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Each new school year is both a time of great excitement and heightened anxiety. As children gear up for new classes, teachers, and friends, the anticipation can bring about nervousness and stress. For parents, managing these emotions while juggling their own back-to-school preparations can be overwhelming. However, integrating spiritual practices into your family's routine can provide a sense of peace and connection, helping to alleviate some of the anxieties associated with this transitional period.
How spiritual practices help with anxiety
Spiritual practices offer a way to ground ourselves in the present moment, fostering a sense of calm and security. They provide families with tools to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the new school year by creating intentional moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection. These practices not only help manage anxiety but also strengthen familial bonds and nurture a sense of community and support.
5 spiritual practices to try with your family
1) Naming Gratitude
Start a daily or weekly family practice of naming things you are grateful for. This can be done around the dinner table or during bedtime routines. Each family member can share one thing they are thankful for, helping to shift focus from anxieties to positive experiences. Gratitude practices foster an environment of appreciation and positivity, creating a buffer against stress.
2) Classroom Supply Donation
Acts of service are a means of grace that can shift our focus from our own anxieties to the needs of others. Organize a family project to donate classroom supplies to schools in need. Involve your children in selecting and delivering the supplies, and discuss how these acts of kindness reflect God’s love in the world. This practice not only helps others but also instills a sense of purpose and generosity in your children.
3) Breath Prayers
Introduce your family to the practice of breath prayers, short prayers that can be said in one breath. They are a simple yet powerful way to invite calmness and a sense of God's presence into moments of anxiety. Here are a few examples to try:
Encourage your children to use these prayers whenever they feel nervous or stressed, whether it's before a test or while adjusting to a new routine.
4) Practice Sabbath
Make sure your kids know that there is a time when they won’t be asked to do homework or housework—they'll just rest. Set aside a day or a few hours each week dedicated to rest and family time. Use this time to disconnect from school-related tasks and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as playing games, going for a walk, or simply enjoying each other’s company. This intentional rest fosters a sense of balance and well-being.
5) Listen with Intent
Make it a focused practice to listen to whatever your family members want to tell you about their days. Create a routine where each person gets to share their highs and lows of the day without interruptions. Active listening shows that you value their experiences and emotions, strengthening your connection and providing emotional support. This practice encourages open communication and helps family members feel heard and understood.
Incorporating these spiritual practices into your family's back-to-school routine can help create a more peaceful and connected home environment. By focusing on gratitude, service, prayer, rest, and intentional listening, you provide your family with valuable tools to navigate the anxieties and excitements of the new school year. These practices not only alleviate stress but also deepen your family's spiritual journey and connection to one another.
Rev. Ryan Dunn is a Minister of Online Engagement for United Methodist Communications. He hosts the Compass and MyCom podcasts, manages social media, and lives in Nashville, TN.
