Embracing September: The Perfect Time to Begin Your Wellbeing Journey with Journaling and Mindfulness
As the warmth of summer gradually gives way to the crisp air of autumn, September emerges as a month of renewal and transition. With its sense of new beginnings and fresh possibilities, September presents itself as the ideal time to embark on a journey towards enhanced wellbeing. One of the most effective ways to kickstart this journey is by incorporating journaling and mindfulness into your daily routine to use momentum from a mindful summer break and stop getting ourselves into the trap of old behaviours that didn’t serve us. Why should we start this now?
1.Nature's Transition Mirrors Personal Growth
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in many parts of the world. As the leaves change colours and fall to the ground, nature reminds us of the beauty in letting go and embracing change. This parallel between nature's transformation and personal growth serves as a powerful motivator to begin our own journey toward better wellbeing. Just as trees shed their old leaves to make room for new ones, we can let go of negative habits and thoughts to create space for positive changes. Use these early September days to make a list of habits you want to let go of and habits you want to take up.
2. Back-to-School Energy
For many, September is associated with the excitement and energy of going back to school. Even if you're no longer a student, you can tap into this collective energy to foster your own personal growth. Treat September as your personal "back-to-wellbeing" season, where you set intentions and lay the groundwork for positive habits. The momentum and enthusiasm that come with this time of year can be channelled into establishing a consistent journaling and mindfulness practice, starting the “new school year” in better form and with real intention instead of going back to live life on auto-pilot.
3. A Moment of Reflection
As the year enters its final quarter, September offers a natural juncture to reflect on your achievements, challenges, and goals. Journaling becomes a valuable tool during this time, enabling you to review the progress you've made so far and adjust your wellbeing plan accordingly. By putting your thoughts on paper, you gain clarity about your desires and the steps you need to take to achieve them. Also, it's a good idea to look at obstacles and worries with a new perspective. What are the things that scare you and how can you approach them in a way that helps you overcome them?
4. Cultivating Mindfulness in the Present
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and cultivating awareness without judgment. Back to work and school aside, September's transitional nature encourages us to slow down and savour the shifts happening around us. Whether it's the changing weather, the smell of fallen leaves, or the gentle breeze, practicing mindfulness during this month helps you develop a deeper connection with your surroundings and your inner self. Give yourself a challenge to include short moments in your day where you stand still and just enjoy the here and now.
5. Setting a Positive Precedent
Starting a new habit in September can set a positive precedent for the upcoming months. When you commit to journaling and mindfulness during this time, you're more likely to carry these practices forward as the year comes to a close and a new one begins. This foundation can have a cascading effect on your overall wellbeing, helping you navigate challenges with greater resilience and maintain a positive outlook.
6. Harnessing Seasonal Affective Changes
As daylight hours decrease and temperatures drop, some individuals experience shifts in mood known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Journaling and mindfulness can serve as effective coping strategies for managing SAD symptoms. By expressing your emotions through writing and practicing mindfulness techniques, you can mitigate the impact of seasonal changes on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Walks outside, connecting with nature and eating your greens have a great effect, if done daily!
September's unique blend of transition, reflection, and new beginnings makes it the best time to embark on a wellbeing journey. By incorporating journaling and mindfulness practices into your routine, you can harness the energy of this month to create positive changes in your life one journaling day at a time!