Your kids have been back in school for a month now.  We know this can be a stressful time for parents, especially moms. There are so many things to think about, from getting kids ready for school to managing their own busy schedules. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you overcome the challenges of back-to-school season.

Plan ahead

The more you can plan ahead, the less stressful back-to-school will be. Start by making a list of everything you need to do, and then break it down into smaller tasks. This will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. The iStratus app lets you create tasks and to-do lists right in your calendar. Not to mention it lets you add photos and scanned documents to your calendar note as well. 

Delegate 

If you have other adults in your life, such as a spouse or partner, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to them. This will free up some of your time so you can focus on the things that are most important to you.

Take care of yourself 

We cannot stress this one enough. It’s important to take care of yourself during the back-to-school season, too. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. This will help you stay calm and focused when things get hectic. You deserve to take care of yourself.

Ask for help 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals. There are many resources available to help parents during the back-to-school season.

Here are some additional tips for specific challenges

Balancing work and school 

If you work full-time, it can be difficult to balance work and school. Try to find a childcare provider who can pick up your child from school and take them to after-school activities. You may also want to consider working from home on some days or trade days with another mom. 

Homework help 

If your child is struggling with homework, there are many resources available to help. You can find online tutorials, hire a tutor, or ask your child’s teacher for help.

Social challenges

Talk to your child about their social life and how they’re feeling. If they’re having trouble making friends or dealing with bullies, offer your support and help them find solutions.

Nutrition and lunch prep 

Pack your child’s lunch the night before to save time in the morning. Make sure to include healthy foods that your child will enjoy.

Health concerns 

Talk to your child’s doctor about any health concerns they may have. Make sure they have all the necessary vaccinations and that they know how to stay safe at school.

Keeping track of multiple schedules 

Use a calendar or planner to keep track of your child’s school schedule, activities, and appointments. This will help you avoid double-booking or forgetting important events. It’s hard to beat the iStratus app for managing all of your schedules. 

Emotional adjustments 

Talk to your child about their feelings now that they have been in school for a month. Let them know there are plenty of things they can do that will help with the overwhelm.  Check out our last blog for students.

Communication with teachers 

Make an effort to communicate with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. This will help you stay informed about their academic progress and any potential issues.

Fall can be a busy and stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can make it a positive experience for both you and your child.

Don’t forget to download the iStratus app today to help you make the most of this exciting time.

The first month of school is over, and you’re probably starting to feel the pressure. There are so many assignments due, it can be hard to keep track of everything. That’s where iStratus comes in. iStratus is a productivity app that can help you stay organized and make the most of your school year.

Tips For Staying Ahead

iStratus has several features that can help you stay on top of your studies. For example, you can use the planner to create to-do lists for each class, and you can use the calendar to track due dates. 

But iStratus alone won’t get you through the year.  You will need to implement a plan for staying ahead.  Here are some tips to help you remain on track.

Create a study schedule and stick to it 

Creating a study schedule will help you make sure you have enough time to study for all of your classes. Building consistency will help you avoid having to cram at the last minute. Believe it or not, it will make homework take less time too.  Give it a try for a month. What do you have to lose?

Find a quiet place to study and make sure you have everything you need 

Creating a study area will help in many ways.  First, you won’t be running all over the house looking for that highlighter or your favorite pen.  But there is another benefit as well.  Having a study area will keep your family from distracting you.  Basically, having a study area will help you focus and avoid distractions.

Take breaks when you need them, but don’t procrastinate 

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique method?  With this method, you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Taking breaks can help you stay refreshed and focused, but don’t let them derail your study schedule. Use this time to get up and move a little bit.  Studies have found that we are more creative and more productive when we move. 

Ask for help when you need it 

Even adults find it hard to ask for help.  But this one tip can save you hours. There are many resources available to students, such as tutors, professors, and classmates. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re struggling with a concept or assignment. 

Get enough sleep

We know, now we are sounding like your mom.  But sleep is essential for cognitive function, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. One trick we have found particularly helpful is to leave your phone in a different room.  That way that one friend who is up all night will not keep you awake.  We know this is a hard one but when you get enough sleep and suddenly stop feeling tired all the time, you will thank us.

Eat healthy foods 

Eating healthy foods will give you the energy you need to focus and study.  Remember in elementary school when they would say you are what you eat?  Yeah, we don’t know what that means either, but we do know that eating healthy food will make studying easier.

