Days go by too fast, months pass us by like a whirlwind…and just when we are thinking of revamping our work goals and lifestyle. BOOM!
The next 1st of the month hits us like a wrecking ball. Have you invested some time in setting up a monthly reset routine?
It is human nature to wake up feeling rejuvenated with a fresh mental aura on the first of every new year. But how often are we this excited for the start of a new month?
The only thing exciting about the first of a new month for most of us is a reloaded bank account and full wallet, that often gets empty by the end of the first week.
It is essential to have a monthly reset routine to stay on track for a happy and healthy life. We don’t realize how important it is to leave the stress of your routine behind, to resume your usual tasks with a renewed mind and energy.
A monthly reset routine helps you focus on and prioritize your monthly goals as needed. Without this routine to de-load you from the previous month’s stress, tracking monthly milestones gets very hectic.
And going in half-cocked is not going to provide you the desired results. Robin Sharma has a unique outlook in this regard, which he puts as: (1)
“Embrace the new month as a blank canvas, ready to be filled with beautiful moments, accomplishments, and joy.”
Creating beautiful and creative moments and opportunities each month is like an artist painting a new painting every time, starting on a blank canvas. Each new month is a blank canvas, inviting us to create beautiful moments and opportunities. Free from the weight of the past, we, like artists, can fill it with fresh ideas and vibrant experiences. This is our chance to paint a masterpiece of joy and accomplishment.
Why Have A Monthly Reset Routine When You Can Go With The Flow?
Go with the flow….or not….if you care about your goals and where you might end up. When we are doing a project for our company or writing an assignment to pass the semester, do we go with the flow or rather take some time and really analyze our progress?
Having a monthly routine is completely optional if you are not worried about keeping track of your goals. However, adopting the ‘go with the flow’ approach presents a prominent risk of ending up in a whirlpool of stress or workload.
On the contrary, take one of the examples I mentioned earlier and think about the joy, excitement, urgency, and the rush of creativity to improvise and sped up the process that you felt while tracing your progress on an assignment. (2)
This is what a monthly reset routine does to you!
A monthly reset checklist or routine allows you to look at your progress and plan accordingly. Most importantly, it gives you a fresh perspective to approach your tasks from a unique and refreshed mindset. Remember, life is not going to stop for you, unless you ake the reins of your dreams and destiny into your hands by keeping a healthy and updated approach.
Is Monthly Reset Checklist A Game Changer? Let’s Look Into It
I recently came across a blog that triggered my interest in developing a monthly reset routine and it has been a game changer. Vishaka from the ‘Vishaka Blone’, Kiran from the ‘Kiran Singh’, Michelle from the ‘Daisybutter’, and many more bloggers talk about how planning and organizing for the month has helped them achieve not only success but also a great amount of ‘me-time’ without any hassle. (3) (4) (5)
And they are all right!
Inspired from these great ones, I decided to reflect on my professional progress and realized that I have been feeling overwhelmed by thought of ‘not doing enough’ when in reality I was doing a lot more than people my age. (a lady never shares her age btw)
The constant stress of meeting the deadlines and not analyzing my progress and decluttering my work laptop was weighing me down beyond my imagination.Once I sat down, took a couple of hours to analyze my progress, reflect on my methods, and made a monthly routine planner, I felt the weight pulling me down disappear into nothing.
It’s surprising how we under or over estimate our abilities without ever reflecting on our actions and penning anything down. Socrates enlightened us with his wisdom on power of reflection in self-examination in these timeless words: (6)
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
So if you don’t want to end up feeling lost and disoriented at the thought of organizing your tasks for the month ahead, the next section is going to be life changing for you. (A bit dramatic way to put it I guess)
My Ultimate Monthly Reset Routine Checklist
Many of us find ourselves grappling with leftover to-dos and the looming pressure of a new period. But what if, instead of simply “changing” the month, we reset it?
Think of it like hitting the refresh button on your life. Here are 15 unique and actionable tips to create your own personalized monthly reset checklist, ensuring you start fresh and empowered:
- Reflect and Recharge
Life can be a whirlwind, and sometimes the most important things get swept aside. Dedicate 30 minutes to journaling or quiet reflection. Ask yourself:
- What were my wins last month?
- What areas could use improvement?
This introspective pit stop allows you to acknowledge your progress and identify opportunities for growth. (3)
- Pen down your Brain
A never-ending to-do list can leve you feeling overwhelmed. Take 15 minutes to brain dump everything onto a piece of paper – work tasks, errands, personal projects. This externalizes the mental clutter, allowing you to see it all at once. Then, categorize and prioritize, creating a manageable action plan for the new month.
