September is, without a doubt, my favorite month of the year. The air turns cooler, people come back to the city, and the energy shifts into “let’s make things happen” mode. With the change of seasons, I love the feeling of being ready and grounded in my habits to finish the year strong. There’s something about this time that makes me want to get organized and prepared for the rush of calendar invites and social events that inevitably pile up.

One of the most important habits I’ve adopted is setting aside an admin day. This is a day blocked off in my calendar purely for those essential personal tasks that can sometimes feel daunting or overwhelming. I started this habit a few months ago when I realized that a lot of “adulting” tasks, like sorting out bills or organizing paperwork, felt so scary that I kept procrastinating. The more I avoided them, the more anxious I got, and eventually, my to-do list became so long that it paralyzed me with stress.

What changed everything was deciding to stop making excuses. I knew I needed to prioritize these tasks, so I gave them their own dedicated day. Now, having an admin day has become one of the best ways to manage my anxiety and avoid that feeling of being completely overwhelmed. If this sounds familiar to you, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Another habit that has been a game changer for me is always cooking extra food, enough to last at least two more meals. I don’t look at it as strict meal prepping, because I don’t set aside a specific day for it. Instead, whenever I’m making dinner, I just make a little extra. This way, I have leftovers for the next day, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly eating the same thing. Plus, it’s a great time-saver and keeps me from reaching for something unhealthy during the week.

I do want to say, though, this might not work if you’re super short on time or if there’s someone in your life (like a partner) who eats all your leftovers! Do what works best for you, but having some form of meal prep, even if it’s casual, is such a life hack. It makes healthy eating so much easier.

Here are a few more habits I’m carrying with me into fall:

• Reading before bed. I like to have a couple of books in rotation—one fiction and one that’s more mindset-focused, whether it’s spiritual, psychology, or self-development. It helps wind me down after a busy day.
• Limiting social media. I don’t go on social media until after work on weekdays, and even then, I have a 30-minute daily limit (I use Apple’s time limit setting for this). This has helped me stay present and focused.
• Staying accountable to my own promises. If I plan to work out, I show up—even if I’m tired. The discipline of doing what you say you’re going to do, no matter how you feel, is so powerful. This practice can genuinely transform your life if you let it.
• Practicing gratitude. I love to immerse myself in nature to tap into gratitude. When I’m outside, it’s impossible not to notice the abundance around me—the trees, the sky, everything feels like a gift. It reminds me that everything starts as a thought, followed by action.
• Prioritizing time with friends. I can’t stress enough how important community is. Make time for the friends you already have or put effort into forming new friendships. I treat it almost like dating, where I make it a point to see them frequently and consistently. You can plan anything from home-cooked meals, movie nights, long walks, pottery classes—whatever feels fun and special!
• Getting 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep. A cozy nighttime routine is everything. I dim the lights, light candles, and maybe play some calming music. This time is sacred to me.
• Taking my supplements. These are non-negotiable for me. Every morning, I take magnesium, a zinc+selenium complex, iodine, NAC, and sometimes an electrolyte mix. They’ve become part of my daily routine and really help me feel my best.
• Spending at least 45 minutes outside daily. Whether it’s biking to work or going for a walk after dinner, I prioritize getting outdoors. It’s such an easy way to boost your mental and physical health, and I always feel so much better after.

I see these habits as practical foundations for my well-being. They help me stay grounded, reduce my cortisol, and make me feel more balanced and happy overall. These habits aren’t about being perfect but about finding what works best for you and your life.

I hope some of these ideas inspire you to take what resonates and adapt them to fit your own goals. The key is staying consistent and prioritizing what makes you feel good. Here’s to a wonderful transition into fall, and may this season bring you peace and joy. 💛