Summer has been magical this year. Filled with sailing trips, island hopping, dancing until sunrise at festivals, sunny BBQ days with family, and countless laughs with friends. I loved every single moment, but now, as September begins, I feel a little worn out. My energy feels lower, and I’m craving calm, quiet moments to recharge.

If you’re feeling this too, it’s completely normal. Summer is fun, but it can leave us a little out of rhythm.

That’s why I like to do a gentle life reset, a soft way to slow down, reconnect with myself, and step into autumn feeling grounded and calm.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Summer

Before planning what’s next, I like to pause and look back. What brought me joy? What left me feeling drained?

Mini Exercise:
 Take 10 minutes to answer these questions in your journal or on your phone:

  1. What were three moments that truly made me feel alive this summer? 
  2. What drained my energy or left me feeling stressed? 
  3. What lessons did I learn about myself? 

Example from me: Having so many plans was fun, but also pretty exhausting. Next summer, I want to try making a few fewer plans and giving myself more calm, quiet time, even if it’s just sitting in the park or relaxing at the beach.

Step 2: Clear Your Space

Cluttered surroundings create cluttered minds. A small reset in your space can lead to big mental clarity.

Mini Exercise:

  • Choose one area to tidy, such as a desk, drawer, closet, or digital inbox. 
  • Notice how you feel afterward. 

Digital declutter: Unfollow accounts that don’t uplift you, unsubscribe from emails you never read, or turn off notifications for a few hours.

Example from me: I turned off all my notifications and decided to check apps only on my own time. If I notice myself overusing them, I’ll ensure it’s just once or twice a day for 15–30 minutes. It’s way too easy to get lost in mindless scrolling!

Step 3: Set Tiny Intentions

Big resolutions can feel overwhelming. I prefer small, doable intentions that actually feel good.

Mini Exercise:
 Write down 2–3 small intentions for September. Ask yourself:
 “What is realistic and  enjoyable for me?”

Example:

  • Take a morning walk three times a week. 
  • Journal for 10 minutes before bed. 
  • Say “no” to things that don’t feel right, without guilt. 

Small steps over time create real change, without stress or pressure.

Step 4: Reintroduce Gentle Routines

After summer, I crave a little structure, but it doesn’t need to be strict. Gentle routines help me feel grounded.

Mini Exercise: Pick 2–3 simple routines to reintroduce this week:

  • Slow mornings with 10 minutes of meditation. 
  • Evening wind down with a book.  
  • Short stretch or yoga session. 

Example from me: I plan to attend yoga three times a week. This little routine makes me feel calm, focused, and happy.

Step 5: Make Time for Yourself

There’s a Japanese word I love: Seijaku. It means profound peace and stillness found in moments of solitude. Alone time isn’t loneliness; it’s a magical space for self-discovery and renewal.

Mini Exercise: Schedule one Seijaku moment this week:

  • Take a solo walk in nature. 
  • Read a book outside. 
  • Sit quietly with tea and do nothing. 

This is where I recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Step 6: Release Self-Doubt and Comparison

Self-doubt sneaks in quietly or sometimes loudly. It’s tempting to compare ourselves to others, especially after a busy summer filled with social media highlights.

Mini Exercise:

  • Pause and ask yourself: “Is this thought helping me, or holding me back?” 
  • If it’s holding you back, let it go gently. 
  • Focus on one small action you can take right now. 

Example from me: Instead of scrolling endlessly and comparing myself, I send a thoughtful message to a friend or go for a walk alone. Small actions help me feel grounded and confident.

Step 7: Celebrate Every Little Win

Resetting isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness and gentleness. Celebrate every small step you take.

Mini Exercise: Each night this week, write down one thing you did that supported your reset. Big or small, it all counts.

Example from me: Making it to the gym three times a week has made me feel proud of myself, and I know my body is thanking me for it too.

Step 8: Invite Autumn with Intention

Take a soft moment to reflect on what you want to carry into the new season. What energy do you want to embrace? What can you release?

Mini Exercise: Write down three words or feelings you want to invite this autumn. Keep them visible, on your desk, fridge, or phone wallpaper as gentle reminders.

Example from me: This September, my words are: calm, clarity, joy. They guide how I move through each day.

Your Gentle Life Reset Challenge

This month, try this: pick one step from this guide each day and fully commit to it. By the end of the week, notice how it feels to approach life gently, intentionally, and with more awareness.

I’d love for you to share one small thing you’re going to reset or refresh this month. Maybe it’s your energy, your space, or even just your mindset. Whatever it is, permit yourself to approach it gently. 🌿