- Digital Detox
Our digital lives often mirror the physical – cluttered and chaotic. Dedicate an hour to a digital detox. Unsubscribe from all unnecessary emails, organize your files, and delete unused apps. This digital decluttering creates a sense of calm and frees up mental space for a fresh start.
- Financial Review Check
Finances can be a source of stress. Schedule a 30-minute financial review. Track your income and expenses, assess your budget, and adjust as needed. Identifying areas for potential savings empowers you to take control and approach the new month feeling financially secure. (3)
- Plan your meals
We all know the importance of a healthy diet, but sometimes it falls by the wayside. Spend 20 minutes planning your meals for the week. Consider incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy body fuels a focused and productive mind, setting you up for success.
- Move Your Body, Move Your Mood
Exercise isn’t just about staying physically fit; it’s a powerful mood booster. Dedicate 30 minutes to a physical activity you enjoy – a brisk walk, a dance session in your living room, or a yoga flow. The endorphin rush will leave you feeling energized and ready to conquer the month.
- Sleep Sanctuary – Sweet Dreams for a Fresh Start
A good night’s sleep is crucial for mental and physical well-being. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down and ensure a restful slumber, setting the stage for a productive month ahead.
- Tidy Up to Tame your Chaos
A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Dedicate an hour to a deep cleaning session in your workspace or home. Focus on one area at a time, and reward yourself with a cup of tea or your favorite music for added motivation. A clean space fosters a sense of calm and focus. (4)
- Embrace the Great Outdoors
Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves focus. (7) Plan a short hike, a picnic in the park, or simply sit on your balcony and breathe in the fresh air. Reconnecting with nature allows you to hit reset on a deeper level.
- Celebrate the Small Wins with Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for boosting happiness and motivation. Take 10 minutes each morning to list three things you’re grateful for, big or small. Shifting your focus to the positive sets the tone for a fulfilling month.
- Sharpen Your Skills
Lifelong learning is key to personal and professional growth. Dedicate 30 minutes each week to learning a new skill. Explore online courses, podcasts, or audiobooks. Investing in yourself is an investment in your future.
- Disconnect to Reconnect
We are constantly bombarded with information. Dedicate an hour each day to digital detox – turn off your phone, silence notifications. This allows you to focus on the present moment and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings
- Declutter Your Calendar
Your calendar more often than not controls your life. Dedicate 30 minutes to a calendar cleanse. Block out time for essential tasks, appointments, and self-care, but leave pockets of free time in your schedule. Overcommitting leads to stress and burnout. Schedule whitespace in your calendar to allow for spontaneity and creativity. (4)
- Manifest with a Vision Board
This is my personal favorite. If you are feeling uninspired, dedicate an hour to creating a vision board for the month ahead. Cut out pictures or write down goals related to your career, relationships, finances, or personal growth. Visually representing your aspirations keeps you motivated and focused throughout the month.
- Take out some “Me” Time
Schedule dedicated “me” time in your calendar, just like you would an important meeting. Pamper yourself with a relaxing bath, indulge in a hobby you love, or simply curl up with a good book. Prioritizing self-care allows you to recharge and approach the month feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.
Remember, a monthly reset is a personal journey. Experiment, find what works best for you, and watch yourself start each month feeling energized, empowered, and ready to paint your masterpiece!
Monthly Reset & Self Care – The Art Of Hitting Refresh
Self care isn’t selfish, but essential.
You’ve explored a toolbox of tips for crafting your personalized monthly reset, but did you notice the ‘taking some me-time’ as the last tip? We all understand the importance of self-care, but often it gets relegated to the bottom of the to-do list, just like now.
Think of your monthly reset as the ultimate act of self-care – a dedicated time to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. However, what rejuvenates one person might leave another feeling flat.
The key is to prioritize activities that replenish your energy and leave you feeling revitalized. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to combat stress and enhance focus.
Remember, a monthly reset is a commitment to yourself. You’ll approach each new month feeling not just “changed,” but truly refreshed and ready to embrace the possibilities if you follow these tips.
So, ditch the feeling of starting from scratch, and instead, view each month as a blank canvas – as I said in the beginning, it is your chance to paint a masterpiece of productivity, well-being, and joy.
If you are into keeping up productivity levels and prioritizing self-care, I have written a few blogs just for you. Give them a read!
