Fall Back, But Don’t Fall Off: Resetting Your Routine Before the Holidays

As we turn the clocks back and the days grow shorter, it’s easy to feel your routine slipping. Cooler mornings, earlier sunsets, and the pull of the holiday season can all make it harder to stay consistent with the healthy habits you’ve built this year. But this time of transition doesn’t have to throw you off—it can actually be the perfect opportunity to reset.

I’ve learned firsthand that fall is one of the best times to refocus. It’s a natural pause before the holidays, a chance to check in with yourself and make small, intentional adjustments that keep your mind, body, and energy balanced through the end of the year.

1. Evaluate What’s Working—and What Isn’t

Before you add anything new, take a moment to reflect. What habits have helped you feel your best this year? Which ones have fallen to the side? A quick self-check helps you see where to make small changes rather than starting over completely.

Even simple adjustments—like shifting your workout time earlier to take advantage of morning light—can make a big difference in how steady you feel through the darker months.

2. Rebuild Your Morning Routine

Your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. As the season changes, consider how your current routine supports (or drains) your energy.

Try adding a few minutes of stretching, light movement, or quiet time before reaching for your phone. A warm drink, a quick review of your goals, or a short walk outside can help signal your body and mind that the day is starting with purpose.

Consistency here doesn’t have to mean perfection—it just means beginning your day with intention.

3. Protect Your Evenings

When the sun sets earlier, it’s tempting to scroll, snack, or zone out until bedtime. Instead, create a simple wind-down routine that helps you recharge.

Dim the lights, step away from screens, and do something calming: reading, journaling, or prepping for the next day. A restful evening leads to better sleep, steadier energy, and sharper focus the next morning.

4. Stay Active, Even When It’s Cold

Movement doesn’t have to stop when temperatures drop. In fact, staying active through the fall and winter is key to maintaining energy and mood.

Shorter, more frequent bursts of activity—10 to 20 minutes at a time—can be just as effective as long sessions. Bundle up for a walk, try an indoor workout, or explore a new class. The goal isn’t to push harder; it’s to keep moving consistently.

5. Remember: Reset, Don’t Restart

This season isn’t about starting over—it’s about resetting. Take what’s already working and refine it. Give yourself grace for the days that don’t go perfectly, and focus on the next right step.

You’ve already done the hard part by building awareness and intention. The rest is simply follow-through, one choice at a time.

Wrapping It Up: Your Fall Reset

As the season shifts, let it remind you to realign—not give up.
Fall back, but don’t fall off.

This is your chance to finish 2025 steady, strong, and focused. With small adjustments, mindful routines, and consistent habits, you’ll carry confidence and energy straight through the holidays and into the new year.