Why September is Your Built-In Reset
There’s something magical about September. Psychologists call it the “fresh start effect” - moments like birthdays, new seasons, or the start of school signal renewal. Research from Wharton’s Katherine Milkman shows that people are more likely to start healthier habits when they feel a sense of “new beginnings.” September has that energy in spades.
Instead of waiting until January (with all the pressure and noise), you can ride this wave of motivation now with joy as your strategy.
Joy Is the Strategy, Not the Reward
Joy isn’t just a feeling; it’s a catalyst for change. Studies show that positive emotions broaden our perspective, improve resilience, and make healthy behaviors stick. When something feels good, you repeat it. That’s why punishing yourself with joyless workouts or bland food rarely lasts.
This month, I invite you to approach wellness with joy-first thinking.
Three Juicy, Research-Backed Tips for September
1. Move for Mood, Not Miles
Forget chasing calorie burn. A 2021 meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry found that just 10 minutes of daily physical activity reduces symptoms of depression. That means dancing in your kitchen, walking your dog, or yes - even climbing the stairs - counts. The joy is what makes it sustainable.
👉 Tip: Pick one joyful movement you can do daily. Bonus if it makes you smile while you sweat.
2. Fuel with Fiber for Energy
Most women eat less than half the recommended daily fiber. Fiber doesn’t just keep digestion on track - it stabilizes blood sugar, curbs cravings, and feeds your gut microbiome. And here’s the kicker: research shows fiber is directly linked to lower risk of chronic disease.
👉 Tip: Add one extra cup of plants per meal. Think beans in your salad, chia seeds in your smoothie, or an apple with almond butter.
3. Practice Pauses for Stress Reset
Stress can derail even the best health intentions. But short, intentional breaks - pauses - can reset your nervous system. Harvard research shows that mindfulness practices reduce cortisol and improve focus. And you don’t need an hour-long meditation session to feel it.
👉 Tip: Set a “pause alarm” twice a day. Close your eyes, breathe deeply for 60 seconds, and notice how your energy shifts.
Closing Thought
September isn’t about overhauling your life. It’s about making small, joyful shifts that create momentum. Joy is not the finish line. It’s the fuel that gets you there.
So ask yourself: What’s one small joy-first choice I can make today?
Because that’s how you build a September and a life you truly enjoy.