Managing the “May-hem”: How to Stay Calm, Centered, and Energized During End-of-School-Year Stress
May often feels like a blur. Between end-of-school-year activities, graduations, summer travel planning, work deadlines, and the general sense that everything needs to be finished before vacation season kicks off, it’s no wonder many families, leaders, and professionals feel overwhelmed.
In fact, May is one of the most stressful months of the year—not just emotionally, but physically. Understanding the impact of this busy season on your body (especially your cortisol levels and gut health) can help you stay resilient, energized, and centered, no matter how long your to-do list grows.
Why May Stress Hits Harder Than You Think
The stress of May isn’t just in your head—it’s deeply connected to your body’s stress response system. When you experience high levels of stress for prolonged periods (like during the end of the school year rush), your cortisol levels stay elevated.
Elevated cortisol can:
- Disrupt gut health and digestion
- Drain your energy reserves
- Impact your mood and sleep
- Make it harder to focus and problem-solve
This creates a frustrating cycle: the busier you are, the worse you feel—and the harder it becomes to get everything done.
How to Stay Calm During a Busy Season: Simple, Powerful Strategies
If you’re wondering how to stay calm during a busy season like May, the good news is: small shifts can make a big difference. Here are a few practical strategies you can start today:
1. Support Your Gut-Brain Axis
Your gut and brain are directly connected, meaning stress in one impacts the other. Prioritize gut-supporting foods that stabilize blood sugar and nourish your microbiome, such as:
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Wild-caught salmon
- Grass-fed yogurt or kefir
- Bone broth
These foods help calm inflammation and keep your mood and energy steady even when outside demands ramp up.
2. Practice Breathwork for Immediate Cortisol Relief
Taking just 1–2 minutes a few times a day to practice deep breathing can dramatically lower cortisol. Try a simple box breath exercise: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts—and repeat.
3. Time Block with Flexibility
Instead of trying to multitask, block specific times for specific tasks, and build in short breaks to reset your mind and body. This helps prevent the mental fatigue that high cortisol can trigger.
4. Eat Stabilizing Meals
Blood sugar crashes spike cortisol. Aim to combine protein, healthy fat, and fiber at each meal to keep energy levels even. Think a Greek yogurt parfait with berries and walnuts, or a nourish bowl with chicken, quinoa, and roasted veggies.
5. Give Yourself Grace
You can’t do it all perfectly—and you’re not meant to. This is a season that calls for compassion toward yourself. Some days will feel easier than others. Honor your effort, not just your outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Managing May stress is less about doing more and more about supporting your body and mind with simple, strategic habits. By prioritizing gut-brain health, breathing deeply, structuring your time intentionally, fueling your body wisely, and showing yourself grace, you can move through the “May-hem” with greater resilience and joy.
If this season has you feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck there. Inside my 6-month program, I guide you step-by-step to heal stress from the inside out so you can show up energized, focused, and well—even when life gets busy. Click the button below to learn more!
