How to navigate the 'September Scaries'

September is here and we all know what that means. Time to get back to the realities of our "real" lives, which to some can feel rather daunting.

Kids are heading back to school, so parents , while many are relieved to have some reprieve from parenting, must now return to intense schedules, early morning wake-ups, and taxiing their kids from one extra-curricular activity to another.

Those who are child-free are heading back to the office, likely thinking about heading back to the gym and their "good habits," which we often tend to abandon during the summer months.

All of this can seem like a big uphill battle and a drag; the cooler weather and the days getting shorter do nothing to help.

So, if you feel a sense of dread this September, you may be suffering from the "September Scaries."

A recent piece published on the subject in The New York Times defines the September Scaries as a "combination of dread, regret, and anticipation" that falls upon us as the summer comes to an end.

The NYT article highlights that we tend to put off many of our responsibilities in the summer, and by the time September rolls around, there are a whole lot of unpleasant and boring tasks waiting for us.

On top of that, many people feel regret about how they spent their summer vacation and harp on all the things they wish they had done.

All of this combined leads to the doom and gloom of the September Scaries. So, what can you do to mitigate these feelings and ease into the fall without getting depressed?

Christian Waugh, a psychology professor at Wake Forest University, told the New York Times that it is a good idea to incorporate slow transitions in the fall.

For example, don't leave all the back-to-school shopping until the very last minute; pick away at it over the summer, and you will be far less overwhelmed.

Or if it's too late for that now, and you really procrastinated on the school shopping, instead make it into a fun event for both you and the kids (ice-cream makes everything better!).

You should also try to ease yourself back onto a more normal schedule, slowly adjusting your bedtimes and wake-up times as you get closer to your first day back on schedule.

Waugh also recommends we try to change our inner dialogue about September and look at the nice things that come with the fall and the return to routine.

Another tip from Waugh is that you make some fun fall plans so you have something to look forward to in this new season.

And never forget, all transitions can be challenging, and this too shall pass. Try not to get wrapped up in your malaise about getting back to the grind, because after all the Christmas holidays will be here before you know it!

Follow Showbizz Daily to stay informed and enjoy more content!