Exercise regularly 

Being a student is hard.  We remember those long hours listening to the teacher drone on.  We remember the pressure of facing other students in the hallway.  It wasn’t easy. However, exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Go for a walk before you study or after dinner.  You will be surprised by how much better you feel.

Manage your time wisely 

This means being aware of how you spend your time and making sure you’re using it wisely. Pay attention to how much time you are spending on YouTube or your phone.  Tracking this may help you see where you are spending hours in your day.

iStratus can be a great tool for students who want to stay organized and make the most of their school year. With iStratus, you can create to-do lists, track due dates, and take notes. 

If you’re looking for a way to stay organized and succeed in school, iStratus is the perfect app for you. Download iStratus today on the Apple Store and start taking control of your studies!

Manage Your Busy Schedule with iStratus

Before the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape, it’s time for moms to gear up for a season filled with school activities, sports practices, and extracurricular events. While juggling multiple commitments can be overwhelming, there’s no need to dread fall due to a packed schedule. With the help of iStratus—an all-in-one app designed to bring order and efficiency to busy lives—you can navigate your fall activities with ease. In this blog post, we will provide valuable tips for managing your busy schedule, incorporating organization and planning techniques using iStratus, and making fall a season to enjoy rather than endure.

Create a Centralized Schedule

To stay on top of your fall activities, create a centralized schedule that includes school events, sports practices, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. Use the iStratus app’s integrated calendar feature to input and color-code each activity. This visual representation allows you to have a clear overview of your schedule and easily identify potential conflicts or overlapping events.

Prioritize and Set Realistic Expectations

With a multitude of activities, it’s important to prioritize and set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Identify the activities that hold the highest importance for your children and your family’s well-being. Focus on these key priorities while being mindful of not overextending yourself or your children.

Use the iStratus app’s To-Do List/Checklist feature to create a list of your priorities and track your progress. This helps you stay organized, ensure important tasks are completed, and maintain a sense of accomplishment.

Communicate and Coordinate with Family Members

Effective communication and coordination are crucial when managing a busy schedule. Regularly communicate with your partner and children about upcoming activities, schedule changes, and commitments. Encourage your children to communicate their preferences and limitations, helping you make informed decisions about their involvement in various activities.

The iStratus app’s Contacts feature is perfect for storing important contact information for family members, teachers, coaches, and activity coordinators. Having this information readily available facilitates easy communication and collaboration.

Streamline Logistics and Transportation

Fall activities often involve transportation logistics, such as dropping off and picking up children from school, practices, and events. Streamline these processes to save time and minimize stress:

1.  Create a transportation schedule using the iStratus app’s Task Manager. Set reminders for pick-up and drop-off times to ensure you stay on track.
2. Coordinate carpooling with other parents. The iStratus app’s Contacts feature allows you to store contact information for other parents, making it easy to coordinate schedules and share transportation responsibilities.
3. Utilize the iStratus app’s Files feature to store important documents such as school maps, sports schedules, and directions to activity venues. Having these documents easily accessible saves time and avoids last-minute scrambling.

Plan and Prepare Meals in Advance

Busy fall schedules often leave little time for meal preparation. Planning and preparing meals in advance can save you time and ensure your family eats nutritious meals even during hectic days.

Use the iStratus app’s Checklist feature to create meal plans for the week. Include a shopping list and schedule dedicated meal-prep days to minimize cooking time during busy evenings. The app’s Notes feature is perfect for storing recipes or meal ideas.

Take Time for Self-Care

Amidst the hustle and bustle of fall activities, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading, exercising, taking a bubble bath, or spending quality time with friends. 

Use the iStratus app’s Task Manager to schedule self-care activities and set reminders. This ensures that you allocate time for yourself and prioritize self-care, even in the midst of a busy schedule.

Embrace Flexibility and Learn to Say No

While it’s important to engage in various fall activities, it’s equally crucial to embrace flexibility and learn to say no when necessary. Recognize your limits and avoid spreading yourself too thin. Be selective in choosing activities that truly align with your family’s values and priorities.

The iStratus app’s Checklist feature can help you evaluate and make informed decisions about which activities to participate in. Use it to weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity, ensuring you maintain a balanced schedule.

Celebrate Small Victories and Achievements

As you navigate through your busy fall schedule, take time to celebrate the small victories and achievements along the way. Whether it’s your child’s sports accomplishment, a successful school project, or a well-executed family outing, acknowledge and celebrate these moments of success.

Utilize the iStratus app’s Photos feature to capture and document these special moments. Create albums and share them with family and friends, fostering a sense of pride and togetherness.

