Back to School Overwhelm

There is a lot of invisible labor that goes into preparing for a new school year. Orientation, meet the teacher, classroom supply lists, carpool! If you handle that for your family, I see you and honor you! If you don't handle that in your family, give a big hug and a thank you to the person who does!

Transitions are hard for uniquely wired people and often cause overwhelm. Overwhelm with planning a new schedule, thinking of everything the kids will need, checking that their clothes and shoes still fit, backpacks, lunch boxes, and so much more. 

But overwhelm is just an emotion. It moves through us and doesn't last forever. We can notice it, feel it, then decide what action to take. A bigger problem arises when we're swamped with shame for being overwhelmed.

Notice what you tell yourself when you're overwhelmed. Is it what you'd say to a dear friend? Or is it something like "You should be able to handle this" or "It's not that hard, why can't you just get it done?!" Is there a kinder thought you could try out?

Next, what action do you take? If you're avoiding overwhelm, you might scroll social media, binge Netflix or eat something yummy to avoid the feeling. We all do that sometimes! Or you could name it - "I'm feeling overwhelmed" - then allow the discomfort to be there and pass.

My go-to next action is a brain dump. I write down all of the things on my mind to get them out of my head and on paper. It helps me see what one small thing I can do. What must be done today? What can wait? What can be delegated?

Then I ask myself, "What do I need right now?" Is it a Power Nap? A walk? Connection with a friend? To cross something off the list? Start with one small thing. Once you're less overwhelmed and less stuck, you just might keep going!

In August, I say "No" more than I usually do. We keep the calendar more clear on Sundays so that we can prepare for the week ahead. I give myself more time to plan and think through the changes in schedule and time commitment. For me, it feels like waiting for the snow to settle in a snow globe. Everything will fall in place, and you can't really rush it.

Quick tip: Could you "better" this time of transition by scheduling time to yourself at a coffee shop to think through all of the new things that are coming?