By Susan Hunt-Bradford,
Healthy Planet Publisher
September is a month of transition. We move away from the heat and humidity of summer, settle back into routines, return to school schedules, and adjust to shorter days. Pumpkin spice is in the air, and although thinking about the upcoming holiday season may seem a little too soon for some of us, September is a natural time to begin moving from summer into fall and, eventually, winter.
I’m continuously trying to improve myself—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. The problem is, I often try to do too much too soon. I make a long list of things I want to change, get started with great intentions, and then, as the weeks and months go by, realize I haven’t changed nearly as much as I had hoped.
This month I’m trying something different.
I’ve put together 30 simple habits to try over the next 30 days. Some may be things you already do every day. Others may be small changes you’ve been meaning to make. And if you’re like me, you may find a few that sound great but simply don’t fit into your life right now, that’s ok.
Pick up the habits that work for you and leave the rest behind. You don’t have to change everything at once. Maybe September can simply be the month you choose a few small things that make your days a little healthier, happier and more intentional.
Week 1: Nourish Your Body
Day 1: Start your day with waterDrink a glass of water when you wake up. It’s a simple way to begin the day hydrated before reaching for your coffee or tea.
Day 2: Slow down at breakfast
Give yourself time to actually enjoy breakfast. Put your fork down occasionally, chew thoroughly and notice the food you’re eating.
Day 3: Notice when you’re comfortably full
Instead of automatically cleaning your plate, pause during your meal and
ask yourself, “Am I still hungry, or am I comfortably satisfied?”
Day 4: Make water your go-to drink
Keep water nearby throughout the day. If you normally drink sugary beverages, try replacing one of them with water.
Day 5: Rethink liquid calories
Look at what you’re drinking today. Could you choose water, unsweetened tea, or another lower-sugar option instead?
Day 6: Eat one meal without a screen
Turn off the television and put your phone away for one meal. Give yourself a chance to pay attention to your food and the people you’re eating with.
Day 7: Pause before a meal
Have some water before eating and take
a moment to check in with yourself: “How hungry am I right now?”
Week 2: Take Care of Your Mind
Day 8: Write down three good things
Each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for, appreciate, or are looking forward to.
Day 9: Give yourself five quiet minutes
Sit quietly, take several slow breaths, pray, meditate, or simply enjoy a few minutes without noise or distractions.
Day 10: Do a brain dump
Before bed, write down the things you’re thinking about. Getting thoughts onto paper can help you organize what needs attention tomorrow.
Day 11: Read instead of scroll
Read a few pages of a book, magazine, or other material you enjoy. Give your eyes and brain a break from the constant stream of online information.
Day 12: Make someone else’s day
Give someone a sincere compliment, send an encouraging text, thank someone, or simply let someone know you appreciate them.
Day 13: Practice saying no. Look at your commitments. Is there something unnecessary you can decline, postpone, or delegate?
Day 14: Do something just for fun
Spend at least 15 minutes doing something you enjoy simply because you enjoy it. No productivity required.
Week 3: A Healthier Home & Planet
Day 15: Clear one small space
Clean off one countertop, drawer, desk or other small area. Don’t try to declutter the entire house. Just start somewhere.
Day 16: Get outside in the morning
Step outside and enjoy some natural light and fresh air. Even a few minutes outdoors can be a refreshing way to begin the day.
Day 17: Unplug something
Look around your home for electronics that aren’t being used. Unplug something you don’t need to run continuously.
Day 18: Open a window
When weather and air quality permit, open a window and let some fresh air into your home.
Day 19: Clean one high-touch area
Give your phone, doorknobs, light switches or another frequently touched surface a good cleaning.
Day 20: Make your bedroom a place for sleep
Dim the lights in the evening, reduce distractions and make your bedroom comfortable, cool and dark enough for you to sleep well.
Day 21: Bring a little nature into your day
Care for a houseplant, sit outside, take a walk in a park, or bring homesome fresh flowers
Week 4: Healthy Habits for Your Pets
Day 22: Give your pet some grooming time
Brush your pet, comb their coat or simply spend a few extra minutes caring for them.
Day 23: Clean their food and water bowls
Wash your pet’s bowls regularly with hot, soapy water and rinse them well.
Day 24: Give their brain a workout
Try a puzzle toy, food-stuffed toy, simple training exercise or game of hide-and-seek.
Day 25: Check the dates
Look at the expiration or “best by” dates on pet food, treats and medications. Dispose of anything that is expired or questionable.
Day 26: Give your pet your undivided attention
Take a walk, play a game or simply spend 15 minutes together without your phone.
Day 27: Freshen up their space
Wash their bedding, vacuum their favorite resting spot or clean their toys.
Day 28: Check their gear
Inspect collars, leashes, harnesses and other equipment for damage or wear and replace anything that is no longer safe.
Days 29 & 30: Keep the Healthy Habits Going
Day 29: Choose your favorites
Look back at the past four weeks. Which habits made you feel better, calmer, healthier or happier?
Choose three you’d like to continue.
Day 30: Make it yours
Create your own healthy-habit plan for the coming month. Choose five small habits you’d realistically like to continue.
Remember: Healthy Doesn’t Have to Mean Perfect
You don’t have to complete all 30 habits perfectly. You don’t have to change your entire lifestyle in one month.
Pick what works for you. Keep what feels good. Start again when you miss a day.
Small, consistent choices can add up to meaningful changes over time.