By Corry Mathews – Fitness & Nutrition Expert, Mom, and Hormone Health Advocate

As the South Bay mornings turn cooler and the kids trade surfboards for schoolbooks, parents face their own transition. The shift from summer freedom to structured routines can be a shock to the system — mentally, physically, and emotionally. As a health and fitness coach (and local mom), I can tell you this: back-to-school season is actually a bigger reset than New Year’s for most parents. The schedules shift, the house gets quieter, and suddenly there’s space to focus on you again.

Here’s how I help my clients — and myself — reset, recharge, and step into the season feeling strong.

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1. Make Daily Movement Non-Negotiable

Your body was built to move — and not just at the gym. Daily movement can be as simple as walking The Strand after drop-off, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or stretching between tasks. Movement boosts your mood, sharpens your focus, and gives you the stamina to keep up with your busy family. For me, that means an early morning walk or workout before the house wakes up. Painful? Sometimes. Is it worth it? Always.

2. Fuel Everyone the Same Way

Skip the “kid meal/adult meal” split and serve one healthy, delicious meal for the whole family. Kids learn by watching, and small changes over time lead to big results. In the fall, I love my crockpot, air fryer, and casseroles for quick, wholesome dinners that keep us out of the drive-thru.

Need ideas? I’ve got over 150 family-friendly, kid-approved recipes you can grab for free: strengthandgracefitness.com/recipes

3. Schedule Real Self-Care

Exercise and healthy eating are important, but self-care goes deeper. It’s about doing something that recharges your soul. Here in the South Bay, that might be sitting by the ocean and listening to the waves, hiking the trails at Palos Verdes, or grabbing coffee and strolling through Riviera Village. Block it out on your calendar — because if it’s not scheduled, it’s too easy to skip.

Back-to-school isn’t just for the kids — it’s your chance to reset, refocus, and thrive. When you take care of yourself first, your family gets the best version of you all season long.

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