Mental Fitness Friday

As for many families this time of year, stress can get a bit high when school begins...especially if one or both parents are educators.

Here are a couple ideas to keep stress under control:

*Find a schedule that works for the family for most days of the week. Get a calendar! This includes breakfast and bedtime for everyone. Keep some good breakfast options (e.g. hard boiled eggs, nuts, whole grain breads, oatmeal) in the house so you don't forget the most important meal of the day. Put yourself to bed at a reasonable time.

*Find time to exercise. Whether it be morning yoga before anyone knows your awake, a quick jog with the kids around the yard, or an evening fitness class....put it on the schedule and make time for it.

*Plan some meals ahead of time. Even make some and freeze them. That way, when the day has run crazy, you won't be tempted to run to the nearest fast food place (which will cost more in the wallet and the waist).

*Drink lots of water. Try not to reach for too many caffeinated beverages to keep you going throughout the day.

*Keep up with the laundry. That sounds impossible but if everyone has clean clothes in their drawers each morning, everyone can get dressed quickly and easily.

*Despite homework, laundry, dishes, and work, take time to play. Take at least half a day on the weekend to go out and play with the family.