Today we have a blog post from one of our Master’s level interns, Jillian Young, about navigating new seasons. Jillian strives to honor each client’s unique story, approaching therapy with compassion, curiosity, and genuine presence.
She believes that therapy is most impactful when it feels like a real connection—one where you feel comfortable, understood, and move at a pace that feels right for you. Her style is both warm and grounded, offering steady support, gentle encouragement, and thoughtful structure when it’s needed most.
She creates a safe space where clients can be honest about the hard things, feel supported through the process, and even find moments of lightness along the way. Together, she will help you explore what matters most to you, building insight, resilience, and a path toward a life that feels more authentic, aligned, and meaningful.
Navigating Change as a New Season Begins
Summer is winding down. The days are getting shorter, routines are changing, and a new season is beginning. For many people, September brings the excitement of a fresh start—but it may also bring unexpected stress and anxiety. School is back in session, schedules become fuller, and there can be an unspoken pressure to “get back to normal.” After a slower summer, adjusting to new responsibilities and expectations may feel overwhelming. If you find yourself feeling more anxious, stressed, or emotionally drained as September begins, you are not alone.
September Brings More Than Just a New Schedule
With the month of September, it brings a change of pace and a new schedule that differs from the summer you may have had. Whether you are headed back to school, beginning a new semester, adjusting to a busier work schedule, or simply trying to establish a routine for the upcoming months.
Amidst these changes, many of us may feel pressure on ourselves to get back on track and feel productive as fall begins. I want you to know that you are not alone in this feeling as many individuals strive for this “perfect” routine that may not be achieved. The combination of internal and external pressure creates the perfect storm that may leave many of us feeling overwhelmed before the season officially begins.
Why Does Change Feel So Stressful?
Our routines provide a sense of familiarity and consistency. When routines change, our nervous system could interpret it as a “threat”, even if we expected the change. This may lead to an increase in anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or feeling emotionally drained. You may experience thoughts of “I should be doing this better”, “I’m already falling behind”, “I should have prepared for this.” These self-critical thoughts may increase due to anxiety. Take time to view these as a sign that your body is telling you that you need time to adjust.
Give Yourself Permission to Ease Into a New Season
Consider the following in this season of transition:
- Focus on one routine at a time: rather than trying to overhaul your schedule, choose one habit to prioritize this week—such as eating regular meals, going to bed at a consistent time, or taking a 10-minute walk.
- Notice your self-talk: when you catch yourself thinking, “I should be doing more,” pause and ask, “Is this expectation realistic?” Replacing self-criticism with a more balanced perspective may help reduce unnecessary stress.
- Build in time to rest: a full calendar doesn’t have to mean every minute is taken. Intentionally scheduling time to recharge may help prevent burnout before it starts.
- Stay connected: reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Transitions often feel more manageable when we don’t navigate them alone.
Remember that adjustment takes time. It’s okay if it takes a few weeks to settle into a new routine. Instead of immediately criticizing yourself for struggling, ask: “What do I need to make this transition a bit more manageable?”
Resource: The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough by Thomas Curran. A helpful read for anyone who finds themselves putting pressure on themselves to be productive, successful, or “perfect,” especially during times of transition.
An affirmation that I would like to leave you with is: “I don’t have to have everything figured out. I can give myself time to adjust and take things one step at a time.”
You got this!
Jillian
We hope you found Jillian’s insights on managing feeling overwhelmed helpful. If her message resonated with you, this could be the perfect time to take meaningful steps towards your healing and peace. To initiate your work with Jillian, please feel free to contact our office at 615-510-3797 or click here to learn more.
