Back to School with Less Stress - Holistic Wellness Tips for Parents, Students, and Teachers

EPISODE 041: Back to School with Less Stress - Holistic Wellness Tips for Parents, Students, and Teachers 

Are your kids starting the school year energized and ready—or already running on empty? 🤔

In this episode of The Sparkling Life Coach Podcast, I’m sharing holistic wellness tips for parents, students, and even teachers to help reduce stress, boost focus, and strengthen immunity during the busy back-to-school season.

I share wellness essentials for both home and classroom settings, including practical advice on maintaining healthy routines and highlighting stress relief techniques.  

The episode serves as part three of a 3-Part series, with previous episodes focusing on empowering kids with natural remedies [EP39] and creating a balanced college life [EP40]. 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Thriving This School Year
• 3:35 The Importance of Preparation
• 5:24 Essentials for a Healthier Classroom
• 9:39 Supporting Kids At Home
• 11:29 Stress Relief Techniques for the Whole Family
• 15:31 Nutrition Made Simple: Foundational Wellness Bundle
• 20:12 Next Steps

Transcript

Back to School with Less Stress – Holistic Wellness Tips for Parents, Students, and Teachers

Are we preparing our kids to thrive this school year or just hoping they don't burn out by October? And what if you could send your kids off to school with more energy, stronger immunity, and way less stress using just a few natural tools? Well, that's exactly what we're discussing in today's episode.

If you're a parent juggling busy mornings, a college student navigating dorm life, or just someone who wants to start this school year feeling healthier, less stressed, and more balanced, stick around because I've got some simple, powerful wellness essentials to share with you. 

And trust me, they're gonna make this school year a whole lot easier. 

Welcome to the Sparkling Life Coach Podcast.

Hey, Sparkling One. Thanks for joining me today. I'm your host, Dee Diaz, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. And before we get started, if you're here, it's probably because you are on a holistic wellness journey.

So go ahead, click that subscribe button so you don't miss our upcoming episodes. Thank you.

So now let's have some real talk here. School mornings can feel like a race against the clock. Afternoons can get moody, and by bedtime, everyone's exhausted. Right? But here's the good news. Small, simple shifts can make a big difference. So, today we'll talk about natural ways to boost your family's energy without relying on sugar or caffeine.

I'll share some of my favorite stress-supporting tools that help both kids and parents stay calm and focused. And yes, I've even got a few easy, healthy snack ideas. You can toss in a lunchbox or serve up after school to keep those little tummies happy without the sugar crash. So, if you are ready for more calm mornings, focused afternoons, and smoother evenings, stick with me because we're about to make this school year a whole lot healthier and a whole lot brighter.

So, let's start with why preparation matters. You've probably heard me say that it's better to prepare and prevent than repair and repent. Did you know the average student misses four to six days of school every year due to illness, and teachers actually miss more.

That's a lot of learning days lost. Not to mention the stress it puts on families, especially if you work outside the home. The truth is, while we can't control every germ or every stressful moment, we can prepare, and when we do, we give our kids, our families, and ourselves a big advantage. That's what today's episode is all about: building your wellness toolbox with simple, natural, and practical essentials that help everyone thrive. 

So, let's start with our college students.

If you missed part two of this series, make sure to check out Episode 40 because our college students need some love, too. Dorm life, cafeteria food, late-night study sessions. It's a lot, and it can really take a toll on our students. That episode will equip you with a College Survival Kit. I often tell parents, this kit is like sending your student off with a little piece of home: comfort, support, and care in a roll-on bottle.

It'll also help you discover tips on creating a healthier, more balanced college life with holistic tools to keep energy up and stress down.

So many parents wonder what they can do to support their students in the classroom. I mean, besides helping them with that new math.

One of my favorite stories is about a mom named Jessa Johnson in Colorado. She donated diffusers and On Guard Protective Blend essential oils and sprays to her kids' school. The result? Teachers took less than half the sick days compared to the year before.

That's a dramatic difference. This shows us something important: when we create a healthier environment, Kids learn better, teachers teach better, and everyone benefits. And let's be honest, classrooms are like germ central, right? Did you know the average American child gets six to ten colds every year?

