This post is a sponsored collaboration between myself and Natrol. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Ways to Reduce Back to School Stress When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Back to School is an exciting time for most families! A new school year is always a lot of fun for us. New books, lessons, homeschool classes, field trips, and more. While back to school can be a lot of fun for children, it can be time of major stress for parents. If your summer was anything like mine, one that was easy going and laid back, the busyness of Back to School can easily become overwhelming. It can take time to adjust from those carefree days to your new back to school schedule. There is a lot to remember, and things you just have to get done during the school week while you juggle a host of other things. While putting your children and school in the forefront, you have to remember one of the most important parts of the equation……you!

If you’ve been following me for some time here on the blog, then you know that I’m a big advocate for self care! My motto is “As moms, we can’t be good to our families if we aren’t good to ourselves.” Earlier this year I introduced you all to 5-HTP. Natrol 5-HTP is a natural stress reducing supplement that I swear by! I have talked about it on the blog, social media, and recommended it to so many women that I talk to and meet everyday. I’ve also shared some helpful sleep tips in conjunction with taking Natrol Melatonin in order to get a better nights rest after Daylight Saving Time. What’s amazing is that now Natrol has combined two of my favorite supplements and created Natrol® Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP! Back in the day I thought being “team no sleep” was great. I would stay up all night “grinding” then brag on social media about how I got all of this work done because I wasn’t sleeping. Unfortunately that was all wrong and caught up to me resulting in stress and major fatigue. Sleep is so vital for our health.

Since the back to school season is so busy, I know it’s easy to become stressed and overwhelmed. While we care about our families and children,  it’s so important that you look out for yourself too. You know how we create a bedtime routine for our children? Well guess what, adults need bedtime routines too!

Ways to Reduce Back to School Stress

• Get in a few moments of me time – Yes, I always stress “me time!” Me time can look different for every mom. Sometimes it only takes a few peaceful minutes for us to reset our brain in order to be ready to tackle the rest of the day. My favorite “me time” activity is my morning walk or having a cup of tea on the porch while listening to the birds chirp. 
• Plan out your week – I am such a pen & paper type of girl! I have to write everything down in order for me to remember what’s happening for the week. I do my planning on Sunday night. I love cute pens, planners, and stickers to make everything fun. When you have a to-do list, especially during the school year, it makes life much less stressful. 
• Create a healthy bedtime routine – As I mentioned above, once I put my children to bed, in the past I would get to work instead of sleeping. As adults, we need a restful nights sleep to be able to function well during the day too. Do a few things at night to help you wind down. I like to diffuse some my favorite oils, listen to nature sounds, and sometimes do some adult coloring or read a book. I also make sure to take Natrol® Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP to help me to relax before bed, and to fall asleep faster and stay asleep for a full night’s rest. 

Benefits of Natrol® Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP

Calm and relax your mind with 50 mg of 5-HTP†
Fall asleep fast with 3 mg of quick release Melatonin†
Stay asleep with 3 mg of controlled release Melatonin†
 100% drug free and no morning grogginess†
 No artificial colors, flavors, added sugar or
preservatives†

†Disclaimer- This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

You can find Natrol® Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP nationwide at select drug stores and vitamin retailers. Do you want to win a Natrol Sleep-Savvy Kit?! Currently Natrol is running a fun giveaway on their Facebook page! Share a photo of your must haves for a good night’s rest with #MomSupplies and #SleepOwned on social media to enter! For full rules & guidelines, head HERE.

To learn more about Natrol‘s suite of wellness products, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Are there any other methods you’re using to reduce the stress associated with back to school? 

Ashley