By Radley West
August is a fascinating month.
Children are mourning the end of summer. Teachers are mentally preparing for a brand-new school year. Meanwhile, parents are standing in the school supply aisle trying very hard not to look too excited. It’s one of the greatest examples of mixed emotions you’ll ever witness.
Kids spend all summer dreaming about sleeping in, swimming, and never hearing the phrase, “Don’t forget your homework.” Then August arrives, and suddenly alarm clocks become the enemy again.
Teachers are a special group this time of year. Half of them are excited to see their students. The other half are wondering if it’s too late to become lighthouse keepers. They know exactly what’s coming . . . new faces, new routines, and about 4,000 papers with no names on them.
Then there are the parents.
For weeks they’ve heard, “I’m bored.”
They’ve broken up sibling arguments over who looked at whom.
They’ve answered seventeen snack requests before noon.
By the time school starts, many parents are walking their children into the building with the same expression people have when dropping off luggage at the airport: “We’ll miss you . . . eventually.”
All joking aside, back-to-school season is actually a great time for everyone to hit the reset button.
Summer routines are fun, but they’re rarely consistent. Bedtimes drift later. Meals become less predictable. Exercise often takes a back seat to vacations, camps, and trying to stay cool.
The school year naturally brings structure back into our lives.
Instead of seeing August as the end of summer, think of it as the beginning of new habits. Set a regular bedtime. Plan family meals. Schedule workouts like appointments. Take evening walks while everyone catches up on the day.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until January to make positive changes.
Personally, I think August is an even better time.
The calendar, the routine, and the mindset all line up to create a fresh start.
So whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a parent who may or may not celebrate a little after the school bus pulls away, embrace the season.
Just maybe wait until you’re out of the school parking lot before doing the happy dance. We don’t want to embarrass the kids.
After all, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to do that themselves over the next nine months.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West, and together they own 33/18 Chiropractic & Wellness in Irmo. As a former gym owner for more than 18 years, West enjoys helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and Andrew teach clients that while a gym is not necessary, fitness and chiropractic care are part of a healthy lifestyle. Though she’s a competitive athlete, she’s the first to say that fitness should be fun, and she never takes herself too seriously. Her and Andrew’s passion lies in empowering clients to lead healthier, more active lives, whether that means easily climbing stairs or improving posture. You can also check out West’s front door wreath and decor company, Worth the Knock. She can be found on all social platforms and Etsy @worththeknock.
