Back to School

Back to school is right around the corner! And while we all love Washington summers, there is something about waking up to that autumn air, wearing comfy sweaters, and seeing the leaves change colors that feels so cozy! But as we wind down the summer fun, schedules start to get more packed and next thing we know we are waiting in those school drop-off/pick-up lines again, packing all the lunches, and making sure all of the upcoming baseball practices are on the family calendar.

Transitions can be tough, not only on kiddos, but parents too! Here at 253 Therapy and Consult we encourage you to remember to schedule (or not schedule) those times for self-care too. Whether it is having a Sunday evening with absolutely nothing on the calendar, or maybe a trip to the library to peruse all the books you want to add to your Goodreads app “Must Find Time to Read” list in between drop off and pick up, we are here to support it!

Here are some helpful tips for transitioning from easy-going summer to hectic-busy fall:

1)      Find Quiet Pockets: This may look like those 15 minutes before the morning rush, when the house is still quiet, notifications are not popping up on your phone screen, and nobody needs anything from you (yet!). What intentions do you want to set for your day? What would help energize you and get you ready to have the day that you imagine for yourself?

2)      Block Your Schedule: Set an appointment for yourself in the middle of the day. Thirty minutes where you meet with yourself. Maybe you make your favorite tea, sit out on the porch, and practice some mindfulness? Maybe you go for a walk?

3)      Organize Meals: Yes, I know…you are tired of the basic meal prep. We all end up doing the same boring thing: rice, broccoli, chicken. What are some ways you can get creative with organizing meals? Try to have things on rotation so that your grocery list becomes automatic. What different meals can you make with the same ingredients? Keep it simple, but not so simple that you are sick of it by week two!

4)      End of Day Journal Prompt: What drained me today? What gave me energy today? What can I do differently tomorrow? Not every day is going to be smooth, but we can wake up the next day and make whatever adjustments are needed!

Autumn is a time to reset. If you find yourself needing a reset and don’t know where to start, reach out to us at 253 Therapy and Consult! We can help you set some healthy intentions, find pockets of quiet, and process your innermost thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental space. We are here for you!