How to Transition from Summer to Fall Without Burning Out
Fall can feel like a clean slate—or a tidal wave. Whether you're heading into high school, college, or parenthood 2.0, the transition out of summer can bring up stress, resistance, and pressure to “hit the ground running.”
Here’s how to make the shift with more ease and less overwhelm.
For High School Students:
Start re-engaging your routine: Gradually move bedtime/wake time earlier the week before school starts.
Ease into focus: Try 20–30 minutes of light academic tasks each day (reviewing notes, reading, planning).
Use a visual weekly planner to start mapping your school-week rhythm.
For College Students:
Do a brain dump: List what needs to get done before move-in or first day of class. Don’t edit—just get it out.
Choose your “anchor habits”: Morning walk? Weekly planner check-in? Pick 1–2 small routines to keep yourself grounded.
Emotionally prepare: You don’t need to feel ready to be ready. Name the feelings. Talk about them. Normalize the weirdness of big change.
For Parents:
Shift the household rhythm slowly: One area at a time—sleep, screen time, meal structure. Don’t change it all at once.
Talk about goals collaboratively: Ask your teen or college student what they want this fall to feel like, not just what they want to achieve.
Give yourself grace: Transitions aren’t just for kids. You’re shifting too.
Coaching during this time can help normalize the overwhelm and build realistic structure—for students and for parents. The key isn’t doing everything. It’s doing what matters—and doing it with support.
