Maybe “Stress-tober” would be a better name for October. In a minute, our tips are going to give you a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, the lazy days of summer are now becoming a distant memory and the back-to-business vibe is in full swing.

Kids are back at school, which is a mixed blessing: On one hand, they are out of our hair during the day. On the other, a more rigid and active weekday routine has taken hold along with a new round of expenses. The temperature is dropping, the leaves are falling, the eavestrough needs cleaning, and your to-do list keeps on growing!

So the last thing you need is a long, complicated list about fighting stress, right? That’s why there are just two tips listed below: One to start your day, and another to end it.

1. Make breakfast count
Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, as it provides energy and nutrients that put our minds and bodies on the right track.

Easy breakfast tip: Luckily, it couldn’t be easier to assemble a quick, healthy breakfast. Pick two or three foods that include the foods listed here, and you’re off to the races!

  • Grain (such as cereal, whole-wheat toast, or a granola bar)
  • Dairy product (milk on your cereal, yogurt)
  • Fruit or vegetable (such as an apple, banana or orange)

Make sure you have what you need the night before, and it won’t affect the morning rush one bit.

2. Wrap your day up right
Likewise, diet plays a key role in getting you the sleep you need to be at your best the next day and keep your stress at bay. That means you should avoid caffeine in the evenings and limit your food and liquid intake for at least a couple hours before bed (to avoid those 3 a.m. bathroom breaks that disrupt your sleep.

Better sleep tips: When and what you eat and drink are a big part of good “sleep habits,” but there’s more:

  • Reserve the bedroom for sleep and sex. Banish the TV, tablet and laptop.
  • Keep your sleeping quarters clean as this will make snoozing (and sex!) more appealing.