Fall activities don’t have to be overwhelming and stress-inducing. By incorporating organization and planning techniques using the iStratus app, you can manage your busy schedule with ease, allowing you to fully enjoy the season.

With iStratus as your trusted companion, you can bring order and efficiency to your fall activities, making it a season of cherished memories, personal growth, and family bonding.

Embrace the joys of fall without the overwhelming stress, and savor every moment of this vibrant season. Download iStratus today and get started organizing your fall activities!

Plan and Organize with iStratus

Fall is a beautiful season that offers countless opportunities for memorable family outings. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to scenic hikes and cozy bonfires, the options are endless. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family, careful planning and organization are key. With the help of iStratus—an all-in-one app designed to bring order and efficiency to busy lives—you can easily plan and coordinate your fun family outings. In this blog post, we will provide valuable tips for planning and organizing your fall family outings, incorporating the use of iStratus to streamline the process and make it a memorable season for everyone.

Brainstorm and Prioritize Activities

Gather the family together and brainstorm a list of fall activities you’d like to experience. Consider everyone’s interests and preferences to ensure that each family member feels involved and excited about the outings. Some ideas might include visiting a corn maze, going on a nature hike, apple picking, or exploring a local farm.

Use the iStratus app’s To-Do List/Checklist feature to create a list of potential activities. This allows you to easily visualize and prioritize the outings based on factors such as availability, distance, and suitability for the whole family.

Research and Explore Local Attractions

Once you have a list of activities, take the time to research and explore local attractions in your area. Look for farms, orchards, parks, and other venues that offer fall-themed activities or events. Check their websites or social media pages for schedules, admission fees, and any specific guidelines or restrictions.

The iStratus app’s Files feature is perfect for storing and organizing information about various attractions. Create folders for each outing, and save relevant documents, maps, and contact information to have everything easily accessible when needed.

Create a Family Calendar

Organize your family outings by creating a shared calendar using the iStratus app’s integrated calendar feature. Input the dates, times, and locations of each outing, and color-code them for easy identification. Share the calendar with your family members so that everyone is aware of the upcoming activities.

Having a centralized family calendar helps avoid conflicts and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Set reminders using the iStratus app’s Task Manager feature to ensure that no one forgets important details or deadlines.

Plan Logistics and Gather Supplies

Before heading out on your family outings, plan the logistics and gather the necessary supplies. Consider factors such as transportation, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, and any specific items required for each activity.

Use the iStratus app’s Checklist feature that is built right into your calendar to create a packing list for each outing. Include items such as jackets, hats, sunscreen, water bottles, and any special equipment needed. Check off each item as you gather them to ensure you have everything you need.

Incorporate Learning and Engagement

Family outings are not only about fun; they also present valuable learning opportunities for children. Incorporate educational aspects into your outings to engage the whole family and make the experience more enriching.

Research interesting facts or historical information about the places you’ll visit, and discuss them with your family during the outing. The iStratus app’s Notes feature allows you to jot down these details, making it easy to reference them during the outing.

Capture and Preserve Memories

Make sure to capture and preserve the memories of your fall family outings. Take plenty of photos and videos to look back on in the years to come. Encourage your children to participate in documenting the experiences and creating a visual record of the outings.

The iStratus app’s Photos feature is a great tool for organizing and storing your family outing memories. Create albums for each outing, add captions, and share them with family and friends to relive the joyous moments together.

Explore Seasonal Recipes and Picnic Ideas

Enhance your fall family outings by incorporating seasonal recipes and picnic ideas. Look for autumn-inspired dishes that you can prepare and enjoy during your outings. Consider packing a picnic basket filled with delicious treats like warm apple cider, homemade sandwiches, and pumpkin-themed desserts.

Use the iStratus app’s Files feature to store and organize your favorite fall recipes. Create a dedicated folder for seasonal recipes and access them easily when planning your family outings.

Embrace Flexibility and Spontaneity

While planning is important, it’s also essential to embrace flexibility and spontaneity during your family outings. Allow room for unexpected discoveries and last-minute changes to your itinerary. Be open to exploring new paths, engaging with locals, and letting the day unfold naturally.

The iStratus app’s Task Manager feature enables you to adjust and adapt your plans on the go. Update the itinerary, add new tasks or activities, and reschedule reminders as needed to accommodate spontaneous moments.

Engage in Post-Outing Reflections

After each family outing, take some time to reflect and engage in post-outing discussions. Encourage your children to share their favorite moments, what they learned, and any new experiences they had. This reflection time fosters bonding and creates lasting memories.

