It seems that the month of September and going back to school means something quite substantial for each of us. I know for me; it’s like this inner alarm clock that helps me kick things into high gear right after a relaxing summer. If you have children, it might even coincide with them going back to school, which stirs up a flurry of activities. Even if you don’t have children, you do naturally shift back into a more focused routine after the lazy days of summer, when time sort of drifts by happily.
The change in our collective thinking when September approaches has to do with cultural conditioning. We associate the period of back to school with a natural reset. It starts during our childhood when we think of going back to school as a time to stock up on new clothes and supplies to get ready for the year ahead. Even when we become adults, we still associate this period as the start of a new year. As such, most of us naturally begin to reset our goals and become more serious.
Overall, we are shifting our focus en masse. Our summers are usually dedicated to travel, play, and looser schedules. Once we enter Fall, the days become shorter, and the weather gets cooler. These changes lead to less distractions and social time. The natural shifts in light also affect our circadian rhythms and melatonin. Together, these transitions trigger us to finish projects, reassess our goals, and finish the year strong. It’s a universal phenomenon. In many cultures, the Fall represents harvest and reflection. It’s that last drive to make things happen which forces us to get grounded and become more intentional.
Good news, though. There are things that you can do to lean into that productivity instinct and really take advantage of higher energy levels. For starters, it’s helpful to treat September like a mini new year. I tend to approach it that way. I ask myself a series of questions to become more intentional during the Fall months. You should too because it’s a good time to set new goals and revisit your new year’s resolutions. It can be useful to make a list of all of the things that you want to accomplish in the next 90 days. Doing so will enable you to focus more specifically.
Pay some attention to your environment too. Make it cozy, well-lit, and conducive to the productive spirit that you’re embracing. It also helps to create rituals and routines around your work. Make the transition back to structure by establishing new routines and schedules, and getting back to doing organizational things like meal prep and setting weekly goals.
Be sure that you are not overworking though. Find a way to balance your work with grounding activities like hiking, apple picking, seasonal activities, or trying to create new Fall recipes. This will help you adapt to and enjoy the Fall without pushing yourself too hard. Autumn has always been my favorite season, so let’s lean into all that it has to offer.