Shifting into a Back-to-School Mindset
I’m a quote girl at heart, and I saw this one while sitting in the sauna the other day—it stuck with me. After a summer of chaos, zero routine, and everything feeling a little out of whack, I always crave a reset. But trying to change everything at once? Very very overwhelming.
“Don’t make change too complicated. Sometimes you just have to begin.”
This little reminder nudged me to slow down—focus on one thing at a time, make small shifts, and give myself grace while I refocus.
Here’s how I’m easing back into routine, and what’s been grounding me lately.
Pvolve: the 30ish minute workout I’ve been needing
After having Fields, I worked with a trainer once a week (and loved it) — but schedule-wise, it just wasn’t realistic long term. I shifted into more yoga (still love it), but I’d been feeling so weak lately. My posture was off, my body just didn’t feel strong, and those little aches from carrying a baby on my hip all day were catching up to me.
Then I tried Pvolve — and I’m obsessed. Most workouts are around 30 minutes, they’re low impact but seriously effective, and I actually look forward to doing them. I already feel stronger and more aligned. Plus, the equipment doesn’t take up an entire room — I can just tuck it away when I’m done. It’s been so easy to fit into my day and it’s exactly what I needed! Two weeks in, so more to come as I get more into it.
Matcha > Coffee
I swapped my morning coffee for matcha at the start of the year… and honestly? I LOVE IT. Definitely an acquired taste, but the energy is calmer, steadier, and I can actually focus without the mid-morning jitters or that 2 p.m. crash.
These days my go-to is an iced matcha latte at home with oat or cashew milk and a drizzle of honey. This matcha powder is a great place to start!
Our Weekly Meal Rhythm
We don’t do strict meal prep, but we follow a rhythm that keeps evenings easier:
Sunday: A more involved meal that makes leftovers
Monday: Use the leftovers or fall back on an easy favorite
Tuesday: Try a new recipe
Wednesday: Date night
Thursday: Sheet pan meal or something grilled
Weekend: Wing it!
Jake and I also prep a salads for lunch Monday - Wednesday. I’ve been adding quinoa to mine lately for extra protein and to keep me full longer!
Another simple tip that’s helped: if we’re making a bigger meal, I’ll wake up a few minutes early to chop veggies or prep ingredients. It takes the pressure off during the after-school/dinner chaos.
A few favorite meals on repeat:
Sheet Pan Spicy Ginger Sesame Beef - This meal literally never fails
Monterey Melt Smash Burgers - We've been making these sunday & making extra burgers to put on salads during the week)
People rave about this herby chicken thighs recipe I love to share.
Jennifer Aniston Salad - I put this over shredded kale or lettuce to lighten it up a bit. I'm not a chickpea gal so I use rotisserie chicken.
I also recently grabbed Babs’ new cookbook and love it – it’s filled with easy, family friendly recipes that are doable on a weeknight!
Sauna + Cold Plunge
I’ve been doing sauna + cold plunge about 3–4 times a week since last August, and truly, it’s one of the best things I’ve done for my body! I’m a believer. It’s amazing.
Sauna-wise, I’m usually in for 15–30 minutes, and I can literally feel it if I’ve skipped a few days. Cold plunge-wise, I go for 3.5 minutes with my “get through it” song playing very loud haha. The endorphin boost after is unreal. You step out feeling clear, energized, and like you just hit a giant reset button.
“It won’t happen overnight, but if you quit it won’t happen at all.” That’s been my reminder lately. It’s not about perfection — it’s about showing up, little by little. I’m an 80/20 believer. I find what feels balanced, give myself permission to take it slow… because those little changes? They’re what add up to big shifts over time.