Utilize the iStratus app’s Notes feature to jot down the highlights and key takeaways from each outing. These notes will serve as a precious record of your family’s adventures, allowing you to reminisce and cherish the memories in the future.

Planning and organizing fun family outings for the fall season doesn’t have to be daunting. With the help of iStratus, you can streamline the process, keep everyone informed, and make the most of your time together.

Brainstorm activities, research local attractions, create a family calendar, plan logistics and gather supplies, incorporate learning and engagement, capture memories, explore seasonal recipes and picnic ideas, embrace flexibility, and engage in post-outing reflections. Let iStratus be your go-to tool for organizing and managing your fall family outings.

By taking the time to plan and organize, you can create memorable experiences that strengthen family bonds and create lifelong memories. So, gather your loved ones, immerse yourselves in the beauty of the fall season, and enjoy the joyous moments together with the help of iStratus. Download the iStratus app today!

Summer is the perfect time to escape from the daily grind and embark on a memorable getaway. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous road trip, or a cultural exploration, proper planning is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. With the iStratus app at your side, organizing and managing your summer getaway becomes a breeze. In this blog post, we will share valuable tips for planning the perfect summer getaway, with a special focus on organization and planning using the iStratus app.

Plan The Perfect Summer Vacation

Define Your Vacation Goals and Budget

Before diving into the planning process, take a moment to define your vacation goals and set a budget. Consider what you hope to achieve during your getaway—relaxation, adventure, exploration, or a combination. Determine the amount you’re willing to spend and allocate it to different categories such as transportation, accommodation, activities, and meals.

Use the iStratus app’s Checklist feature to create a comprehensive checklist of vacation goals and budget allocations. Having these goals and budget parameters clearly defined will guide your decision-making process throughout the planning stage.

Research and Choose Your Destination

Research is key to finding the perfect destination that aligns with your interests and budget. Use travel websites, blogs, and social media platforms to gather information about potential destinations. Consider factors such as climate, activities and attractions, safety, local customs, and accessibility.

The iStratus app’s Files feature allows you to save articles, travel guides, and important documents related to your destination. You can create folders for different destinations and easily access the information whenever needed.

Plan Your Itinerary

Once you’ve selected your destination, start planning your itinerary. Research popular attractions, landmarks, local events, and hidden gems in the area. Prioritize the activities and sights that align with your vacation goals and budget.

The iStratus app’s Task Manager feature is perfect for organizing your itinerary. Create tasks for each day or activity, set reminders and deadlines, and mark them as completed once accomplished. This helps you stay on track and ensures that you make the most of your time during your getaway.

Book Accommodation and Transportation

Secure your accommodation and transportation well in advance to get the best options and deals. Compare prices, read reviews, and consider factors such as location, amenities, and cancellation policies.

Use the iStratus app’s Contacts feature to store contact information for hotels, vacation rentals, airlines, car rental companies, and transportation providers. This way, you have all the necessary details readily available when making reservations or contacting customer support.

Pack Smartly and Efficiently

Make a packing list using the iStratus app’s To-Do List/Checklist feature to ensure you don’t forget any essential items. Consider the climate and activities at your destination to pack appropriate clothing, footwear, and accessories. Roll your clothes or use packing cubes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.

Take advantage of the iStratus app’s Photos feature to snap pictures of important documents like passports, IDs, travel insurance, and reservation confirmations. This ensures you have digital backups readily available in case of any mishaps or emergencies.

Prepare for Safety and Emergencies

Prioritize your safety during your summer getaway. Research local laws and customs, and familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and the location of nearby hospitals or clinics.

Create a safety checklist using the iStratus app’s Checklist feature. Include items such as travel insurance, first aid kits, medication, emergency cash, and copies of important documents. Tick off each item as you pack and ensure that you have everything covered for a worry-free vacation.

Stay Organized During Your Trip

During your summer getaway, the iStratus app continues to be a valuable tool for staying organized and keeping track of important details. 

Using the iStratus app during your trip:

• Use the iStratus app’s Notes feature to jot down important information such as addresses, reservation details, and recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
• Take advantage of the iStratus app’s Task Manager to keep track of activities, excursions, and dining reservations. Set reminders for specific times or locations to ensure you don’t miss out on any planned experiences.
• Utilize the iStratus app’s Contacts feature to store contact information for local tour operators, transportation services, or restaurants. Having this information readily available makes it easy to make reservations or get in touch if needed.
• Capture the memories of your summer getaway using the iStratus app’s Photos feature. Create albums to organize and document your travel experiences, and share them with friends and family when you return.

