Back-to-School Reset (Even If You’re Not Going Back to School)
It’s that time of year again - back to school! For those of us with kids, this usually means earlier mornings, packed lunches, and a general return to structure. But even if school isn't part of your daily life, this season often brings a natural shift - like a second “new year” - and a great opportunity to check in and reset.
Here’s how I’m getting my family (and myself) ready for the transition this fall:
1. Resetting Bedtime (Gently)
Summer bedtime in our house has been...flexible. Like, very flexible. So right now we’re moving the bedtime routine earlier - just 5 to 10 minutes at a time - to ease into a rhythm that works for us once the school bell rings.
Sleep is foundational to literally everything - mood, immunity, focus, digestion. So if your summer sleep has been off too, now’s a great time to reset. (And if sleep is a struggle in your house, here are some of our favorite sleep tips. Or come in for a tune-up - acupuncture can help a ton.)
2. Cleaning Up the Diet (Without the Drama)
Summer often brings a few extra treats (I’m looking at you, ice cream), and that’s part of the joy of the season! But now we’re gradually rebalancing - more whole foods, more fruit, and less sugar.
Sugar is sneaky. It messes with mood, crashes energy, and weakens immunity - which isn’t ideal when we’re about to dive back into germ central, so we’re keeping things gentle, but intentional.
3. Guarding the Calendar
The first few weeks of school can be surprisingly exhausting - for everyone. Even if your child has been in full-time care all summer, the shift to a new environment, new routines, and a full academic day takes a toll. I’ve learned (the hard way) to not overschedule those first few weeks.
We’re keeping evenings low-key, skipping the extra activities for now (above and beyond our regular extracurriculars), and building in plenty of rest and downtime. It’s not just a sanity-saver - it’s immune support too.
4. Stocking the Natural Medicine Cabinet
Before the fall bugs start making the rounds, I like to check that we’re stocked up on the essentials:
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Zinc
Nasal rinse supplies
Pediatric herbal formulas I use often in our house: CQ Jr, Bupleurum & Angelica, Lung Qi Jr, Tummy Qi, Chest Relief, and even Tender Teeth (which is technically for teething but also great for calming).
Having everything on hand gives me peace of mind - because when the sniffles hit, I like to be ready.
Here’s hoping for a smooth, supported start to the season. I think I’m the most prepared I’ve ever been…but parenting keeps us humble, right?
How are you getting ready for fall? I’d love to hear what’s helping you reset.
