So many new beginnings start in September, making it one of the best times of the year to check in on your health and wellness goals and create a regimen that you can stick to throughout the year ahead. Not only is it the start of the school year, which, for parents, can mean kids out of the house and back in their own routines, but it is also the autumn equinox, a time that symbolizes balance and renewal. The cooler weather as well makes it easier to be outside for longer periods and is more conducive to long runs or walks.
“September often feels like a reset button because it coincides with the transition from summer to fall, a time when routines tend to stabilize,” explains Chris Ryan, C.S.C.S and founder of Chris Ryan Fitness. “The month marks the beginning of the school year, a return to regular work schedules, and the shift from summer’s more relaxed pace to a more structured mindset.” This sense of fresh beginnings makes September feel like a natural time for people to pause, he notes, reflect on their progress and recalibrate their goals.
Transition from summer to fall
You might have noticed your health routine fall to the wayside in the summer—which is not uncommon. Summer often means vacations, travel and time off work—disruptions that can make it difficult to stick to routine. It’s also a popular time for social gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor events, which can lead to overeating and less physical activity. High temperatures and humidity, too, can make it uncomfortable and less enjoyable to exercise outdoors.
“As outdoor activities slow down and schedules become more predictable, people often feel more grounded and ready to set or revisit their goals,” says Ryan. “The shift in seasons is a reminder that time is moving forward, and it offers an opportunity to reassess priorities as we head into the final months of the year.”
To help encourage you to make the most of your September, here are some key reasons why this month is a great time to check in on your health, wellness and fitness goals.
The kids are back to school
If you’re a parent, you know how helpful it can be to have your kids back in their own routines. The start of the school year instills a sense of structure for everyone in the home, notes Ryan. “Even for those not in school, this collective return to schedules can inspire individuals to revisit their own goals,” he says. “It creates a mental shift toward productivity and provides a fresh slate for reevaluating what you want to accomplish.” This transition can also help reestablish good habits around exercise and healthy eating that may have been disrupted during the summer months.
The weather is cooler
As summer fades and fall begins, the seasonal change serves as a natural point of reflection. “The cooler weather and the approach of the final quarter of the year prompt a focus on preparing for the months ahead,” says Ryan. “This seasonal transition encourages a shift from the more relaxed, spontaneous energy of summer to the focused, goal-oriented mindset of fall.” With cooler temperatures, September provides the perfect opportunity to get back into outdoor activities like running, hiking or cycling, without the discomfort of extreme summer heat.
It’s the final stretch of the year
September marks two-thirds of the year, making it an ideal time to assess your progress and how attuned you are to the resolutions you made back in early January. “With only a few months left in the year, it’s a chance to identify what’s been achieved and what still needs attention,” Ryan says. “This awareness can serve as a motivator to refocus and finish the year strong.”
You can get ahead of holiday stress
As the holiday season approaches, people may also be motivated by the desire to “get ahead” of potential disruptions, notes Ryan. “The impending stress of the holiday season (with its focus on social events and indulgent food) can push people to solidify healthier habits and routines beforehand, making September a time to refocus in preparation for the busier months ahead,” he adds.
Making the most of your September is easier said than done. It’s a wise idea to set aside some time for reflection to review your goals from earlier in the year, evaluate your progress and ask yourself what’s working and what’s not. Being intentional about this reflection process helps you approach it with clarity, notes Ryan. “If you find that certain goals have stalled, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps,” he says. “By creating micro-goals, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed, and the incremental progress will motivate you to keep moving forward.”
For those who feel they’ve fallen behind, September offers an ideal reset point. “Acknowledge that setbacks are part of the process and use this month as an opportunity to realign with your original goals or adjust them to be more realistic,” he says. “Recommit by creating a clear plan of action, setting achievable milestones, and focusing on consistency rather than perfection.”