Be Flexible and Embrace Spontaneity

While planning is crucial, leave room for flexibility and spontaneity during your summer getaway. Allow yourself to discover new experiences, interact with locals, and take advantage of unexpected opportunities that may arise. Use the iStratus app’s flexibility to adapt your plans and make adjustments on the go.

Planning the perfect summer getaway becomes a seamless and organized process with the help of the iStratus app. By incorporating its features into your vacation planning, you can create a comprehensive itinerary, stay organized, and have essential information readily available at your fingertips.

Remember to define your vacation goals and budget, research and choose your destination wisely, and plan your itinerary in advance. Take advantage of the iStratus app’s features such as checklists, task management, contact storage, and photo organization to streamline your planning process and ensure a smooth and enjoyable summer getaway.

With iStratus as your trusty travel companion, you can focus on creating lifelong memories, exploring new destinations, and embracing the adventures that await you during your summer escape.

So start planning, pack your bags, and let iStratus bring order and efficiency to your summer getaway.  Download the iStratus app today!

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks we need to accomplish each day. Whether you’re juggling work responsibilities, personal commitments, or a combination of both, staying organized is essential for managing your time effectively and reducing stress. Fortunately, with the help of a calendar app like iStratus, you can take control of your schedule and stay on top of everything you need to do. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 7 benefits of using a calendar app for organizing your home and work life.

1. Keep Track of Important Dates and Deadlines

One of the primary benefits of using a calendar app is the ability to keep track of important dates and deadlines. Whether it’s a work meeting, a doctor’s appointment, or a family event, a calendar app can help you stay on top of everything you need to do. By entering these dates into your calendar app, you’ll be able to see at a glance what’s coming up and avoid any last-minute surprises.

iStratus takes it one step further by giving you the ability to add checklists and photos to each entry.  These come in handy so you don’t forget important questions to ask during your appointment or if you need to bring proof of identity, residence, or even medical data to the appointment.

2. Sync Your Schedule Across All Devices

Another advantage of using a calendar app is the ability to sync your schedule across all your devices. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can access your calendar and stay up to date with all your appointments and commitments. This is particularly useful if you’re someone who frequently travels or works remotely.

3. Reduce Stress and Improve Productivity

By keeping your schedule organized and up to date, you’ll be able to reduce stress and improve your productivity. Instead of constantly worrying about what you need to do next, you can focus on the task at hand and get things done more efficiently. This can help you feel more in control of your schedule and reduce feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

iStratus has a separate task manager built into the app. Our users find this very helpful in prioritizing their tasks.  And is there anything better than marking something as complete on your to-do list?

4. Set Reminders and Notifications

A calendar app can also help you set reminders and notifications for upcoming events or deadlines. Whether it’s a pop-up notification on your phone or an email reminder, these alerts can help ensure that you don’t forget important appointments or tasks. This is especially helpful if you’re someone who tends to forget things or gets distracted easily.

One of our customers told us she uses it as a final call for her kids.  She shows them the reminder and they know they need to get on their shoes and socks and meet her at the door.

5. Plan Ahead and Make Time for Self-Care

With a calendar app, you can also plan ahead and make time for self-care activities. Whether it’s scheduling a yoga class, a date night with your partner, or a relaxing bath, you can ensure that you’re taking care of yourself and prioritizing your well-being. By making self-care a priority, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of your work and personal life.

6. Share Your Schedule with Others

Another benefit of using a calendar app is the ability to share your schedule with others. This can be particularly useful for families, roommates, or colleagues who need to coordinate schedules or plan events together. By sharing your calendar, you can avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Many of our customers share their calendars with their spouses and children and have taught the children to do the same. No more surprise projects the night before they are due.

7. Keep Your Schedule Private and Secure

Finally, a calendar app like iStratus can help you keep your schedule private and secure. With features like password protection and encryption, you can ensure that your sensitive information is kept safe from prying eyes. This can be particularly important if you’re using your calendar app to manage sensitive work information or personal appointments.

A calendar app like iStratus can be a powerful tool for staying organized and on top of your schedule. From keeping track of important dates and deadlines to setting reminders and notifications, a calendar app can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce stress.

So why not give iStratus a try and see how it can help you stay organized and on top of your busy schedule? Download the iStratus app today.