It’s a new month and also the perfect time to reset with some self-care. I’ve always viewed the beginning of the month as a time for fresh beginnings. This is the best time to reflect, recharge, and realign our goals with a monthly reset routine.
Resetting can be a powerful tool for self-care, helping you step into the new month with clarity and purpose. Here’s how to create your own monthly reset, tailored to celebrate yourself and the progress you’re making.
Table of contents
Why a Monthly Reset Matters
As usual, life can get chaotic with so many things that are out of your control, so it’s easy to lose track of your priorities. A monthly reset provides a moment to pause, take stock of where you are, and realign your intentions for where you want to go.
Think of it as a personal check-in—a time to declutter your mind and refresh your soul to prioritize you first. I believe it’s important to have a fully nourished mind, body, and spirit ready to tackle anything ahead. Don’t you?
Step 1: Reflect on the Past Month
Reflection is a cornerstone of any effective reset routine. Spend some quiet time thinking about the highs and lows of the past month. I encourage you to have a journal or planner to jot all this down.
Currently, all my reflections are done in my Hobonichi Cousin planner. Its monthly and weekly pages allow me to reflect easily on all my wins and challenges.
Celebrate Your Wins
Speaking of wins, take time to acknowledge what went well. Did you achieve a big goal or practice consistency? This process builds self-confidence and motivation.
Progress is built on these milestones, no matter how small. Acknowledging them keeps you focused on your objectives and strengthens your sense that your work is important.
Making progress and giving yourself credit for the journey is more significant than being flawless. I keep track of all my blogging and social media postings using color coordination, and I use a habit tracker to keep tabs on the positive behaviors I wish to develop. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come after seeing all these achievements.
Learn from Challenges
Accept that not everything will go as planned—and that’s okay. We cannot avoid all the bad stuff nor pretend they did not happen. I didn’t blog consistently last year and I did not make any affiliates as a consequence. My niche did not take off as I expected, and I had to rework my niche for my blog.
Seeing obstacles as opportunities to improve rather than failures is important. I therefore made use of the month before to make up for all the tasks I had neglected and to establish new momentum.
You might get valuable insight for the future by thinking back on what went wrong. Resilience and problem-solving abilities are enhanced when difficulties are approached with curiosity rather than self-criticism.
Monthly Reset Journal Prompt
Now this step is the most important part of reflecting on the past month. Write down three accomplishments from the previous month to help you remember those satisfying moments. It’s an exercise in self-awareness and gratitude practice that promotes a feeling of achievement.
Then, write a targeted goal for the next month to decide one area where you wish to improve. Journaling helps you transform insights into progress by bridging the gap between introspection and practical transformation.
Step 2: Declutter Your Space
Starting the month with a clean slate can do wonders for your productivity and mental clarity. Decluttering is an essential step in your reset routine to approach the new month with a fresh perspective.
I spent around 30 minutes clearing out unnecessary clutter to create a more harmonious environment. A tidy space sets the tone for a productive and balanced month ahead.
Decluttering Your Physical Space
A clean space equals a clear mind. Begin your monthly reset by focusing on tidying your physical environment. For me, this is my office because it’s where I spend the majority of my day.
Donate items you no longer need, organize your desk, and add a touch of freshness. Simple additions like a new candle or a vibrant plant can enhance the space and uplift your mood. This easy method helps create a calm, inviting atmosphere that encourages focus and creativity.
Declutter Your Digital Space
Next, turn your attention to your digital space–something I tend to avoid and put off as much as possible. But, you can’t ignore it forever. Perform a digital detox by clearing out your inbox, deleting unused apps, and organizing your files.
A decluttered phone or computer reduces stress and fosters mental clarity. During this time, I prioritize organizing my email. Once, I missed an important email due to digital clutter and lost an important client. I encourage you not to bypass this step.
Your digital and physical settings will be prepared for the upcoming month with the help of these simple yet effective steps that help remove confusion and distractions.
Step 3: Revisit Your Goals
A monthly reset is the perfect opportunity to realign with your aspirations and ensure you’re progressing toward your long-term vision.
I like to revisit my monthly and yearly goals to assess my current standing, make necessary adjustments, and set clear intentions for the weeks ahead. This process keeps me focused but also fuels my motivation as I start the new month.
Are You On Track?
Your goals deserve consistent attention, and a monthly reset offers the ideal moment to review and refine them.
Begin by assessing your progress toward your annual goals. Are you making progress? If not, consider breaking these larger objectives into smaller, actionable steps you can tackle in the coming weeks. By narrowing your focus, you create a realistic path forward while maintaining momentum.
Set Your Intentions
Next, set new intentions by choosing 1-3 key areas to prioritize this month. These might include cultivating a habit like practicing gratitude, adopting healthier eating patterns, or dedicating more time to outdoor activities. Keeping your focus clear and manageable ensures steady growth without feeling overwhelmed.
See the End Before You Begin
Finally, take a moment to visualize your success. Reflect on how you want to feel and what you aim to achieve by the end of the month. This mental picture serves as a powerful motivator to stay aligned with your goals.
