Why September Feels So Overwhelming – And How to Take Care of Yourself During the Transition
As a health coach, September is one of the busiest months in my calendar — not because of the season, but because of how it makes people feel.
In the past two weeks alone, I've had conversations with women who are juggling back-to-school chaos, intense work deadlines, and a flood of social obligations — all while trying to “get back into routine.”
But instead of feeling refreshed after summer, many are telling me:
“I feel like I never left.”
“Everything’s ramping up — and I can’t catch up.”
“I’m trying to reset, but my body and brain are not cooperating.”
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
What Makes September So Draining?
Unlike January, which we enter with intention and space, September brings a reset we don’t necessarily choose. It often comes with:
The start of the school year and new routines
Q4 pressures at work
Packed weekends and social calendars
Shorter days and less downtime
All of this hits the body — and the nervous system — fast. In coaching sessions, I’m seeing common symptoms emerge:
Mental fog and a sense of disconnection
Lower immunity (colds, bloating, fatigue)
Physical exhaustion, especially in the afternoons
A spike in self-pressure to “get it all right”
The truth is: this is a transition period — and transitions require care, not acceleration.
Three Small Shifts to Support Yourself This Season
If you’re feeling stretched thin, here are three gentle but powerful ways to support your body and mind right now:
1. Protect Your Mental Space with Nature
September still offers light and warmth. Use it. Take 15–20 minutes a day to walk outdoors — ideally without your phone. Natural light and movement can calm the nervous system, improve focus, and create the mental buffer many of us are craving right now.
Even a walk around the block between meetings counts.
2. Fortify Your Immune System
This is the season to nourish, not restrict. Choose warming, grounding foods rich in zinc, iron, and antioxidants. Think:
Dark leafy greens
Omega-3s (like salmon or walnuts)
Fermented foods (like kefir or sauerkraut)
Herbal teas with turmeric, ginger, or cinnamon
Your gut and immune system are deeply connected — what you eat now helps build resilience for the months ahead.
3. Rebuild Physical Energy Gently
Forget “go hard or go home.” What your body needs right now is steady, restorative movement — not punishment. Whether it’s walking, strength training, stretching, or dancing in your kitchen, the goal is to move with kindness and consistency.
One of the biggest energy-drainers I see in women? The pressure to be “all in” or nothing at all.
The Bottom Line
If September feels like too much, pause.
This season is not a test of how well you can keep up — it’s an opportunity to realign, reset, and reconnect with yourselfin small, sustainable ways.
These small shifts might seem simple, but they create real momentum — not just in your physical health, but in your mental clarity, emotional balance, and ability to show up in every area of your life.
You deserve to feel well — even in busy seasons.
Need support?
If you’re feeling the September shift and want to reset with support, I offer 1:1 coaching programs that integrate hormone, gut, and lifestyle health in a realistic, sustainable way.
