our stress levels, not to mention our self-esteem, concentration and overall life satisfaction.
The truth is, stress is a natural part of life, especially in periods of transition. But depression and anxiety don’t have to accompany it! With school resuming and new demands being added to your plate, if it’s all starting to feel unmanageable, Resilient Life Counseling and Wellness is here to walk with you through it. We have a variety of well-trained professionals who are eager to help you find satisfaction in motherhood, even on your most stressful days. From one mom to another, hang in there, you’re doing better than you think!
If you or your teen are ready to begin your healing journey, consider starting therapy. At Resilient Life Counseling & Wellness, we have a diverse team of therapists fully equipped to provide compassionate and personalized care to individuals, couples, and families. We offer flexible, confidential sessions, both virtually throughout Utah and in person (Farmington, UT), and we are here to meet you where you are and support you on your journey.
References:
Hasan, M.K. (2025). Meta-stress in the digital age: how social media and constant connectivity create new layers of stress. National Library of Medicine. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003515
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