The back-to-school season can mean a time for new beginnings, even if you’re not stepping into a classroom. This period offers a chance to refresh your routines and embrace some nostalgic activities with a fresh twist for adults.
Meal Prepping Ideas
Recreate the school lunch prep days with a practical strategy for adults. Kevin Curry of FitMenCook suggests dedicating two nights each week to meal prep. Spend about 45 minutes to prepare versatile dishes like chickpeas, chicken, jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, and a greens medley. These can be combined in varied ways to form balanced meals. Add variety with condiments such as tahini dressing or barbecue sauce to keep the meals exciting.
Refreshing Your Wardrobe
Even without a school shopping list, you can update your personal style with a closet clean-up. Actor and YouTuber Asia Jackson advises evaluating each clothing item you own. Questions like “Do I feel good in this?” can guide your decisions on what to keep or donate. Establish a selection of pieces you love as the base for your updated wardrobe.
Reading as a New Habit
Revive your interest in reading by finding moments to enjoy books. Former NPR culture correspondent Lynn Neary recommends reading in the mornings, especially on weekends. This timing helps avoid the tendency to fall asleep while reading at night and creates a pleasant start to your day.
Organize with Effective To-Do Lists
Enhance productivity by redefining your to-do lists. Start with action items that take less than two minutes to finish right away. For more significant tasks, break them into smaller steps. Oliver Burkeman, author of “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals,” highlights the importance of making your tasks specific and manageable.
Incorporating Play into Daily Life
Rediscover the joy of play by thinking back to childhood activities you loved. According to Stuart Brown from the National Institute for Play, you do not need major changes to incorporate play. Whether it’s engaging in a playful hobby or enjoying simple moments in nature, play can enrich your life. Consider activities that once brought you joy, and integrate them into your routine.
Fostering Friendships
Reevaluate how you approach forming new friendships. Heather Havrilesky, known for the advice column Ask Polly, suggests starting with the understanding that many people are open to making new friends. It may require embracing vulnerability and awkwardness, but taking the first step can lead to meaningful connections.
This article was originally published on August 6, 2024, and has been updated on September 2, 2026.