The Back-to-School Reset: A Reminder That You Still Matter
The school run is back. The frantic mornings of finding PE kits, packing lunches, and checking homework have replaced the slower pace of summer. The calendar, once open, is now a complex puzzle of work deadlines, school events, and family commitments.
And in the middle of it all, there’s you.
If you feel like you’ve been run over by a school bus, I see you. As a parent, the start of the school year can feel like a tidal wave. We pour so much energy into making sure our children have a smooth transition that we often forget to check in with ourselves.
Almost instinctively, the first thing we sacrifice is our own wellbeing. The gym session is skipped for a last-minute school project. The healthy meal we planned is replaced by toast because we’re too exhausted to cook. Our commitment to our own health gets pushed to the bottom of a very, very long to-do list.
I want to offer a gentle but firm reminder: You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn't a luxury to be earned after everything else is done. It is a fundamental requirement for being the strong, present, and capable parent you want to be.
Embracing the Messy Reality of Progress
Here’s a truth I’ve had to learn myself, over and over again: on this journey, you will stumble. You will have a week where you miss every workout. You will have a day where you eat nothing but your kids’ leftovers. You will feel like you’ve failed.
I want you to hear me clearly: failing one, two, seven, or even ten times is not an excuse to let go.
Progress is not a straight line. It’s a messy, looping, and often frustrating scribble. Each "failure" is not a verdict on your character; it is simply a data point. It’s a sign that your current system is overloaded. It’s a chance to learn, adjust, and try again with more wisdom than before. The only true failure is giving up on yourself completely.
How to Get Back on the Horse (Even When You're Exhausted)
So, how do we do it? How do we reclaim a small piece of ourselves when we feel like we have nothing left to give? We start small. We aim for "good enough" instead of "perfect."
Schedule Yourself In (Like a Dentist Appointment): You would never just "forget" to take your child to a doctor's appointment. You need to treat your own time with that same level of importance. Block out just 20-30 minutes in your calendar, two or three times a week. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. This is your non-negotiable time.
Lower the Bar (Drastically): Aim for a 15-minute walk around the block after the school run. Aim for 10 minutes of stretching on the living room floor while the kids are watching TV. Small, achievable wins build momentum far more effectively than ambitious goals that lead to burnout.
The "Something is Better Than Nothing" Mantra: On days when you feel completely overwhelmed, repeat this to yourself. Can’t manage a workout? Fine. Can you take five minutes to just sit and breathe deeply? Can you drink a glass of water? Can you do a few simple stretches before bed? These small acts of self-care keep the connection to your health goals alive.
Find Your "Why" Again: Remind yourself why you started this. It’s about having the energy to play with your kids. It’s about having the strength to carry the shopping and the school bags without your back aching. It’s about modelling healthy habits for the little people who watch everything you do.
This back-to-school season, give yourself grace. But do not give up on yourself. You are the engine that powers your family. You deserve to be fuelled, cared for, and strong.