Even as adults, we can’t escape that familiar September reset, a phenomenon often referred to as the "Wellness New Year". September is the true reset button. It’s what many psychologists call the “fresh start effect” - the idea that we’re more likely to make positive changes at natural transition points in our lives. And while January often gets all the attention, September quietly sneaks in as the “new new year.”
It’s the time when we naturally feel the urge to refresh, reorganise, and set new intentions, much like the start of a new school year. But why does September feel like such a pivotal moment for change, and how can we make the most of it?
What Is the September Reset?
Remember the back-to-school vibe? Even as adults, that rhythm never really leaves us. The September Reset is the feeling of renewal that comes over us as summer ends. As children, we associated September with the start of a new school year, when we’d put our heads down and start working towards our goals for the next 12 months.
September and the start of a new season brings more structure - new timetables, darker evenings, and the natural shift from carefree summer to a more intentional routine. Researchers at the Wharton School of Business found that people are more likely to adopt new habits at temporal landmarks. It’s a psychological trick: we separate our “past self” (summer us) from our “new self” (autumn us).
With only 4 months left of the year, September is a welcomed self check-in to help us achieve the goals we hoped at the beginning of the year.
Why September Feels Like a Refresh
There’s something inherently refreshing about September. Maybe it’s the lingering memories of returning to school, or the welcomed slower living after a summer of weddings and after-work drinks. Even if it’s been years since you last set foot in a classroom, those ingrained patterns remain. Summer, with its endless days and relaxed vibe, can feel like a blur of barbecues, holidays, and long evenings. By the time September rolls around, many of us crave structure, routine, and a sense of purpose again.
It’s an ideal moment to pause, take stock, and set intentions for the remainder of the year. Unlike January, which is often burdened with heavy expectations and post-holiday exhaustion, September offers a gentler, more natural reset.
How to set goals (and keep to them) - Read
The Benefits of a September Reset
Taking advantage of the September reset can lead to numerous benefits:
- Mental Clarity: With the busy summer behind you, September offers a clear space to think about what truly matters to you. It’s easier to focus and prioritise your goals.
- Renewed Motivation: The seasonal change often brings a renewed energy that you can channel into new projects or healthy habits.
- Improved Well-Being: Establishing a routine that includes self-care, regular exercise, and mindfulness can significantly enhance your physical and mental health.
- Sense of Accomplishment: By setting and achieving new goals, even small ones, you can experience a boost in self-esteem and satisfaction as the end of the year draws closer.
How to Make the Most of Your September Reset
So, how do you harness this “new year” feeling without falling into the same trap of overpromising and underdelivering?
- Review, don’t restart: Take some time to think about what’s been working for you and what hasn’t. Look at your intentions from earlier in the year. Which ones still matter? Which no longer serve you? Adjust rather than scrap.
- Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable goals (that we like to call Goldilocks Goals) that can give you a sense of momentum. Whether it’s reorganising your wardrobe, starting a new hobby, or committing to daily walks, set intentions that will make you proud at the end of the year.
- Revamp Your Routine: If your summer schedule was chaotic, September is the perfect time to slow down and create a daily routine that balances work, rest, and play.
- Take Some Time Offline: Spending dedicated time offline for a digital detox is the perfect way to kick-start you September. Use the 3 days to recalibrate, rest and set new digital habits.
- Plan for the Future: Start thinking ahead to the end of the year. What do you want to accomplish before the holidays? What would make you feel proud looking back on 2024?
Wellness Routines Worth Trying This Month
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few grounding practices that science (and experience) says can make a difference:
- Morning light walk. Getting natural light first thing supports circadian rhythm, boosts mood, and improves sleep quality.
- Phone-free evenings. Our brains need wind-down time. Late-night screen use is strongly linked with poor sleep and higher stress. Try leaving your phone in another room after 9pm.
- Weekly check-ins. Journaling or simply reflecting on your week helps you notice patterns. Studies on self-reflection show it increases emotional resilience and decision-making.
- Seasonal eating. September’s harvest brings apples, squashes, and root veggies. Eating seasonally not only supports gut health but also helps us feel more attuned to natural cycles.
A Softer Approach to Resolutions
The September reset is more than just a nostalgic nod to our school days. It’s an opportunity to refresh, refocus, and realign with what matters most. By embracing this natural shift in energy, you can set the tone for a productive, fulfilling final stretch of the year.
The beauty of a September wellness refresh is that it doesn’t demand perfection. Instead, it’s about alignment. Think of it less as a strict restart and more like a seasonal edit - swapping sandals for boots, spontaneity for a little more structure, and bringing wellness practices back into focus as the year winds down.
