The Real Chic Life

As August winds down, there’s a certain shift in the air. Summer vacations are wrapping up, school routines are starting again, and many of us are craving a little more structure after long, sun-soaked days. Late summer is the perfect moment to reset—not just for the season ahead, but for yourself.

If getting back into rhythm feels daunting, you’re not alone. With a few intentional tweaks, you can glide back into routine while still savoring the last golden weeks of summer.

Here are seven back-to-routine tips to help you reset with ease:

1. Do a Seasonal Mini-Reset

Before diving back into busy schedules, take a little time to reset your space and mindset. Clear out beach bags, tidy your space, and swap summer clutter for a few cozy touches that hint at fall (for some tips and ideas check out A Chic Shift: Small Changes to Prep Your Home for Fall Decor). It’s a gentle way to honor the season’s transition.

2. Refresh Your Morning Routine

Late summer mornings can feel bright and hopeful. Make the most of them with rituals you look forward to: a walk in the cooler air, coffee outside, or a few minutes journaling. If back-to-school or busier workdays are on your horizon, prepping outfits or lunches the night before can help mornings stay calm.

3. Set a “Top 3” for Each Day

With shifting schedules, it’s easy to feel like there’s too much to juggle. Instead of overwhelming to-do lists, focus on just three priorities each day. Whether it’s work, family, or personal care, this trick helps you stay productive without burning out. I like to use Blue Sky x Day Designer planners that include prompts for a daily or weekly top 3.

4. Give Your Workspace a Late-Summer Refresh

If you’re returning from vacation or gearing up for busier months, take 10 minutes to reset your workspace. Add fresh flowers, swap in a new planner, or simply declutter. A clean, inviting workspace makes it easier to get back into focus mode.

5. Ease Back into Movement

Summer often brings spontaneous activity—swimming, walks, travel. As routines return, ease back into more structured movement. Try a new fitness class, morning yoga, or even evening walks as the days cool. Consistency matters more than intensity when rebuilding habits.

6. Stock Up on Transitional Meals

Late August calls for lighter meals with hints of cozy comfort. Think grain bowls, roasted veggies with fresh herbs, or overnight oats for easy mornings. Having nourishing, flexible options makes busy days smoother and helps you avoid that “back-to-school slump.”

7. Keep Summer Joy Alive

Routine doesn’t have to mean rigidity. Hold on to the little pleasures of summer—like evening ice cream runs, dining al fresco, or a weekend day trip. Blending routine with fun helps the transition feel less like an ending and more like a fresh beginning.

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Late August is a beautiful invitation: part farewell to carefree summer days, part preparation for the cozy rhythm of fall. With a few intentional steps—resetting your space, refreshing your routines, and sprinkling in small joys—you can move into this new season feeling grounded, energized, and inspired.

Don’t overhaul everything at once. Start with one or two small shifts—like a tidier workspace or an updated morning ritual—and let your routine evolve naturally as September unfolds.

Xo, Courtney