With school starting up and cold weather just around the corner, for some of us, germs are about to run wild. That's why I love using essential oils as part of our germ prevention routine. They aren't just nice aromas if they're Certified, Pure, Tested Grade essential oils. They're also practical tools that support focus, immunity, and overall wellness in the classroom.

Here are a few favorites you can use at home or even in the classroom setting. 

Lemon essential oil. This one is so simple, yet so powerful. Lemon has amazing detoxifying properties. Some people like adding a drop to their water in the morning for cleansing support. And if your little one isn't into that, you can use lemon as a natural household cleaner.

Just mix about 10 drops with a cup or two of water in a spray bottle, and you have an all-natural cleaner that not only smells uplifting, but also helps with germ prevention. Next, let's talk about the OnGuard Protective Blend.

This is that cozy autumn-like aroma made with Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. It's famous for its antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. You can diffuse it, you can roll it on, and even use it as a household cleaner. It smells amazing, and it helps defend against those seasonal bugs.

Then there's Peppermint essential oil. Peppermint doesn't exactly prevent colds, but it sure makes life easier if you catch one. It helps relieve headaches, it supports digestion, and it even boosts mental alertness. It's perfect for kids who need that extra focus while studying, or for parents who need a pick-me-up. Lavender is my go-to for sleep support, and let's face it, sleep is the number one secret weapon when it comes to preventing illness. A well-rested body has a much better chance of fighting off germs. Try rubbing a little Lavender on your child's feet, on their palms, or their temples before bed for a soothing, restful night's sleep.

And you can use it on yourself too. Implementing just a few of these essential oil tips can honestly be the difference between your child staying in class or missing an entire week. And when it comes to keeping our families healthy, I always recommend erring on the side of prevention. So, whether you're a parent or a teacher, consider keeping these in your wellness toolkit. 

Now, let's talk about how you can support your kids at home. Students today are often overstimulated with activities, screens, and constant demands.

When they don't eat well or sleep well, it shows up in their mood, their focus, and their behavior, right? So here are three simple habits that make a big difference. First of all, remember that breakfast matters. Kids who eat breakfast, especially a high-protein breakfast, score up to 17% higher on tests compared to those who skip it.

Secondly, get them into the habit of packing the night before. It reduces morning stress and meltdowns. And thirdly, daily movement is so important. Just 20 to 30 minutes of activity daily helps memory, mood, and focus.

And yes, natural supports help here too. I like the InTune Focus Blend for focus and concentration. Cedarwood essential oil or the Adaptiv Calming Blend is great for calming, anxious feelings, and the Serenity Restful Blend, or lavender essential oil is great for bedtime routines and especially for your little ones, massaging either of these essential oils along their spine and or the bottom of their feet is such a loving way to connect with them at bedtime. 

Now let's talk about stress because we all know back-to-school season isn't just stressful for kids. Parents are juggling schedules, teachers are balancing classrooms full of personalities, and college students are navigating independence. So, here are a few simple protocols anyone in the family can use when stress starts to bubble up.

Breathwork.

Just three minutes of slow deep breathing can lower cortisol levels and bring the nervous system back into balance.

I love teaching kids box breathing. That's where you inhale for a count of four. You hold for a count of four. You exhale for a count of four, and you hold for a count of four. It's simple and it works.

There's also meditation. Even five minutes in the morning sets the tone for the day. You can use a guided app or just sit quietly and focus on your breath. Studies show that regular meditation improves focus, reduces anxiety, and even helps with sleep. And this is definitely something we can teach our children from an early age.

Have you ever heard of EFT Tapping? It stands for Emotional Freedom Technique, better known as Tapping. It's another great option. It's quick, and kids can learn it too.

By gently tapping on acupressure points while repeating calming phrases, or even just breathing. The body relaxes and stress decreases. We've already mentioned it, but movement is so helpful for stress relief.

Never underestimate the power of a walk. Exercise doesn't have to mean a gym session. A family walk after dinner, a dance party in the living room, or even stretching together before bed can help everyone release tension. Movement literally burns off stress hormones and replaces them with endorphins, our feel-good chemicals. Or how about having gratitude check-ins? This is when you ask each family member to share one good thing about their day at the dinner table. "What's new and good?" It can be something new they did or learned, or something good. I love this because it helps shift the focus from what went wrong to what went right.

