If you’re craving a fresh start this fall—you’re not alone. There’s something about the shift in seasons that makes it feel like the real new year, especially after a summer of loose routines and spontaneous days. In this post, I’m sharing the heart behind my own fall life reset: what I’m focusing on, what I’ve learned the hard way, and how I’m gently building new rhythms in this season of change (new house, new town, new baby on the way—you know, all the things). If you’d rather listen in, this blog is based on this week’s Hot Mess Habits podcast episode on YouTube—feel free to pop it on while you reset your space or go for a walk.

The summer to fall switch

Summer is filled with carefree days, spontaneous plans and tbh usually a major lack of routines. But if you are anything like me, the moment the crisp air hits I am READY to get back to it.

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Before you reset: the three prep steps

1. Assess where you are
This is boring sometimes and I know you might be tempted to skip it—but it’s essential.
Sit down (grab a journal or open Notion), ask:

• What is working right now?
• What has worked in the past?
• What isn’t working—where do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, done with it?

2. Do NOT buy anything
If you’re anything like me, feeling overwhelmed = impulse to buy brand new organizers, new supplements, new notebooks, basically anything marketed towards people who have their life together

But here’s the truth: the best reset often begins with what you have, not what you need to buy.
Unpack. Clean your space. Use the things you own. TRUST ME I have learned this the expensive way

3. Be intentional with inspiration
Social media can be very insprational, but it can also lead us to a sense of false productivity! Watching 100 morning routine videos isn’t going to magically make you have a great morning routine, but it is definitely tricking your brain into thinking it is being productive.

When you’re looking for inspiration:

• Go in with the intention of taking one thing away
• Use a notebook and take NOTES! Instead of saving tiktoks, actually write down the inspiraiton you want to take from them. Trust me, this is much better than doomscrolling

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The reset categories: where to focus

Here are some areas you may want to bring fresh energy into. Use these as ideas for inspo, you do NOT need to do them all!

• Home: What do you want your space to feel like? Hosting more? A calmer vibe? A simpler routine?
• Routines & habits: Morning, evening, cleaning, water intake, whatever it is.
• Cleaning & household rhythm: Especially for us moms with adhd—what could feel sustainable?
• Family life: What does it look like to lean in intentionally with your people?
• Movement: Is it more walking, stretching, getting a membership, intentional play with littles?
• Food & nourishment: Meal prep, snacks you feel good about, creating a saved grocery list?
• Digital life + screen time: Do you need to clear your camera roll? Your desktop? Your scroll habits?
• Career/business: Where do you want traction? What projects are you ready to lean into?
• Finances: What needs a check‑in? What’s been on autopilot?
• Relationships: Friends, husbands, community—how are you showing up?
• Hobbies & creativity: What do you need to do to get yourself offline?

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My personal reset: what I’m actually doing

Honestly, being in my first trimester, moving, working my marketing job + wedding photography has made my summer a complete write off, so this fall feels like a full reset moment for me. Here’s what my list looks like:

Routines

• Design new morning & evening menus.
• Set a clearer home‑cleaning rhythm.
• Grocery routine, given we live farther out now.

Digital / Personal Growth

• Big on reducing screen time. I have started using a brick for my phone for evenings—it’s already a game‑changer!
• Read one book with my husband.
• Listen to a faith‑based podcast weekly.
• Journalling daily
• Memorise one verse.
• Read before bed instead of scrolling

Family Life

• One whole free family day/week
• Create traditions (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas)
• More homemade snacks for our toddler.
• Weekly “family meeting” for calendar + money
• Easy date nights: backyard bonfire, hot chocolate, board game

Finances

• Use up what we already have rather than buying new skincare/makeup.
• Rebuild our emergency fund.
• Start saving for our next vehicle (not looking forward to this but is needed ugh)

Relationships

• I haven’t been great at initiating and I really want to get back to that
• Get a physical birthday calendar!! and send actual cards
• Continue open‑door mentality in our new community

Hobbies & Creativity

• Less screen, more analog. Just started knitting and it has been so fun.
• Physical books again—especially non‑fiction. I want to see our son see me read not just on my phone!
• Short creative writing projects (just because).
• Learn sewing
• Get better at baking + hosting dinners

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Now it’s your turn to reflect

Start with the assessment—get honest about where you’re at. Then choose two or three categories from your life where a gentle reset could bring some ease or clarity.

Ask yourself:

• What’s working?
• What’s not?
• What feels life-giving?
• What feels draining?

Then, pick one or two small shifts. It might be as simple as making your bed every morning, planning your grocery trips better, or putting your phone in another room after 8pm. You don’t need a total overhaul. You just need small steps in the direction you want to go

Because real change doesn’t start with aesthetics, buying new things or watching tiktoks of other people living our dream lives. It is all about making those small 1% changes

Reminder: You Don’t Have to Reset Alone

🎧 Here are some resources from other Hot Mess Habits

• Wellness hacks that are 100% free
• What happened when I stopped drinking coffee on an empty stomach
• Fall Goal Setting Worksheet (Canva Template)

Loved this blog post? Tune into the full podcast episode below!

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