How can you make the most of the back-to-school season?
Here are five simple ideas to boost your mood and ease the mental load!
When we think “back to school,” we picture the return to work, school bags, earlier alarms, the classic “hurry up, we’ll be late!”, activities to organise, routes to plan, and a wave of shopping… In short, a word that often rhymes with stress.
But September can also be a fresh start: the perfect moment to reorganise your routines, try something new and create quality moments together. In other words, a chance to get back to basics.
1) Start something new (for you)
We sign kids up for dance, football or music… but what about us?
What have you been curious to try—photography, hiking, writing, yoga?
Let this season be your nudge to begin. Pick one activity, set a simple goal, and block a weekly slot that’s just for you.
2) Rethink your routines
New timetables, activities and commutes are a great excuse to simplify.
Ask the right questions:
- Who’s driving which days?
- Can older kids manage some journeys on their own?
- How can we make dinners easier on busy nights—batch cooking, meal kits, or rotating “who cooks”?
A shared calendar on the fridge (or a family app) spreads the load so it doesn’t sit on one person’s shoulders.
3) Schedule special moments
School calendars are already online—use them to block family meals, weekends away and holidays now.
And try one “out-of-the-ordinary” day each month: a museum visit, a local day trip, a scenic walk, or a quirky activity you’ve never done. Planning isn’t just organising; it’s a way to look forward and dream.
4) Protect your energy
Many parents put themselves last in September, convinced they have to give everything to family and work. Looking after yourself is an investment.
Create a simple ritual: a weekly walk, a standing coffee with a friend, or a creative hour. Put it in the diary.
These small pauses prevent the “tunnel until December” effect and keep your energy steady.
5) Lighten your space—and your mind
This is also the moment to declutter. Not just cupboards—your schedule too.
Stuff: tidy, donate, simplify.
Schedule: decide what you’ll stop doing.
- Which activities don’t add value?
- Which habits weigh you down?
Saying “no” frees time and energy for what matters most.
Bottom line: Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean stress and obligation.
It’s a perfect opportunity to design a season that’s lighter, more balanced and more joyful.
What will you start, stop and schedule this year?