Step 4: Plan Your Self-Care
A monthly reset is an opportunity to recharge emotionally, mentally, and physically. I don’t know about you, but I want to step into the new month with renewed energy. You build a solid basis for reaching your goals, both personal and professional, by intentionally nurturing your well-being.
Prioritize Time For You
Self-care is an essential element of a fulfilling monthly reset. Begin by scheduling dedicated me-time in your calendar. I have a daily morning self-care routine and one monthly papercraft activity. You choose which activity and routine works best for you.
Make these times non-negotiable, whether it’s going to a yoga class once a week, having a coffee date by yourself, or just scheduling time to read your favorite book.
Monthly Reset Pampering
Next, indulge in small acts of pampering to soothe your body and mind. Treat yourself to a home spa night with a relaxing bubble bath, a rejuvenating face mask, and calming music.
I don’t pamper myself enough–mainly because I tend to forget. But, my daughter loves spa day and she makes sure we have our mother-and-daughter time doing face masks and manicures. These simple rituals can help you unwind, reduce stress, and feel refreshed as you enter a new month.
Monthly Emotional Check-In
Finally, take time for an emotional check-in. Just because we feel good at the moment does not mean we are okay.
I journal to explore my feelings. I encourage you to journal or have a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend. Reflecting on your emotional state helps you process lingering concerns and approach the month ahead with clarity and confidence.
Step 5: Refresh Your Routines
A monthly reset provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on your routines and ensure they align with your current needs and goals. Routines shape your daily life, influencing your productivity, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Changing your routines allows you to maximize your habits and support your goals. It also allows you to experiment with new activities that make your life more interesting and enjoyable.
Morning Routines
Your morning routine sets the tone for the day ahead, making it a crucial area to revisit during your monthly reset. Consider adding a positive habit to start your day on the right foot. This could be as simple as a gratitude practice to foster mindfulness or a few minutes of stretching to awaken your body and boost your energy levels.
Evening Routines
Evening routines are equally important for promoting relaxation and ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Take time to create a calming wind-down ritual tailored to your preferences. Activities like reading a favorite book or meditating can help you transition from the busyness of the day to a state of relaxation and peace.
Monthly Reset Experiments
Don’t hesitate to experiment with new elements in your routines. I’m always incorporating and rotating different activities into my routine weekly.
This could involve trying a creative hobby, like painting or writing, or exploring a different workout to keep things fresh and exciting. Incorporating something new can reinvigorate your routines and bring a sense of curiosity and joy to your daily life.
Step 6: Reconnect with Your Passions
I use this as an opportunity to revive the passion that drives my creativity and happiness with a monthly reset. Reconnecting with what brings you joy can help you give you a new sense of purpose.
Revisit Old Hobbies
Start by revisiting hobbies that you’ve enjoyed in the past but may have set aside. Whether it’s painting, writing, knitting, or playing a sport, picking up an old passion can feel like reconnecting with an old friend. Alternatively, you might explore a new activity that piques your curiosity, adding excitement and variety to your life.
Creative engagement is another powerful way to reconnect with your passions. Dedicate time to pursuits that make you feel alive, such as gardening, playing an instrument, or crafting. These activities provide a creative outlet to help reduce stress and bring a sense of accomplishment.
Explore Something New
Explore new interests to expand your horizons. Dive into a book, watch a documentary, or attend a workshop on a topic that intrigues you.
Gaining new knowledge keeps your mind sharp and flexible, increases your confidence, and expands your understanding.
Step 7: Celebrate Yourself
A monthly reset is a time for growth and goal-setting and a chance to acknowledge your journey.
Celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, encourages gratitude and self-love, which gives you the confidence to go forward. I find it a great way to remind me of my value. This process helps me develop a good outlook for the upcoming month by acknowledging my efforts and accomplishments.
Practice Gratitude
Take a moment to practice gratitude by reflecting on all you’ve accomplished. I know this may sound silly, but I like writing to myself when I journal.
Writing a letter of appreciation to yourself can be a powerful way to recognize your hard work and resilience. Celebrate the moments where you pushed through challenges and the steps you’ve taken toward your goals, no matter how small they may seem.
Treat Yourself!
Rewarding yourself is another meaningful way to celebrate. Treat yourself to something special, like your favorite dessert, a relaxing spa day, or an outing that brings you joy. These gestures of self-care serve as a reminder that your efforts are valued and deserving of recognition.
The Power of Affirmations
Incorporate positive affirmations into your reset. Speak kind and empowering words to yourself, such as “I am capable” or “I deserve happiness.”
Affirmations help reframe your mindset, fostering self-belief and optimism as you prepare to take on the month ahead. Celebrating your journey and the person you are becoming.
Make It Yours
There is no right way of doing a monthly reset. What I do every month will be different from yours. Your monthly reset routine should be as unique as you are. Tailor these steps to fit your lifestyle and values.
The key is to approach the process with intention, self-compassion, and a sense of curiosity. I encourage you to celebrate the beginning of a new month by loving yourself enough to reset, recharge, and realign. You deserve it.