Resetting Our Lives During the Back-to-School Season

I’ve always found something magical about late August and early September. The morning air feels a little crisper, the days just a right amount shorter, and everywhere I look, there’s the hum of new beginnings. We’re swapping beach towels for backpacks, the scent of freshly sharpened pencils is in the air, and even though I haven’t been a student for years, I can still feel it — the pull of a fresh start. It’s hard for me to resist!

When the back-to-school season arrives, it’s not just students who can benefit from a fresh start. There’s a shift from the lazy rhythms of summer to the structured pace of autumn that invites reflection and renewal. Whether you’re the one in school, parenting students, or simply watching the yellow buses roll by on your morning commute, this time of year can be the perfect opportunity to reset life. It’s a natural moment in the year to pause, realign, and step into a season that feels intentional. Keep reading for a few steps I go through to get me and my family back on track.

1. Take An Inventory

The first place I always start is with an honest assessment of where I am. We can’t make a plan of how to get somewhere unless we admit where we are starting from. Grab your journal and begin by asking reflective questions such as what habits have I developed over the last few months? Which of those are helping me grow and which ones are holding me back? Additionally let yourself imagine – where do you want to be in three months, six months, next fall? Think of this as your “life syllabus” — a plan that gives you direction without locking you into perfection.

2. Clear the slate

Summer is glorious, but it can be messy — both literally and mentally. I love to clear out what we no longer need: the clothes we haven’t worn, the half-finished projects, and any mental habits that may be weighing me down. I think of it as sweeping the sand out of my life before the new season rolls in. It’s not just about tidying, its about creating room. Remember that clutter drains mental energy and makes it harder to focus. A tidy space signals our brain that it’s time for a new chapter and refreshed focus. We don’t have to do a complete overhaul, start with the main spaces and slowly work your way out.

3. Build (or Rebuild) a Rhythm

The end of summer can mean either the end of late nights, irregular meals, and flexible schedules or (because of new school year demands) can instead create late nights, irregular meal times, and inconsistent evening routines. The never-ending baseball season in my home create an ebb and flow to evening routines but instead of throwing up my hands I intentionally create structure around "on nights" and "off nights" that allow us to still focus on family time around dinner and board games.

Small changes trump radical overhauls. Try instead setting a gentle but intentional daily flow focusing on your anchors. Routines aren’t about rigidity but about creating space focusing on the life you are cultivating. Spending some time mapping out your days will highlight what your anchors and priorities are. This is where you can firm up routines, pick the battles that are most important to you and let the others go (maybe just for now)

Some examples of how I reset our routine is by waking up early and setting clear intentions for my day ahead. I prioritize weekly meal planning/prepping ahead of time. I plan out my workouts and write out schedules for my kids. When I need to get into a work flow, I utilize task blocks to create segments for work, creativity, personal development, and family responsibilities. On the back end of the day, everyone in my home has a unique wind down routine that communicates to our bodies and brains it’s time to enter a period of rest and digest. While the routine might be unique, the functionality is the same as is the way the processes complement each other.

4. Learn Something New

Back-to-school isn’t just for kids! What a world we live in that the plethora of learning opportunities is truly never ending! Say yes to the opportunity! Make the time to take a class, read a book on a topic you know nothing about, or pick up a new hobby. Lifelong learning keeps our brain agile and our spirit curious. This season is your permission slip to be endlessly curious. When we feed our minds, we feed our spirits. Back-to-school season isn’t just for the young — it’s for the curious! For those who are local, check out Chester County Lifelong Learning. It’s a great resource to dig into some new hobbies and skillsets!

5. Prioritize Your Well-Being

Just as students need balanced meals, adequate rest, and mental breaks to succeed, so do we. Pay attention to your body’s cues — like I said, back-to-school season can easily turn into “back-to-busy,” so be proactive about self-care. My reminder is to make choices my future self will thank me for. I think of my wellness through the lens of consistent deposits into that account will allow me to withdrawal down the road when I need to. We don’t have to complicate it, Rest when you need it. move your body in ways that feel good, make meals that nourish you, and protect your peace as fiercely as you protect your time. I say it all the time, sleep, diet, and exercise (movement) are our controllables that lead to balanced mental health and improved overall functioning. When everything else feels out of balance, take the time to put your energy into these foundations.

6. Set Seasonal Goals

A long time ago, I gave up overwhelming, abstract resolutions, instead I pick two or three small, meaningful goals I can achieve within the season, ones that give me a sense of progress before the years end. Small milestones keep me moving forward and avoid the pressure of over-busyness. Strategic goals are usually based on my personal and family season of life but might include a certain amount of reading, financial goals, fitness goals, social experiences, a bucket list item, and or a creative project.

Lean Into Your September Reset

As we say goodbye to August, embrace the new month, and the unofficial new season. It’s a great opportunity to create a clean slate wrapped in golden leaves, (and pumpkin lattes) So let’s take a collective deep breath. pull on our Eagles hoodies and lean into a season that is ready for shaping! I encourage you to simply show up with a willingness to take stock, set your intentions, and lean into the momentum that autumn brings.

September's Armchair Bookshelf

1. The Let Them Theory: Mel Robbins

2. The Boy Crisis: Warren Farrell

3. The Measure: Nikki Erlick

4. Revenge of the Tipping Point: Malcomn Gladwell

5. The Last Letter: Rebecca Yarros

   
   

Notable Words

Until Next Time ~ Do Kind, Be Well