The September reset

By Zoe Blaskey, Nutritional Therapist at Wild Nutrition

 

September often arrives with a rush - new school runs, packed schedules, and shifting routines that can leave us feeling pulled in every direction. But it doesn’t have to be a month of pressure. What if we treated it as an invitation to reset? Just as the seasons change, we can too. With a few gentle, practical steps, September can become a month to restore balance, find rhythm, and bring back joy, so we head into autumn with more energy and ease.

8 gentle ways to reset this September

1. Shift from self care to energy management

We often hear about self-care as bubble baths or spa days, lovely, but not always practical. Instead, think of energy management: the small, everyday choices that keep you from running on empty. Sip water when your child does, pause for a few breaths, or step outside for some fresh air. These little shifts, repeated often, can keep your energy topped up without demanding extra time or money.

2. Boundaries, not balance

Balance sounds ideal, but in reality, it’s hard to find, especially in motherhood. Instead of chasing balance, focus on boundaries that protect your time and energy. That might mean deleting your email app on Friday and reinstalling it on Monday, so your weekends stay family-focused. Boundaries give you the breathing space that “balance” rarely delivers.

 

3. Let go of “shoulds”

Motherhood is filled with “shoulds”: how we feed, how tidy our homes are, how organised we appear. These expectations, often self-imposed, can feel crushing. The truth is, there’s no one “right” way to mother. When you let go of the “shoulds” and embrace what actually works for you, you free yourself to do it your way. 

 

4. Do less and be kinder to yourself 

We live in a culture that rewards doing more, but in motherhood, this can quickly lead to exhaustion. Sometimes the most powerful choice is to do less, cut your to-do list in half and see what really matters. Permitting yourself to slow down not only preserves your energy but also creates space for kindness towards yourself. Less really can be more.

5. Micro-nourishing acts add up

Taking care of yourself doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Micro-acts of nourishment, like three deep breaths, stretching, or grabbing a proper snack, can shift your mood and energy fast. These small, repeatable habits add up over time and sustain you far better than occasional, grand gestures of self-care. Consistency is key.

6. Reframe anger as insight

When anger shows up, it’s easy to feel guilty or ashamed. But anger is often a sign that you’re depleted, not that you’re failing. Instead of pushing it away, use it as information: a cue to pause, breathe, and check in with what you need. Anger can be a powerful guide back to balance.

 

7. Speak to yourself like a friend

We can be our own harshest critics, especially under pressure. But here’s a simple test: would you say those same words to a close friend? If not, soften them. Speaking to yourself with the same compassion you’d offer someone you love is one of the quickest ways to calm stress and feel more grounded.

8. Share the mental load

So much of motherhood happens invisibly, the endless planning, remembering, and organising. Carrying it alone is exhausting. Start by naming the invisible tasks, then share them where you can, with a partner, friend, or support network. You don’t have to hold it all. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s wisdom and strength.

 

The key to a reset is starting small. A simple daily non-negotiable, just two minutes of deep breathing, grounds me when everything feels hectic. Making sure I eat nourishing food, instead of just finishing what’s left on my kids’ plates, changes my energy completely. These aren’t big shifts, but they keep me steady, calm, and connected.


Zoe Blaskey is the author of the book Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations. Listen to our Head of Nutrition on her Motherkind podcast here, and why not try Zoe’s course, 5 Minute Motherkind? 21 audio tracks, just five minutes a day to totally elevate your energy, joy and mindset. As a Wild Nutrition community member, you can enjoy 50% off with code WILD50.