September brings with it a chance to reset; it often feels like a second New Year. A fresh start as school begins, routines shift, and we slowly transition into autumn. For working mums, teachers, students – it’s the perfect time to take a breath and hit reset…. not just for your family, but for yourself, too.
If you’ve been running on autopilot through the summer chaos, here are three simple, manageable ways to reset this September and bring a little more calm, clarity, and energy into your everyday life.
1. Reset Your Routine
Why it matters:
As school and work schedules settle in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of moving parts. The school drop-offs, work meetings, food shops and bedtime routines. Without a solid rhythm and routine, the days can sometimes feel chaotic.
How to reset it:
Start by reviewing your typical weekday. Are mornings rushed? Evenings too packed? Pick one time of day to help make a difference. For example:
- Set consistent wake-up and wind-down times (yes, even for yourself).
- Prepare lunches and outfits the night before.
- Use Sunday nights to loosely plan your week. Think meals, appointments, and childcare logistics.
The result:
A few thoughtful tweaks can make a huge difference in how smoothly your day runs and how calm you feel in the middle of it.
2. Declutter Your Spaces
Why it matters:
Do you feel overwhelmed when the house is a mess? You feel better when you’ve had a tidy round? We know that physical clutter can lead to mental clutter, especially when you’re juggling work, parenting, and home life all at once. A cleaner, more organised space can help reduce overwhelm, clear a foggy mind and help make day-to-day life more manageable.
How to reset it:
This doesn’t mean a full house overhaul (you don’t need another overwhelming project). Instead, it might be helpful to aim for:
- 15-minute tidy-up sessions each day: Tackle one drawer, shelf, or bag at a time.
- Clear key “hotspots” that gather clutter: kitchen counters, the hallway, your workspace.
- Involve the kids! Create simple systems for school bags, shoes, and after-school stuff.
The result:
Less time hunting for lost items. More space for breathing and thinking. Ultimately, more time for you.
3. Reclaim Your Energy
Why it matters:
Burnout is real and sadly, a symptom of us trying to be everything to everyone. I wish someone had taught me how to discern between what’s important and when. I used to feel a pull to say yes to everything and to please everyone. Let’s think about the things you need to get done, the places you need to go and the people you need to see. Not everything is actually urgent, is it? Chances are you’ve put everything else above yourself.
September is a great reminder to prioritise your energy and well-being, not just your to-do list. I can sense you nodding at the seeen as you’re reading and hear you agreeing with me. It makes sense, right? But how on earth are you meant to take back your energy when you’ve been at work all day, you’ve taken the kids to their hobbies, you’ve cooked roast dinner for the in-laws and your fella is cuddling up to you trying to connect. Where do you even begin?
How to reset it:
Start by asking: What actually recharges me? What makes me feel lighter? Content? Rested? Maybe it’s 20 minutes of reading, a short walk, an early night, or even silence (yes, that counts). Then:
- Schedule it in. Block out non-negotiable “you time” in your calendar — even if it’s just 15–20 minutes a day. Your loved ones might not ‘get it’ at first but you’ll need to tell them that you need 20 minutes and you’ll be back
- Say no when you need to… The school bake sale will survive without your cupcakes. The group chat doesn’t need your immediate reply (unless it’s an invitation to bottomless brunch with your girlies).
- Create mini rituals: a warm drink in the morning before the chaos, a few deep breaths in the car, stretching before bed.
The result:
When you prioritise your own energy, even in the small everyday moments, everything else flows more easily. You feel a bit more like yourself and that’s the dream isn’t it. A little bit more patience, productivity and joy.
Final Thoughts
September doesn’t have to mean a mad dash into another stressful term. With a little intentionality, it can be your chance to reset gently but realistically, and in a way that works for you.
You don’t need to do it all at once. Pick one area, make one small change, and build from there.
Because being a mum is a marathon and you deserve to feel steady, supported, and strong all the way through.
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