Back-to-School Calm: 7 Practical Ways to Handle the Rush

Late summer is supposed to feel easy—but the calendar says “school,” and suddenly mornings are a production. If you want fewer battles over shoes and more slow coffee, here are seven practical rituals to reduce back-to-school stress for the whole household.

1. Pick one anchor and protect it

Choose one non-negotiable (10 minutes of morning together time, an evening walk, or a nightly “devices off” window) and keep it sacred. Anchors reduce decision fatigue and create predictable rhythm.

2. Do five little things the night before

Pack lunches, check backpacks, lay out outfits. Ten minutes at night = thirty fewer “where’s my…” moments in the morning.

3. Hydrate for altitude and focus

Colorado’s elevation speeds dehydration. Pack reusable bottles with an electrolyte option (coconut water, a pinch of salt, or a squeeze of lemon). Hydrated kids pay better attention.

4. Teach the power of a quick breath

Simple breathing works: try a 3-count inhale, 5-count exhale before a test, on the bus, or after a tense moment. It’s tiny, portable, and actually effective.

5. Use bite-size movement as a reset

Two minutes of jumping jacks, a quick backyard game, or a short stretch boosts mood and focus. Make it fun and habitual.

6. Sleep transition cues matter more than you think

Start dimming screens 30 minutes earlier the week before school starts. Small cues help circadian timing—and make early mornings less brutal.

7. Support—not replace—healthy coping tools

When a family needs extra help settling in, reach for well-tested supports. We recommend calming tinctures for evening wind-down and topical roll-ons for neck and shoulder tension. Always consult your pediatrician before giving supplements to children or teens.

BACK2SCHOOL PROMO — Limited Time

To help ease the transition, use code BACK2SCHOOL at checkout for BOGO 50% OFF: buy one eligible calming tincture or roll-on, get the second at 50% off. Available in-store and online through August 31, 2025. Terms: limit one promo code per order. Not combinable with other offers. Age guidance and usage questions? Ask us in store or consult your healthcare provider.

Shop calming tinctures

Shop topical roll-ons here

Thanks for being part of our community—small rituals add up to big calm. Swing by The CBD Store if you want personalized product pairing or a quick demo.