There’s something about a new season that makes you want to hit the reset button.
It doesn't matter if the leaves are turning gold or the first flowers are starting to bloom. That shift in the air feels like a chance for a fresh start. But sometimes, even when the world outside is changing, we feel stuck. I know that feeling all too well. I spent years stuck in a cycle of bad habits. I was overweight, lazy, and felt like my life was passing me by. Change felt like climbing a mountain with no gear.
But I learned that a total life overhaul isn't how real change happens. It happens with small, simple shifts. It starts with deciding to refresh your mindset. You don't need a grand plan. You just need a few simple ways to let some fresh air into your mind and spirit.
Here are some things that helped me and I hope they can help you too.
15 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Mindset
1. Clean One Small Space. Don’t try to deep clean your whole house. That’s overwhelming. Instead, pick one small area. It could be your nightstand, your car’s glove compartment, or a single kitchen drawer. Clearing physical clutter has a powerful effect on your mental state. It gives you a quick win and a sense of control.
2. Change Your Scenery. Get out of your usual environment. Drive to a part of town you never visit. Find a new park. Or just rearrange the furniture in your living room. A new physical perspective can spark a new mental one.
3. Do a “Brain Dump.” Grab a piece of paper and write down everything that’s on your mind. Worries, to-do lists, random ideas, frustrations. Get it all out of your head and onto the page. You don’t have to solve anything. Just releasing it can lift a huge weight.
4. Reconnect with One Person. Think of a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Send them a text. Give them a call. Fostering our connections reminds us that we aren't alone on our journey. A five-minute chat can completely change the mood of your day.
5. Spend Time in God’s Creation. Go for a walk without your phone. Sit on a bench and just watch the clouds. Pay attention to the details. The shape of the leaves, the sound of the wind. There is something deeply peaceful about connecting with the world God made. It puts our own problems into perspective.
6. Set One Tiny Goal. When I wanted to lose over 110 pounds, the big number was terrifying. So I focused on tiny goals. "Today I will go for a 15-minute walk." "Today I will not drink soda." These small wins build momentum. What’s one tiny thing you can accomplish today?
7. Listen to a New Kind of Music. If you always listen to rock, try a classical playlist. If you love pop, put on some jazz or instrumental scores. Music directly affects our emotions. Changing the soundtrack to your day can help shift your entire mood.
8. Let Go of a Grudge. Is there someone you’re holding resentment against? A frustration that keeps replaying in your mind? Make a conscious decision to forgive them. Not for them, but for you. Forgiveness frees up so much mental and emotional energy.
9. Create a “Done” List. At the end of the day, instead of stressing over your to-do list, write down everything you did accomplish. "Made the bed." "Answered that tough email." "Cooked dinner." It helps you see your progress and practice gratitude for your own efforts.
10. Move Your Body in a Fun Way. Don't think of it as a grueling workout. Think of it as play. Put on some music and dance in the kitchen. Go for a bike ride. Kick a soccer ball around. Find a way to move that brings you joy, not stress.
11. Do a Mini Digital Detox. You don’t have to go off the grid for a week. Just try putting your phone in another room for one hour. Or declare a "no-scroll" rule during meals. Creating small pockets of disconnected time allows your mind to rest and reset.
12. Read a Chapter of a Book. Reading is a great escape. It engages your imagination and takes you out of your own head. Pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read and commit to just one chapter. It’s a small, rewarding act of self-care.
13. Spend Quiet Time in Prayer. When my life felt chaotic and out of control, strengthening my faith was my anchor. I started setting aside a few minutes each day for quiet prayer. Not with a long list of requests, but just to be still and talk to God. It became my foundation. This quiet time can bring a sense of peace that nothing else can.
14. Plan Something to Look Forward To. It doesn’t have to be a big vacation. Plan a coffee date with a friend for next week. Mark a movie night on your calendar. Decide to try a new recipe on Saturday. Having something positive on the horizon gives you a powerful dose of hope.
15. Tackle a 5-Minute Task You’ve Been Avoiding. We all have them. That bill to pay, that appointment to schedule, that pile of mail to sort. Procrastination drains our energy. Pick one of those nagging tasks and set a timer for five minutes. Just starting is often the hardest part. You’ll feel so much lighter when it’s done.
A new season is a gift. It’s a reminder that change is natural and that fresh starts are always possible. You don’t have to change everything at once. You just have to take the first step.
So, what’s one small thing you can do today to welcome this new season into your life?
