Here’s my Mum’s Guide to Getting Back to You this September:

September always feels like a fresh start. The children are back to school, the house is (a little) quieter, after a whirlwind summer of juggling work, family adventures, and endless snack requests.

It’s been a joyful but chaotic few months, and while we wouldn’t trade those memories, now is the perfect time to pause, breathe, and bring back some balance. That’s why September is the perfect reset button, to create space not just for the family, but for yourself.

So how do you actually do that without adding “self-care guilt” to the endless to-do list? Here are some simple, realistic steps that help me (and might help you too).

“Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s the foundation that allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for everyone else.”

Top 5 Tips to Reset & Recharge

1. Get Organised & Declutter Your Space

Decluttering clears not just your space, but your mind too, easing the mental load.

Start small. One drawer, one cupboard, one room. You’ll be amazed how much lighter you feel.

2. Plan Out the Rest of the Year

Grab a family planner or diary and jot down key dates — school events, birthdays, term breaks, work deadlines, and festive plans. Seeing the bigger picture helps you feel prepared rather than scrambling at the last minute. It also gives you the chance to carve out pockets of time just for you. I personally LOVE Joanne’s Journals — from daily to-dos to Christmas planning and birthday gift lists, everything’s in one place. I like to plan roughly three months ahead, so there are fewer (if any) last-minute surprises. This way you won’t overbook yourself or feel too stretched, and you’ll know when to say no to extra demands.

3.Master Meal Planning & Food Prep

Back-to-school means back to lunchboxes, quick dinners, and endless “Mum, what’s for tea?” moments. Take an hour each week to plan meals, shop smart, and batch cook when you can. Future-you will thank you for that stack of ready-made lunches or a freezer full of easy midweek dinners.

4. Set Non-Negotiable Self-Care Routines

This is the most important one. Whether it’s a weekly yoga class, a quiet coffee before the school run, setting time to read in the evening or a visit to The Grange Spa for a much-needed escape, make self-care part of your calendar — not an afterthought. Protect it the way you would a school play or work meeting. Remember: when you look after yourself, you’re better able to look after everyone else.

5.Set Non-Negotiable Skincare routines

I know how it goes — it’s late, you’re exhausted, and the thought of a full skincare routine feels impossible. You tell yourself you’ll do it in the morning… but will you? The trick is to start small. Don’t overhaul your entire routine overnight; instead, begin with one non-negotiable step: a proper evening cleanse. Once that becomes a habit, you can layer in extras like a serum or night balm. It doesn’t have to take long or involve a 10-step process. A simple, effective cleanse and moisturise is enough to make a real difference. Before you know it, you’ll have built a routine you look forward to. Small rituals that feel good become second nature.

Bringing it all together

This September, give yourself permission to reset. Organisation and planning bring calm, but true balance comes from honouring your own needs too. You deserve moments of stillness, joy, and self-care.

So here’s to a September that feels calmer, lighter, and more you.

Em x

✨ Why not start with a little indulgence? Book a visit to The Grange Spa and let us take care of you, while you take a well-earned breath.