My August Prep List for the Chaos of September

We are one month away from the new school year and, along with all of the excitement, comes what my fellow educator friends and I call, “The August Anxieties.” If you’re in education, or any cyclical profession that has a busy start up, it can be challenging prepping yourself mentally for such an abrupt change in your day to day.

For me, it means less sleep, a little unease and, underneath all the excitement, some trepidation. So, I control the controllables. Here is my personal prep list to help me feel a little more calm heading into what will undoubtedly be a busy/fun/overwhelming/exciting time:

🍫 Stock the office snacks: Off to Bulk Barn I go. I make sure I have some healthy go-tos for when the urge to snack hits (favs include: nuts, dark chocolate, dried fruit).

👟 Buy new running shoes: I do so much walking around campus, it means a lot to my body to have comfortable and supportive shoes. (#HOKA)

🎧 Make a new September playlist: Something upbeat that I can sing along to.

🍝 Fill the freezer: Mini pizzas, muffins, chili, soups and taco bowls for those late nights when it’s hard to prep a healthy meal.

🖊️ Buy new pens: It’s nostalgic! I loved the back-to-school flyers. There’s something about new pens that makes me feel ready to take on the world.

📝 Buy a new notebook: I call this my “MIT” notebook (Most Important Things). It’s where I keep my daily and weekly to-dos. 

📚 Put a great book on hold at the library: I need something completely unrelated to work to look forward to. (Currently waiting for The Calamity Club)

☕ Restock the coffee pods: Obviously.

💌 Restock thank-you cards:  September is busy, and busy is exactly when I focus on making sure those around me feel appreciated for their hard work.

🧦 Check my office emergency stash: Advil, floss, disinfectant wipes, extra socks, hair ties… basically anything Future Me might find helpful. 

😂 Accept that something will go sideways: It just will. And that’s okay. 😃

I love the start of September. I’m grateful to work in a profession that renews itself every year. But, it is chaotic and these small acts help me feel more grounded. If you’re feeling the feels this August, reach out. I’d love to chat with you about your goals or how you can prepare your mindset for what’s to come.