From the Coach’s Chair: Reclaiming Your Routine After Summer Chaos
Here’s What Brought Me to the Chair Today
Summer is amazing — long days, fun adventures, spontaneous BBQs… and also a complete wrecking ball for routines and habits.
At the start of summer, I was nailing my habits. Then came one glorious cruise vacation, and suddenly my routine was somewhere out at sea without me. The last month has been a struggle to hold onto some kind of structure. Add in my sudden transition to becoming a working SAHM (more on that in Friday’s blog!), and my summer felt like it completely imploded.
I have a feeling I’m not alone. Many of my clients tell me summer is the hardest time to take care of themselves and keep their needs a priority. If that’s you, take a deep breath — you’re in good company.
Why Routines Fall Apart in the Summer
Summer can feel like a no-holds-barred wrestling match where all the rules go out the window. Kids are out of school, family vacations happen back-to-back, and weekends are filled with cabin trips, BBQs, and social events. Schedules are scattered, and any kind of structure feels impossible.
Kids aren’t much help either. With the sun rising early and setting late, bedtime arguments become a nightly routine: “The sun’s still out, it’s not bedtime!” Even after full days at the park, splash pad, and playdates, they somehow still have energy while you’re dragging yourself to the couch.
If your routines have fallen apart, it’s not because you failed — it’s just the season you’re in. Give yourself grace. Summer isn’t about perfection; sometimes it’s simply about making it through with a little bit of your sanity intact.
How to Reclaim Your Routine
As a coach, I help my clients rebuild routines when life throws them off course. Here are my favorite strategies for getting back on track after summer chaos (or anytime your routine takes a hit):
1. Pick One Anchor Habit
Choose one thing you can do daily that helps set the tone. It could be a morning coffee ritual, journaling when you wake up, prayer, or a short walk.
2. Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time
Waking up at a different time every day throws off your sleep rhythm and your energy. A consistent wake-up time is a simple foundation for a strong routine.
3. Start with “Good Enough”
Don’t aim to recreate your perfect pre-summer routine overnight. Begin with “good enough” — small, manageable steps that will gradually rebuild your habits.
4. Batch the Big Stuff
Plan meals and do meal prep. Block off a chunk of time on the weekend for chores, school prep, and other big tasks. It saves mental energy during the week.
5. Make Space for Fun
Summer was fun for a reason — keep some of that energy in your life so your routine doesn’t feel like endless grind mode.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to change everything at once.
If you try to work out five days a week, cut sugar completely, drink a gallon of water, and read personal development daily all at once, you’re setting yourself up for burnout.
Being unrealistic with your time.
We all get the same 24 hours — be honest about what you can truly fit in. You’re not trying to be a superhero here.
Comparing your current self to your past self.
That version of you was in a different season of life. You’re meant to be this you right now, and I promise past-you would be proud of how far you’ve come.
The Truth About Routines
Routines aren’t about being rigid or perfect — they’re about creating stability and supporting your well-being. If a routine isn’t serving you anymore, it’s okay to ditch it.
Give yourself grace as you work toward reclaiming your routine. You will find your rhythm again, and when you do, it will be exactly what you need for the season you’re in.
Share With Us
How are you reclaiming your routine after summer? Share in the comments or email me at jessica@bravelybecomingyou.com.
If you’re craving more structure, grab my free Back-to-School Survival Guide for Moms — it’s packed with sanity-saving tips and simple planning tools.
XOXO,
Jessica
Reclaiming my routine, one day at a time