Fall Is the New New Year: How to Reset Without Burning Out
- Natasha Magrefte
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 8
By Natasha Magrefte
It’s officially fall, and when the leaves start to turn, we know it’s time for pumpkin spice lattes, rewatching Gilmore Girls, and unfortunately the sudden panic that maybe I should get my life together again. After months of staying up too late, forgetting what day it is, and living on spontaneous plans, the thought of getting back into a routine can feel a little heavy. But a new season doesn’t have to mean dread. It can be a reset button that you’ll actually enjoy pressing.
Reframe the “Back to Grind” Mindset
Our brains love fresh starts. Psychologists call it the temporal landmark effect: when seasons change, it’s easier to break old patterns and start new ones. Instead of mourning the end of summer, think of it as packing up the best parts and bringing them with you. Focus on what you want to add this fall (new habits, cozy rituals, exciting projects) rather than what you have to do.
Build Habits the Smart Way
Get rid of the all-or-nothing mindset. Try habit stacking: pair a new habit with something you already do (ex: write your to-do list while making coffee or stretch for 2 minutes after brushing your teeth). And if motivation feels impossible, try the 20-minute rule: tell yourself you’ll work on something for just 20 minutes. Getting started is often the hardest part, and that tiny push is usually enough to get you going and build momentum.
Tools to Clear Your Head & Romanticize the Reset
One thing that keeps me sane: dumping all my tasks, goals, and random thoughts into a planner instead of letting them build up in my brain. I love the Morris & Co planner from Target. It’s simple but pretty enough that I actually want to use it.
Another game changer? Making a vision board. At the start of 2025, I put: straight A’s at UCLA, my first PR package, and meeting Billie Eilish on mine. I know, sounds crazy right? But I ended my first year with straight A’s, got that PR package, and yes, I held Billie’s hand at the iHeart Radio Music Awards. Research actually shows that imagining your goals lights up the same brain regions as actually doing the task, which helps to boost motivation and follow-through.
Here’s the vision board I made in case you need some inspo.
Make a Fall Bucket List
It’s important to balance productivity with fun. Create a seasonal bucket list — go to a pumpkin patch or Universal Studios Halloween horror nights, or stay in and bake and watch your favorite fall movie. You gotta keep life exciting while you build structure.
At the end of the day, your 20s are experimental. You don’t need to have your entire life mapped out this fall. The goal is not to have everything perfectly figured out, but to feel a little more grounded and excited for what’s coming next.
Comments