There’s a change in the air. The evenings are a little cooler, and if you haven’t noticed the nonstop back-to-school ads, it’s almost September.

For most folks who grew up in North America and attended school, there’s no denying a certain awareness that fall is on its way. We’ve already explored Seven Ways Writers Can Channel Those Back-to-School Vibes with things like getting school supplies, planning your workload, and even updating your wardrobe. (Writers need clothes, too!)

In some ways, the start of the school year is so ingrained that it feels almost like the new year, when we take stock of where we are and where we’re going. After all, the year is going to be over sooner than we think. So tap into those back-to-school vibes and get excited for the year ahead with our suggestions for taking advantage of the season.

Take a vacation or a staycation

The summer isn’t quite over, and if you’re anything like me, your planning brain is probably stuck somewhere in July, and you still haven’t managed to book yourself a vacation. If you have the resources and the time, this is your chance to squeeze out that last little bit of summer and start the school year feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to work. If you have kids and work from home, chances are you need a little staycation—no one needs to know that while the kids are in school, you’ve got your feet up and a good book in your hands.

Head back to school . . . literally

Have you thought about going back to school? This might be the time to look into either part-time studies or even just to take a class and learn something new. Maybe you want to brush up on your writing skills or learn new ways to make money with your writing. Maybe you want to learn about something completely different, like media, astronomy, philosophy, or political science.

Don’t have the extra cash sitting around? No problem. For folks who live in towns or cities with universities and colleges, some campuses allow you to audit a course and attend larger lectures (such as those in auditoriums) without receiving credit. If you’re comfortable learning online, there are free courses from some of the most reputable schools in North America, including Harvard, Yale, MIT, and more.

Volunteer with kids

Some school programs are open to authors visiting their classes and even running workshops for budding and aspiring writers. One of the most rewarding things you can do in your community is give back, and this is a great way to inspire the next generation of writers. You can also ask your local library or bookstore about opportunities for workshops, reading, and even hosting a writing group for kids of all ages.

Give your office a refresh

It sounds superficial, but there is something about changing things up in your work area that makes settling down to work a little more enticing. It doesn’t necessarily need to be an office; it might just be a corner or a desk in your home.

Think about changing up your desk or replacing that uncomfortable chair with something you can sit in for hours (this is life changing!). Put up some new art, get a cheerful plant (I opt for artificial because my home is death for plants), slip a bright but sturdy rug under your desk, or even find yourself a desk lamp that feels distinctly you. There are lots of ways to freshen up your space and stimulate your writing imagination.

Get a haircut

How many times did your school pictures feature a new haircut? If your locks are getting shaggy, a haircut can be a fast and reasonably affordable method of self-care—a small way of doing something for yourself that makes you feel better. Haircut not your thing? Book yourself a massage, treat yourself to a nice dinner, or take a long soak in your tub. You’ve been working hard, and you deserve it.

Plan your finances

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are only a few months left in the year, and tax time is looming. Take a quick look at your financial situation. Have you put money away for taxes? What about savings? Do you need to make any financial adjustments over the next few months? This is the time to quickly check your bank accounts and your expenditures so that you will be prepared in the new year.

Prepare for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

It’s almost impossible to believe that National Novel Writing Month is in November, just two months away. Don’t let it take you by surprise this year. If you’re planning to participate, this is a good time to start plotting out your book, researching, and preparing for the biggest writing month of the year.