A Soft September Reset: 10 Simple Ideas for a More Intentional Month

There is something beautiful about the beginning of a new month. It’s the perfect time to pause and check in with yourself. You can take a moment to figure out where you are and how you want the rest of the month to look and feel, without feeling the need to make any big changes.

A soft September reset is a chance to reflect on the things you want, the little things that bring you joy, the things take up too much of your time, and what you might want to say no to. It’s also a chance to think about how you want your days to look like and what small changes could make them a little softer.

Maybe your calenders needs a little reorganizing. Maybe your space could use a small refresh. Maybe you want to spend more time reading, going for walks, or doing absolutely nothing for a while.

It doesn’t need to be a complete reset or a big overhaul of your routines. Just a simple check-in with yourself before the month gets busy.

Here’s a simple soft September reset checklist to get you started. This isn’t a hard-and-fast checklist, so choose whatever works for you, leave out anything that doesn’t, or create your own based on what you need.

1. Check in with yourself and write down what you want more this month

Before organizing your calendar and adding anything to it, check-in with yourself first. Take a moment to think about what you want more of this month and how you want this month to feel.

Maybe it’s more time outside, more reading, more time with family and friends, or just a few quiet moments to yourself every day.

If you would like a little help with this reflection, you can also try my 25 Easy September Journal Prompts for Soft September Reset. They are simple journal prompts to help you think about what you need, what you’ve been enjoying, and how you’d like your September to feel.

You could write down three of the things you’d like more of this month and make some space in your calendar for them. Even 10 minutes for each activity is enough to start. The idea is to actually make time for the things you want more of and figure out how you can create more space for them as the month goes on.

And if three things feel like too much right now, start with just one. Even one small change can make a difference.

This activity is less about goal-setting and more about thinking how you want the month to feel.

2. Notice what is taking too much of your time

When you figure out how you want your month to feel, you may also start to notice what might be taking too much of your time and getting in the way of achieving it.

Maybe you spend too much time scrolling, try to fit too many things into your evening, check your emails more often than necessary, or say yes to plans you don’t actually want to make.

Take a moment to figure out what might not really be necessary but is still taking up too much of your time and energy. Is there something you could say no to? Is there something you could make simpler? Is there something you could spend less time on?

You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Just noticing what takes up your time and energy is a good place to start.

3. Reflect on August

As you think about how you want your September to feel, it can also be helpful to reflect on how August felt for you.

Think about the small things that brought you joy, the things that took up too much of your time, or the moments you would like to remember. You could even write down a few of your favorite moments from August.

This doesn’t have to be a review of everything you accomplished, and it doesn’t have to be too deep. It’s simply a chance to notice how August felt like for you, instead of letting the month pass by without really thinking about it.

4. Refresh a small part of your space

A soft reset doesn’t require deep cleaning of your entire home. Even gently decluttering a small area or making a       little change can make a room feel different.

Choose one small area that could use some attention. It could be your bedside table, reading nook, kitchen counter, or bookshelf.

You can add fresh flowers to your table, change the cushion or pillow covers, put on fresh bedsheets, or place a favorite candle on your table. It doesn’t have to be a major change. A few small touches can be enough to make your space feel cozier and a little less cluttered.

5. Make your mornings a little easier

Think of little ways you can make your mornings feel less rushed and more enjoyable. Maybe you could lay out your clothes the night before, prepare an overnight breakfast, journal for a few minutes, or listen to your favorite music while getting ready.

Or you could simply step into your balcony or stand by an open window with your coffee and take a few quiet minutes before starting the day.

The idea isn’t to create a long or complicated morning routine. It’s simply about making your mornings feel a little more intentional and giving yourself a chance to feel a little more present before the day gets busy.

6. Create an evening routine you actually enjoy

An evening routine doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a long list of things. It can be as simple as making your favorite coffee or tea, reading a few pages of your favorite book, coloring, talking to someone you love, or simply stepping outside for some fresh air.

The idea is to give yourself a few moments in the evening to slow down and just enjoy some time for yourself.

Try shifting from the thought of “I have too many things left to do” to “the day is winding down”.

You don’t have to do the same thing every evening either. You could just carve out some time for yourself in the evening and make that the routine.

7. Make time for something you can enjoy

Sometimes we can get so busy with our everyday schedules that we keep putting off doing the things we enjoy the most. But the thing is, you don’t necessarily need an entire free day or evening to do those things. Sometimes even 20 minutes once a week is enough. Or even 10 minutes every day.

Make a little time to do things you enjoy. It could be anything from reading or learning to play an instrument, to taking a walk, visiting a café, or simply sitting outside for a while.

It doesn’t have to be productive or have a purpose. Sometimes just doing something you enjoy is enough.

8. Add in one screen-free evening

Choose one evening a week to spend a little less tome on-screen.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire day without your screens. Even putting your screens away for a couple of hours would give you some time to slow down and be present.

You could use this time to do something you enjoy, or simply let yourself do little.. Read a few pages, listen to music, dance, have a conversation, or just enjoy some quiet time.

You don’t necessarily need to have an activity planned. A screen-free evening can also mean doing very little and simply being present in the moment.

9. Reconnect with someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with

Often, we get so busy with day-to-day things that we miss out on connecting with loved ones. Or there might be someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with but haven’t found the time.

Send them a message, make a quick phone call, or ask if they would like to meet for coffee or go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate catch-up. Even a short conversation or a simple text can help you feel a little more connected.

Making a little time for the people you care about can make your month feel a little more special.

10. Plan something to look forward to

Plan something small to look forward to this month and mark it on your calendar. It could be anything from dinner with a friend, reading a favorite book, trying a new recipe, or going to place you have been wanting to visit.

It doesn’t have to be a big plan. Sometimes one small thing you enjoy marked on the calendar can make an ordinary week feel a little more special.