September & New Starts in Perimenopause: Should You Make a Change?

There’s something about September. The cooler mornings, the crispness in the air, the return of school routines, the quiet after a busy summer. Even if you haven’t packed a lunchbox in years, that “back to school” feeling is hardwired into us.

Shops start talking about organisation, productivity, and ‘new season goals’. Your inbox fills up with plans and programs and challenges. And suddenly, it can feel like everyone is overhauling their lives while you’re still trying to remember what day it is.

If that back-to-school energy leaves you wondering, Should I be doing something too? Should I get back on track? Is this the right time to make changes? then you’re not alone.

But let’s take a breath.

Because here’s the truth.

September can be a lovely time to make a change. But only if you want to. And only if it feels right for you.

There is no rulebook that says you must reset your life in September, or in January, or on a Monday. You can start making nourishing changes on a random Tuesday in October or in the middle of June if that’s when you’re ready.

Let’s break this down gently and look at how you can approach change in a way that actually feels good.

Why September Can Feel Like a Good Time

For many of us, the summer holidays bring disrupted routines, spontaneous meals, more socialising, and less structure. While that can be fun and freeing, it can also leave you feeling scattered or “off”.

So when September rolls around with its earlier nights and slightly more predictable rhythms, it can feel like a natural opportunity to regroup.

If your kids are back at school, you may suddenly have a bit more space in your day. If you’ve been away, you may be craving simpler meals or more sleep. That shift in season can give your brain a little nudge to say, “Let’s come back to ourselves.” And if you’re feeling that little internal tug, then yes — it can absolutely be a lovely time to make a gentle change.

And Why You Don’t Have to Make Changes in September

Let’s say you’re reading this with brain fog, a messy kitchen, and zero energy. Maybe you’ve had an emotional summer, work is stressful, or you’re struggling with your hormones. The thought of a "reset" feels impossible right now.

That is completely okay.

You do not need to ride the September wave. You do not need to overhaul your life just because others are buying new planners and joining gyms.

Your timing is allowed to be your own.

And here’s the best part — small, supportive changes can happen at any time of year.

A Different Way to Think About Change

If the idea of starting again makes you feel pressure or dread, try this reframe:

You’re not starting over. You’re simply coming home to yourself.

When you’ve gone off track, it’s not because you’ve failed. It’s because life is life. The key is not perfection. It’s returning. And you can return in the smallest of ways. So let’s explore how.

Where to Begin: 5 Simple, Pressure-Free Steps

You don’t need to do everything. In fact, trying to change too much at once is often what leads to giving up. This is about starting small, with compassion and kindness.

Here’s a gentle roadmap to get you going, if and when you’re ready.

1. Start by Noticing, Not Judging

Before you change anything, pause and notice how you’re feeling. Ask yourself:

• What’s working for me right now?

• What’s feeling a bit off?

• Where do I feel tired, low, or overwhelmed?

• What small thing would make life feel just a little easier?

The goal here is not to pick yourself apart. It’s simply to listen to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

2. Choose One Area to Focus On

Now pick just one area where you’d like to feel a little more supported.

Some examples:

• Energy levels

• Sleep

• Mood

• Cravings

• Digestive comfort

• Feeling more organised with food

You don’t need a full plan. You just need a direction. I want to feel less tired in the afternoon. I want to stop skipping lunch. I want to feel calmer in the evenings.

That’s enough.

3. Pick a Simple Habit That Feels Achievable

Once you’ve chosen your focus, think about one habit that would help. Make it ridiculously simple. So simple it feels almost too easy.

Some ideas:

• Drink a glass of water first thing when you wake up

• Add a source of protein to your breakfast

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier

• Plan dinner for three nights of the week

• Take a 10-minute walk after lunch

• Write out a food shop list before heading to the supermarket

The aim is to build confidence, not pressure. Success comes from small actions, repeated often.

4. Remove the All or Nothing Thinking

This is a big one for many perimenopausal women.

You don’t need to get it perfect. You don’t need to do it every day. And if you miss a day, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

You are allowed to begin again, as many times as you need to.

A kind voice says: I didn’t do it today. That’s okay. I’ll try again tomorrow.

And that voice is far more powerful than the inner critic shouting: You’ve messed it up again, so what’s the point?

5. Celebrate What You Are Doing

We are so quick to focus on what we haven’t done that we forget to honour what we have done.

So each week, write down three things you did that supported your health or wellbeing — even if they felt small.

• I added spinach to my eggs

• I paused for three deep breaths before a stressful meeting

• I didn’t skip lunch even when I was busy

These moments matter. They build momentum and remind you that you’re already showing up for yourself.

You Don’t Need a “New You” — You Just Need to Feel More Like You

There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re not broken or behind. You’re going through a hormonal transition that affects every part of your life — energy, mood, sleep, motivation, memory.

So if you’re craving change this September, go for it. But do it your way. On your terms. With kindness and support.

And if this season isn’t the right time for you? That’s okay too. There will be other Mondays, other seasons, other windows of opportunity.

Ready to Make Food Feel Easier?

If you’re tired of quick fixes and want support with food, hormones, and sustainable change, I’m here.

Let’s have a friendly, no-pressure chat about what’s going on and how you can gently move forward. Whether it’s September or not, you deserve to feel good. Book your free discovery call today, together, we’ll find a rhythm that feels like you — no overwhelm, no pressure, just nourishment and self-kindness.