As the long summer nights come to an end, it’s time to recharge, relax, and refocus your time and energy on what matters most — you.
Whether you’ve been working non-stop, carpooling kids to and from summer camps, or living your best life traveling, one thing is certain: you need a reset. Especially with the back-to-school chaos just around the corner.
But between shuffling one kid to soccer, the other to cheer, and making sure everyone’s fed, bathed, and having the best summer of their lives — who’s taking care of you?
Let’s be honest — whether you’re a mom of five or a college student just trying to juggle school and life, we often overlook our basic needs for self-care and wellness. So before summer officially wraps up and the fall hustle takes over, make this month about recharging, relaxing, and refocusing — all in service of YOU.
And no, I’m not saying you need to hit up a five-star spa every week (unless that’s your thing — in which case, go off!). I’m talking about carving out anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours a day to add something into your routine that helps you feel recentred, refreshed, and like the empowered boss you are.
Not sure where to start? Try these self-care ideas to help you ease into wellness without flipping your life upside down:
✍️ Journaling: A Simple but Powerful Reset
It might sound cliché, but journaling really does work wonders for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s free, low-commitment, and only takes five minutes. No fancy leather-bound diary needed — your phone’s notes app works just fine.
Not sure what to write? Start with a simple prompt like we used with the session participant in the video:
“What things are we letting go or getting rid of?”
Let your thoughts flow. No structure. No rules. Just release.
Want something more guided? Grab a journal with prompts from your local Target or download a journal app. You’ll be surprised how much lighter you feel.
📊 Fun fact: A study from the American Diabetes Association showed that participants who journaled just 15 minutes, three times a week, significantly reduced stress and boosted their mood. It’s not just vibes — it’s science.
Pro Tip: Try journaling outside or near a window with a view. Nature + reflection = instant mood lift.
🧘 Movement is Medicine
Say it with me: movement is medicine. Whether it’s stretching, yoga, Muay Thai, dancing in your kitchen, or just walking the dog — moving your body daily improves your mood, sleep, digestion, and longevity.
According to UCLA Health, just 11 minutes of physical activity a day can lower your risk of death by 25%. That’s less time than a Netflix intro.
You don’t need a gym membership or an intense routine — just get your body moving in a way that feels good.
Pro Tip: Grab a friend and try a new workout class, join Punch Therapy for Run Club on Mondays, or take a beach walk with the family. Movement is more fun when shared.
☕ Treat Yo’ Self — Guilt-Free
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It could be taking yourself on a solo date, savoring that overpriced coffee you love, or finally diving into that book you’ve been “meaning to read” for months. The point? Make time for yourself.
You don’t have to earn it. You don’t need a reason. Recharging isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Too often we’re told to give, give, give — but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself so you can show up fully for the people and things you love.
Pro Tip: Your version of “treat yo’ self” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. A quiet bath, a walk in the park, 20 minutes of uninterrupted silence — do what fills your cup.
💛 Final Thought: Just 5 Minutes
Look, life is busy. You’ve got responsibilities, deadlines, routines — I get it. But self-care doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. These tips aren’t about adding more pressure. They’re about giving yourself permission to matter.
Start small. Start with five minutes. Five minutes a day for you — and the other 23 hours and 55 minutes can belong to everything (and everyone) else.
Because you deserve to feel like your best self — not just when life slows down, but every single day.
Links to Wellness research:
diabetes.org
uclahealth.org
