September Blues or an Opportunity for a Reset?
As September rolls around, I’m hit with the same familiar, dreaded feeling I get every single year. A sense of September blues.
During the academic year, life is governed by alarms, strict schedules, and predictable routines. Days revolve around school runs and the workday, while weekends are dictated by leagues, tournaments, clubs and hobbies.
In the summer, even though I still work, everything feels lighter and more flexible. I’m fortunate enough to take some annual leave, and our days no longer revolve around school timetables and morning alarms. There is a genuine sense of freedom, everyone seems happier, less constricted by daily routine, and far more up for an adventure.
September also brings lighter mornings to an abrupt end. Those early morning runs before the kids wake up suddenly become trickier; running in the dark just doesn't feel as safe or enjoyable. Everything accelerates to 100 mph overnight, and I find myself clinging to summer memories while everyone around me seems a million steps ahead.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s just me. So many parents look forward to the kids going back, and understandably so, especially given how challenging and expensive summer childcare can be for families.
If you also struggle with the seasonal shift, there are small mindset shifts and habits that help me shake off the September blues:
Treat it as a mid-year reset. September is the real New Year. It’s an ideal moment to set fresh goals alongside your kids, embrace a clean slate, and outline what you want from the months ahead.
Do an autumn declutter. Instead of a spring clean, shift the deep clean to September. Sorting through clothes, clearing out closets, and organising the house helps prep your living space for the colder months.
Embrace the Danish concept of hygge. Rather than dreading darker evenings, lean into the cozy factor. Bring out the plush blankets, light some candles, make hot chocolates, and look forward to warm nights in.
Plan autumn woodland walks. If there’s one undeniable perk of the season, it’s the changing leaves. Scheduling regular walks in nature allows you to slow down and appreciate the stunning autumnal.
Focus on upcoming festivities and get creative. Shift your gaze toward the incredible lineup of autumn and winter celebrations. From Halloween and Bonfire Night to Diwali and Christmas to name a few, the coming months are packed with reasons to gather. Use these as an excuse to get creative with the kids, think handmade autumn wreaths, lantern-making, or seasonal crafts that build excitement for the colder months.
Check in on friends and family. It is easy to feel like everyone else has their life totally together while you’re struggling with the transition. Reach out to fellow parents, family, or friends for a quick coffee or catch-up text. Normalising the back-to-school scramble usually reveals that you aren't alone, and a quick check-in can lift everyone's spirits.
Carve out a micro-routine for yourself. When school calendars and extracurriculars explode overnight, personal downtime is the first thing to go. Block out just 15 minutes of non-negotiable "you time" every day, whether that's reading a chapter of a book, enjoying a quiet drink before the house wakes up, stretching or sitting silently after a day of activity.