A Back-to-School Reset: Treat September like your New Year

This time of year is always the most hectic one in our home. This year we are working on changing that. Instead of stressing about the school routines and morning rush, we are trying to plan for it, take control of what we can, and let be what we can’t. 

My first task this year is what is usually my last: ME.

I hereby give you permission to participate in a reset, as minuscule or vast as you need. Reset your life, your routines, or simply your morning. 

Here are 10 ways to reset this Fall:

1. Reflect on your year

 Take a moment to pause and check in with yourself. How have you been feeling lately? How do you want to feel as the year winds down? What moments have brought you peace and joy, and what has drained you? Let your answers guide your next steps.

2. Create new routines

 September is the perfect time to weave in fresh routines that feel good to you. Build on what’s already working, add a morning meditation to your coffee ritual, or keep breakfast screen-free to start the day with intention. Pairing a new habit with an existing one makes it easier to stick with.

3. Declutter your space

 Just as trees shed their leaves, let go of the clutter weighing you down. Create breathing room in your home and in your mind by releasing what no longer serves you. Visual space brings mental clarity. Be bold, be ruthless—make space for peace.

4. Prioritize self-care

 Your well-being is not an afterthought. Whether it’s a warm bath, reading before bed, or a solo walk in the crisp air, make time for what nourishes you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

5. Practice mindfulness

 Slow down. Notice the way the morning light filters in, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the way the air smells different in September. Be present in both the season and your life, you are exactly where you need to be.

6. Set achievable goals

 Make a fall bucket list, take up a new hobby, or choose one clear goal for the season. Keep it specific and doable, so when you complete it, you can truly celebrate and say, “I did it!”

7. Refresh Your Connections

 Spending time with friends has a way of filling your cup like nothing else. The belly laughs, the lighthearted conversations, and the heartfelt advice, it all just hits differently with the people who truly get you. If you’re looking for an instant mood boost this fall, reconnecting with your closest friends is the perfect reset.

8. Reconnect with nature

 The outdoors is a powerful reset button. Take walks, sip coffee on the porch, or simply open the window and breathe in the cool air. Let the change in season inspire your own fresh start.

9. Give Back

 Acts of kindness can change your perspective. There are countless simple ways to give back: donate the clothes and toys you’ve decluttered, volunteer at your child’s school, or lend a hand to a neighbor. Helping others has a way of bringing joy back into your own life.

10. Detox Your Schedule

 Summer can be a busy whirlwind, and fall often comes with its own set of obligations—school, sports, and activities. This season, take a moment to step back and reclaim your calendar. Say “no” to what isn’t essential and make space for what truly serves you. As you plan the weeks ahead, remember that slowing down, taking pauses, and allowing time for rest isn’t just important for you, it benefits the whole family.