It happens every year. One minute I’m sipping iced coffee in my backyard, pretending the inflatable pool counts as a “resort,” and the next minute I’m standing in the middle of the kitchen at 7 a.m. trying to figure out how to make three lunch boxes, find someone’s missing shoe, and stop the dog from licking the peanut butter spoon… all before the school bell rings.
By the time September rolls around, my summer “mom mode” has gone from boho-chic to full-on survival gear. The kids are back in school, and I’m left looking at my reflection in the mirror thinking, “Who is this exhausted woman with a ponytail I swear I styled three days ago?” Ladies, it’s time for some Fall Calm. And no, I’m not talking about booking a week long retreat in Bali (although, yes please). I’m talking about quick, doable self care rituals that slide seamlessly into our real lives — the ones with laundry piles, Zoom calls, and a constant low level hum of “Moooom!” in the background.
Here are my favorite mom-tested, design approved self-care ideas to help you feel put together, sane, and maybe even a little fabulous this back-to-school season.
The 10-Minute Morning Glow-Up
Before you dive into breakfast chaos, take ten minutes for you. Swipe on a tinted moisturizer, curl your lashes, and add a spritz of perfume you love even if your only audience is the school crossing guard. I keep my “morning glow-up” kit in a pretty tray by the bathroom sink, because when it’s organized beautifully, I’m more likely to actually use it.
Pro Tip: Invest in one gorgeous coffee mug that makes you feel like you’re in a boutique café. It’s amazing what a little ceramic upgrade can do for your mood.
The Cozy Nook Reset
Summer living usually means the whole house turns into a free-for-all playground. Come fall, reclaim one small corner of your home just for you. A soft throw, a scented candle, and a stack of books or glossy magazines - instant calm. It’s your spot to sip tea, scroll Pinterest, or stare into the distance while pretending you’re in an Architectural Digest spread.
Pro Tip: Pick a color palette for your nook that feels seasonal and soothing - think soft neutrals, warm terracottas, or calming blues.
The 15-Minute Power Walk
I used to think exercise had to be a full blown class or nothing, but a brisk 15-minute walk in my cutest sneakers does wonders. It’s the perfect reset between school drop off and work mode, and bonus points if you listen to a podcast that inspires you.
Pro Tip: Save your “fancy” workout gear for these walks when you feel stylish, you’re more likely to actually do it.
The Midday Re-Plate
Lunch shouldn’t feel like a chore or something you eat over the sink while answering emails. Take a minute to plate your meal beautifully even if it’s just leftovers. My favorite hack? Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. It makes everything look curated and chic.
Pro Tip: Keep one or two “pretty” dishes just for you. You deserve it.
The Evening Candlelight Unwind
Once the kids are in bed, resist the urge to dive straight into chores. Instead, light a candle, put on a silk robe, and do one small thing that feels indulgent — a face mask, a chapter of a book, or scrolling beautiful interiors on Instagram without guilt.
Pro Tip: Pick a scent that signals “it’s me time” - lavender, sandalwood, or even a cozy vanilla. Over time, your brain will start associating it with relaxation.
The truth is, these little rituals aren’t just about looking pulled together. They’re about reclaiming moments in a day that can feel like it’s running you instead of the other way around. We can’t always control the chaos (or the sticky fingerprints on every surface), but we can design small pockets of calm and beauty in our homes and routines. So here’s to us — to the moms rocking the school drop off in oversized sunglasses, to the ones hiding in the pantry for a minute of peace, and to every woman who knows that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant to be essential.
This fall, let’s trade summer’s chaos for a little more calm… one gorgeous coffee mug at a time.
xoxo