Now, more than ever, it’s super important that you’re taking care of YOU. You have to be mom, cook, maid, employee or business owner, and teacher, all wrapped into one. It’s easy to go from zero to 100 on the stress meter. This six letter word can wreak havoc not only on our emotions, but on our daily lives AND our transformation process as well. So, we need to keep our stress levels in check just like we’re checking the kids’ “homework,” which has also taken on literal meaning this year.

Click here to read more of my thoughts on stress →

Too much stress can cause some serious negative consequences when it comes to our health and overall well-being.

• Negatively impacts our digestion, our hearts, and our immune system
• Disrupts our sleep cycle + create restlessness
• Causes an increase in anxiety (no thank you, this mama doesn’t need that right now), irritability, anger, and depression
• Decreases motivation

It can also lead to elevated cortisol levels, that sneaky little hormone that stimulates our appetite and causes us to mindlessly snack while we’re trying to distract our minds and emotions…the true opposite of Netflix and chill. More like Netflix and stress out.

Outfit Details:

Reebok Logo Leggings (scroll down for photo), Reebok Pure Move Sports Bra (available in multiple colors), Reebok LL Windbreaker (sold out – similar here), Black Bikini Bottom

Top Activities to Get Moving + Leave the Back to School Stress Behind

Here’s the thing, you’ve got to add YOURSELF to the top of the list and make it a priority even on your most stressful days to get up, get out, and MOVE. You guys, movement and exercise are amazing ways to deal with stress, and hey, for the most part, they’re free. 😉 That should take your stress level down a notch already!

Here are four of my favorite activities to get you in shape and out of stress as you get back into the back-to-school grind. 😉

• Get Zen with Some Yoga Moves: Whether you use yoga as part of your workout routine, or you do a quick stretch and meditation sequence to start or end your day, I promise you that yoga has a place in your life. Make it part of your morning routine.
• Walk It Off: Walking is one of my favorite forms of free therapy. There’s something about getting outside in the fresh air with nobody to talk to—just me and my headphones—that instantly helps me feel more connected to God, nature, and myself. Walking helps relieve tension in our muscles while simultaneously increasing our heart rate and quieting our nervous system (click here to read more). Sounds intense and just what the doctor called for, right? If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try adding in sprints, hills, or build up your walk into a jog.

Walking for 30 minutes a day = increased cardiovascular + muscle endurance AND decreased chances of serious health issues like heart disease + diabetes.

• Bust a Move (or Two): Dancing, yes, DANCING can be good for reducing our stress levels and increasing our fitness! When at-home social studies are getting a little tense, move the coffee table and laptop aside and bust out your favorite moves. You may feel silly at first, but who can honestly have a living room dance party and NOT smile?!

Dancing has been proven to raise your heart rate and your spirits, and you can burn some calories AND stress away by shaking your booty. Do it solo, do it with your kiddos, just do it. We’ve even added Dance Workouts to The Transform App because the value of dance is that great, guys! Don’t have the app? Try this at-home dance workout routine!

• Try Circuit Training: One of my favorite ways to work out in the gym or at home, circuit training is a great way to workout in less time. It’s a method of exercise that alternates between weight training and cardio in shorter bursts, and if you plan it right, you can get your pump in a faster, sweeter session, which means more efficient workouts.

Click here for an at-home stepladder workout →

Don’t lose sight of yourselves this school season, moms! I know it’ll be different, and I’m sure we will all have our fair share of stressful moments and even a few tears. But let’s all try to take a deep breath and be thankful for the opportunities we’ve been given to grow, laugh, and learn this year!

And…don’t forget to keep making yourself, your health, your well-being, and your fitness a priority. How are you planning on staying in shape (mentally, physically, or both!) once the school year starts?!

xo,

Related reading:

Back to School = Back to You: Busy Mom Power Promises for Transformation Success
A Lotta Tabata || 4-Minute Total Body Toning Workouts
Back to School Workout Ideas: From Toddlers to Teens to You!
Breaking the Brown Bag Blues: Healthy School Lunch Ideas!
Keep It Simple: My Morning Routine