Navigating the September Transition with Ease: 4 Tips for Success

Summer always seems so short, and I remember as a child believing those long summer days would never end, with September somewhere in the very faraway distant future. Even as adults, we tend to slow down our busy routines and relax more, engaging in more fun stuff and spending more time with friends and family, etc. And then September looms - it’s like coming home from the beach after a gorgeous day out but now there is gritty sand everywhere and everyone is hungry, tired and cranky!! 

September can feel like summer's serious best friend, reminding us of all we need to accomplish before the year ends and urging us to get moving fast. It's similar to New Year, with a refocusing on healthy habits and routines. 

As parents and guardians juggle school, work, and home life while dealing with the financial cost of getting children back to school, September can be genuinely challenging. For those who left that new job search or work issue until "after the summer," it's now front and center, waiting for action. Even thoughts of the upcoming Christmas and Halloween festivities can add stress to many households, not to mention the impending winter months. It's no wonder moving into September can feel exhausting. However, fear not! In this post, we'll share four tips to help you manage this transition gently as you ease back into your regular routine and keep anxieties at bay. 

Reflect on Summer Achievements:

Take a moment to look back on your summer accomplishments—both big and small. What did you learn? What challenges did you overcome? These experiences shape your journey forward.

Embrace the Transition:

It's happening anyway, so why not approach this annual transition as an opportunity to get back to the daily grind feeling recharged and rejuvenated (hopefully)? What positive routines do you need to recommit to or start that keep you feeling healthy and well?

Set New Goals:

With September comes a sense of fresh beginnings. What do you aspire to achieve in the upcoming months? Use this transition as an opportunity to revisit goals (old and new) for the upcoming months and start this process sooner rather than later. Here's some help to do just that:

• Reflect and record what needs to get done in the main areas of your life before year-end, such as home-life, work, finances, health, fun, and relationships.
• Break down big goals into smaller goals to minimize overwhelm.
• Prioritize your list by what's most important, most urgent, and what gives you peace of mind. Focus on one task at a time.
• Record realistic dates on your list and identify who can help. Put it somewhere where you can see it often.
• As you make progress on this list, start ticking tasks off.
• Most importantly, celebrate the small wins and notice all that you are achieving!

Prioritize Self-Care:

Amidst the hustle and bustle, remember that self-care remains essential. As you spend energy every waking moment getting everything done, it's important to replace this energy. Prioritizing self-care during this transition not only helps you to recover and reclaim your energy but also helps you manage stress and anxiety. Make sure to allocate time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it's reading, taking walks, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing a hobby.

So, let's make the most of this annual transition. Rather than lamenting the end of summer, let's look forward to the new opportunities that September will undoubtedly bring. By following these four tips, you can navigate the September transition with ease and set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Book a free 30 min coaching discovery session today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.