Return to School: Kids Adrenal Health through Transition

I can’t totally grasp the fact that school is right around the corner when the weather has been as amazing as this! However we are getting closer and closer to sweater weather, walks with crunchy leaves, and cozy times. 

And with leaves changing, comes school time! Often times this transitional time can bring about ‘stress’ on the body - both positive and negative! Take for example excitement… this can both be eustress yet also anxiety around the anticipation as well. There are many ways to support our children adrenal health as well as their nervous systems to make this transition as smooth as possible. Here are some pointers for supporting their transition back to school:

Sleep: Our summer has ebbed and flowed with some bed time along with camps to no strict bed times, sleep ins and nice easy going days. I would say the most important transition back to school is providing the environment to get optimal sleep. This is important for school and focus and working neurons in their brain that have had a good break, yet even more important for their cortisol levels (ie the stress hormone) that will be amped up for this transition. Sleep can support their adrenals as well as their nervous system. TIPS: Practise nightly routine before bed PRIOR to the night before school. Is this doable? Or are you crashing into the school year like a bat outta heck…I love you for that too :) In all seriousness, if we can get the body back into a rhythm prior to the first day, their systems will thank you (and their mood :)

Foods: Snackity snacks and lunch box time! I took a break on and off from these things this summer and it felt good. I have a love/dislike relationship with them and so am somewhat ready to fill those little holes with yummy goodness…whose with me? Anyhow - routine can set in again around meals and therefore support their adrenals. Providing a good breakfast (protein along with complex carbs for the win!) Will allow them to set their blood sugar levels off to a level that can sustain their energy through til lunch and lunch to dinner. 

Communication: I think that this is an important one for all ages as they have swirling thoughts and anticipation of what’s to come into the school year with friends, teachers, school work etc. This increases their sympathetic nervous systems (fight or flight) and decreases the function of their parasympathetic nervous systems (ability to rest and digest). This dysregulation can cause disruption in sleep and digestion not to mention mood and energy. By communicating about what is to come, talking about butterflies they may have, supporting them with breathing activities when the day comes, giving big hugs or extra cuddles can help to calm their nervous system so their whole being is ready to roll when the time comes.

Supplements for adrenal support: Oh I love this area so much. Along with the above, I love using herbs, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements to help nurture those little nuggets of cortisol deliciousness. I also love supporting the parasympathetic nervous system for those who have issues with onset insomnia, or tummy troubles with nervous butterflies.

Ask away with any beginning of school questions for kiddos! School age to teens!

Back to school and kids adrenals