A new season

A new season has begun.

Yes, fall is in the air and kids have returned to school. They are participating in sports and music extracurricular activities, their homework is starting to pile up and I'm running everywhere on top of all my regular chores. So many new and exciting adventures that bring bright smiles as they run in from the bus or after practice. They are just bursting to tell me the rundown of their day, the math they learned or who they sat by at lunch...

Yes, its all wonderful and good but it's also a little intense.
Back to school is no joke a big transition.

How are you handling it? Are you equally excited as stressed? Or perhaps just stressed and maybe feeling some anxiety creeping in unexpectedly. Either way, a lot of new changes are exciting as well as emotionally demanding, especially in the first month or so as we adjust to the new pace.

I have personally felt some anxiety creeping in. The to-do list and responsibilities for managing my schedule as well as my husband and three children and their individual activities and schedules can bring a bit of pressure.

I begin to feel my heart start to race and the blood rushing through my veins. My mind begins to run quickly and my chest tightens up. All the self-help books and time management lessons start rushing in my mind. "OK, I can handle this" "I have room to feel anxiety but I also have room to work thought it" "I wont push it away, I will recognize it and focus on what I can do in this moment"

blah blah.

Don't get me wrong, these thoughts have changed my life and are empowering me to make huge changes to how I handle stressful situations and create a calm mind and a happy home.

However there are things I continue to work on and put into place to aid in stressful moments. Making them smaller and more manageable for me so I don't break or snap at something seemingly small on the outside but piled up to an extreme on the inside.

What do I do, and what can you do in these few months of transition?

Ask yourself, "what do I need?"
Be selfish and connect with your needs. Put your hand on your heart and ask "what do I need"

What do I need?

• I need sleep.

Sleep is my #1 priority when I have a lot on my plate. Actually my top priority always. I notice when my sleep is off I get hungrier, crankier and forgetful through the day.

• I need silly movement and laughter.

I take a break in my day to go outside and play. I take my shoes off and stretch in the grass or do a few cartwheels. I jump on the trampoline with the kids after school or play catch with the football.

• I need nutrients and herbs. 

Hypoglycemic episodes make anxiety much much worse. I make sure to get lots of dark leafy greens and stay well hydrated. I also cut out almost all caffeine (caffeine makes anxiety much worse).

I supplement with a few herbs, such as ashwaganda, kava extract and valerian root. You also won't find me without my oils. I keep a blend like chamomile and lavender in my purse or pocket. A few rolls to my neck and wrist does the trick! 

• I need to breathe.

Sounds simple enough but I actually catch myself holding a breath for a long period of time when stressed. My nostrils are flaring and my head is pounding by the time I realize it. When I catch myself I automatically just pause and take five very deep breaths as slowly as I can. Focusing on the sensations of each inhale and exhale. By the end of the fifth breath my perception of the task ahead or the stress I am trying to manage is much different and manageable.

A lot of small changes over time is what helps my anxiety. I will forever be a work in progress and constantly trying to better myself by asking "what do I need?"

Ask yourself "what do I need?" through your day. 

Before your kids come home and everyone/everything is demanding your attention take 5 minutes to yourself, quiet your mind and breathe. Find what works for you. Maybe its a walk around your block soaking in some fresh air or sitting in your car before you walk in the door and listening to your favorite song...

Small changes over time, building habits and creating a lifestyle. 

XOXO
Ashley