Back-to-School Stress and Seasonal Transitions | September 2026 Newsletter
August… the time when summer slows down and we get back to busy! Whether you’re sending a kid off to college, heading into the last quarter at work, or simply adjusting to a new season, chances are you’re feeling the shift… maybe dreading it, maybe looking forward to it, or a little bit of both.
Change is coming, and with change comes transition, so let’s get ready to rock it!
Inside this Month's Issue:
When life starts filling up again: Back to busy doesn’t have to mean overwhelmed: Read Now
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine: Read More
Don't forget to Leave a Review
Mental Health Tip:
Gratitude Journal and Why It's Helpful
A gratitude journal is a simple way to intentionally shift some of that attention toward what is going well.
So, does it actually work?
Research suggests that regularly practicing gratitude can support psychological well-being and may reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 64 randomized clinical trials found that gratitude interventions were associated with better mental health, more positive mood, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
There is also emerging evidence that gratitude practice may influence how the brain responds to experiences of gratitude and giving. In one study, participants who practiced gratitude writing showed greater neural sensitivity to gratitude three months later, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Try This:
At the end of each day, write down 3 things you are grateful for. They don't have to be big- your morning coffee, a good conversation, a funny moment with your kids, or simply having a few quiet minutes to yourself all count.
The goal isn't to ignore the difficult parts of life. It's to train yourself to notice that the difficult parts aren't the only parts.
Try it consistently for a few weeks and see what you notice.
New Blog!
August often brings a noticeable shift. Schedules start filling up again, school routines return, and work demands often pick back up. For some, this season feels exciting. For others, it can feel stressful, uncertain, or overwhelming. In this month's blog, we’re talking about how to move “back to busy” without moving back into overwhelm.
Featured Resource:
Want to learn more about incorporating gratitude into your daily routine? This Psychology Today article explores the mental health benefits of gratitude, practical ways to practice it, and why gratitude works best when it is genuine, not forced. Read “How to Practice Gratitude the Right Way”
