Back to School
A Chance for a Fresh Start
Ah, September. The crisp air, the buzz of school buses, the other New Year. You know what I’m talking about when back-to-school season rolls around, it feels like a second chance at hitting the reset button. It’s like that hopeful moment in January when we all declare we’ll finally exercise, eat healthier, and “do better.” The difference? You don’t have to buy new gym clothes, and your kids probably won’t interrupt your Zoom calls with urgent requests for snacks.
Back to school is as good a time as any to reinvent yourself, or at least make an attempt at re-inventing your morning routine without wanting to throw your alarm clock out the window. So, grab your favorite planner and let’s dig into how we can use this time to build new habits and take on life with a fresh perspective.
Tip #1: Set Realistic Goals (Because You’re Not a Superhero)
Let’s start with the most critical tip: Don’t aim for perfection. Back in January, you probably promised yourself you’d go to the gym every day, meditate for 30 minutes, and give up carbs (forever). How’s that going? Exactly. Now, if you want to make some meaningful changes, start small. Maybe you aim for 10 minutes of walking after work or commit to reading 10 pages before bed instead of binge-watching that latest Netflix series.
Remember, small wins add up. You’re not running a marathon (yet). Focus on consistency, not grand gestures.
Tip #2: Create a Routine (But Make It Flexible)
Ever make a super strict routine, only to find that by the second week, it’s already fallen apart? Yeah, that happens. Back-to-school is a great time to implement a structure, but remember: Life happens. Kids forget their lunches, traffic happens, and let’s face it, Netflix drops The Crown and you’re powerless to resist.
The trick is building flexibility into your plan. Sure, your new “morning workout” may get delayed because your teenager decided to have a breakdown over their math homework, but maybe you sneak in 15 minutes of yoga after dinner. Flexibility keeps you from throwing in the towel entirely.
Tip #3: Build in Time for Yourself (Even if It’s Just 5 Minutes of Alone Time)
Here’s the thing: The world is loud, and it’s easy to get lost in everyone else’s needs, demands, and endless things to do. That’s why it’s important to carve out a small pocket of time for yourself. Even if it’s just 5 minutes of breathing, a quick solo coffee break, or a few moments of gratitude journaling. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
Now, let’s be real: if you’re a parent, the bathroom might be your only sacred space. It’s OK! 5 minutes of peace counts, even if your dog is barking outside the door.
