Wake Me Up When September Ends

by Michelle Boening | Aug 28, 2024

Can you already feel it? There is a buzz in the air. A vibration that accompanies the shift from the lazy, warm, relaxed days of summer into action-packed September.

Even though summer is not officially over until September 22, many view this month as the start of autumn. Routines are shifting for everyone – whether you are in school, have children in school, teach, or none of the above. School supplies are being bought, American football teams are starting practice, and teachers are beginning their preparations for the school year ahead. All of this increase in activity shifts the energy of the world into something new.

For many, September is an exciting time. As a student I loved school – the new supplies, organizing my desk, seeing my friends, and, of course, BOOKS! Clubs and sporting activities begin, and it feels as if the month is ripe with opportunity. Parents of school-age children may feel relieved to return to days of predictability and schedules, a bit of freedom during the day making the reunions at night all the sweeter.

However, for many, September is a challenging time. I spent 22 years as an educator and loved (almost) every minute of it. However, I also felt a sadness in September that I never felt any other time of the year. My summers seemed so short, my time with my beloved animals too limited, and my body was STILL trying to catch up on sleep!

Additionally, September is hard for those who are sensitive to energetic shifts. Almost 50 million children and their families are adjusting to the start of a new school year – and there are LOTS of heavy emotions associated with that. Fear, anxiety, excitement, regret, overwhelm, happiness, and the list goes on. Such an influx of shifting energy affects everyone and everything – even if you are not personally experiencing a September shift.

So, what to do during these changing times? You could lock yourself in your home with Netflix, DoorDash, and wine until the month is over. I wouldn’t blame you – trying to function amid heightened energy is taxing. If this is not an option for you, here are some helpful tips to get you through September:

Create and maintain a routine. If September is changing dramatically for you, spend time planning when must-do’s will get done. When will you pack lunches? Will you pick clothes to wear the next day the night before or in the morning? When do things like homework, grading, lesson planning, and chores get done? Be sure to include things like sports practice, extracurricular activities, and conferences in your schedule. My husband and I love the LifePlanner by Erin Condren to keep track of meetings, clients, vet appointments, and more.
Spend time each day focusing on at least one positive. It is so easy to rehash the negative events of the day. While it is important to process daily challenges, it is just as key to focus on the beautiful aspects of your day. Write down, talk about, or mentally recall at least one great thing from the day. It does not have to be a big thing! It can be as simple as “I drove to work without cussing at anyone.” Baby steps!
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Invest in spiritual care. Times of change and high energy require a lot from you in every sense of the word. Be sure to refill your personal energy well to keep giving all you can to yourself and others. Spiritual care looks different for everyone: tarot, Reiki, massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, qi gong, and prayer are just a few practices people engage in to fill their wells with goodness. Adding a wellness coach to your personal team may be just what you need to move into the next phase of your life. Read my past blog on wellness coaching here.
Enjoy the little things. Focus on what you have, not what you do not have. September, like the holiday season, and birthdays, is often focused on consumerism. New clothes, supplies, lunch boxes, shoes, and backpacks can all take away from the magic that September brings. Realign your vision by making things simple – use these beautiful Hygge-inspired works to help you simplify.