And also, digital breaks for both kids and adults. Taking a break from screens, even just 30 minutes, can calm the mind and reduce overstimulation. This would be especially good to do right before bedtime. Parents, students, and teachers all benefit from these simple practices. They don't take long, and they don't cost a thing.

Now, I'd love to hear from you. Would you like me to dive deeper into any of these stress relief tools in future episodes?

Whether it's a full episode on EFT Tapping, a guided breathwork practice, or practical ways to weave meditation into family life, let me know. Your feedback helps shape this podcast, and I'd love to bring you the tools you are most curious about.

Now, of course, you know I have to talk about nutrition. Even simple snack swaps can help. A healthy after-school option with fruit and protein will fuel their brains much better than a sugary treat that leads to a crash an hour later. But even with the best meal planning, most kids, and let's be honest, most adults, too, fall short on nutrients.

That's where supplementation comes in. If you've been listening to the podcast, you've heard me talk about the Wellness Made Simple Foundational Wellness Bundle and how it makes filling the nutritional gaps easy.

There's the four-in-one nutrition of VMG plus. That's your vitamins, minerals, greens, and essential oils. What it does is support cellular health antioxidant defenses, and it helps your body absorb nutrients better. 

Basically, it's the daily multivitamin everyone in the family needs. Now, if your student is aged 13 plus, they can take a full dose. Under 13, a half dose is recommended, and this one is easy for them to take 'cause it's a yummy drink,

they're going to love. But if you prefer a chewable vitamin, the A2Z Chewables are a whole-food-based multivitamin designed for kids and adults who hate swallowing pills.

Then there's the EO Mega Plus. This is all about omega threes because they're great for the heart, for the brain, the joints, and the skin. And thanks to Wild Orange essential oil, it doesn't taste like fish oil. Again, if your student is age 13 plus and is good at swallowing pills, they can take this or chew them because it's like eating a gummy bear.

If they're under 13, then they can use the IQ Mega. It's a yummy orange-flavored Omega-3 supplement. Just pour one teaspoon for them. It's perfect for brain growth, focus, and again, no fishy aftertaste.

And then there's PB Restore, the gut health Superstar. It's a unique probiotic with pre-PRO and postbiotics, plus 18 billion CFUs and 24 strains. It supports digestion, immunity, and mood. If they're aged 13 plus and are able to swallow capsules, they can take this one.

If they're under 13, they can use the PB Assist Junior. It's a kid-friendly probiotic with 5 billion live cells from six strains. It's great for immunity and gut balance. Most kids love this 'cause it's like eating a Pixie Stick. And it's actually a favorite for me too.

Together, these create a simple foundational routine for wellness. It's the nutritional safety net every student needs. When you give your kids these daily, you are setting them up for sharper focus, fewer sick days, and better moods. And let's be real, Parents, we need this support too.

So don't forget to include them as your own supplements. So, let's recap in part one of this series, Episode 39. We covered the Kids' Collection of natural remedies for empowering kids. It's gentle enough for kids, but anyone in the family can use them. In part two of the trilogy, Episode 40, we learned tips on creating a healthier, more balanced college life with the holistic tools in the College Survival Kit for stress, sleep, and focus.

And in this part three, we've discussed classroom essentials that support healthier learning. We talked about home routines that simplify mornings and support calmer evenings, and most importantly, we talked about nutritional support to fill in the gaps and keep your family thriving.

All right, Sparkling Ones, here's your next step. I've created a Back-to-School Wellness Cheat Sheet just for you. I've got the blends, the snack ideas, and the supplement tips we talked about today. Plus, a section breaking down the Foundational Wellness Bundle so you can choose what's best for your family.

You'll also get my Sparkle Tip of the Week, a mini guide on boosting your family's energy naturally. Just click on the link in the show notes, or if you're watching this on YouTube, scan the QR code you see on the screen. Thanks for spending this time with me, and I hope this Back-to-School series has helped to empower you and your family to live well, shine bright, and always keep that sparkle.

So, Sparkle On! And don't forget to sprinkle a little sparkle everywhere you go. 

Ciao!