Keep your Cool: Essential advice for staying calm on the school run

Posted on 07 September, 2023

Calling all school runners, we see you. We know from experience (believe us!) that this is often the most stressful part of the weekday. The scramble to get everyone ready, the traffic congestion, and the time pressure equal frayed nerves. But, keeping your cool while driving on the school run is really important for both your safety and that of your passengers. You'll have heard us talking about seeing more than your score, and for us that means understanding your stories and helping a little wherever we can. So here are some key tips on how to stay calm and collected on hectic mornings.

 

Plan Ahead

Do as much as possible the night before: lay out the kid's clothes, pack their bags, and make sure that any required art project extras are ready (they always get you don't they?). Having a mini checklist can help you avoid last-minute panics and ensure a smoother start to your day.

 

Give Yourself Extra Time

If you can bear it(!) set your alarm a bit earlier to allow yourself extra time for unforeseen delays. Whether it's unexpected traffic or a sudden need for an extra loo break on the way out the door, having that buffer will make a big difference to your stress levels.

 

Practice Mindfulness

Seems like madness in the chaos but it really works! Try to focus on your breathing. If traffic slows you down, use the opportunity to take deep breaths and reset your mindset. This can help you respond to potential stressors (like the kids arguing in the back) in a more composed manner.

 

Play Soothing Music

We all know music has the power to influence our mood. Creating a playlist of calming tunes that you can pop on and enjoy during the school run can help create a more relaxed atmosphere in the car.

 

Use Hands-Free Communication

This is a biggie if you're receiving calls or messages during the school run, and it goes without saying that you should always use hands-free options. Trying to manage your phone while driving will hike up stress levels and lessen your attention on the road. Stay focused on your driving and use voice commands and Bluetooth systems to manage your calls and messages.

 

And maybe most importantly, try to stay positive and patient. Remind yourself that the school run is a routine that you can manage, you've got this! Practice positivity and patience, even if you en-counter traffic jams or unexpected delays. Keeping a positive mindset and making these habits a part of your routine, you can transform the school run into a more pleasant and relaxed experience. School runners everywhere, we salute you!

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