Pérez, a licensed clinical social worker. Practicing alignment — which means organizing your schedule to match your values, not your people-pleasing — is a smart routine to start in the fall, according to Pérez. Also, build in small rewards during the week so you are not living for Friday and white-knuckling Monday through Thursday.


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Choose one space each weekend to declutter. Clear out summer clutter and take the opportunity to get rid of items you haven’t worn in a year. “A neat and tidy space has a significant positive impact on your brain,” says Jessica Plonchak, a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor.


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CLEAN YOUR HOME This should be the season of cozy, not clutter.


DECLUTTER CALENDAR “Fall invites you to say ‘no’ more often,” says Roselyn


Colthart, a psychotherapist based in New Jersey. That also includes protecting your space from people who drain your energy and prioritizing those who lift you up. Even setting boundaries with screen time and saying, “Let’s catch up this weekend” can protect your energy. Fall is a good time to see what’s working in your life — and what’s not.


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says West. “Just aim for meals that don’t make you need to lie down after you finish them.” Add one extra fruit or vegetable to each meal. Small nutritional changes add up quickly and feel manageable. Prep meals on Sunday and you’ll feel and eat better during the week.


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PRIORITIZE YOU “If you feel yourself


wearing thin this fall, be


prepared to say ‘no,’” says Charles Sweet, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist in Austin, Texas. “It might feel uncomfortable at first, but true friends will understand.” He adds: “Knowing something enjoyable is on the horizon can make things easier.” Book a spa day or plan a low-key getaway.


serves and unplug to replug,” says Malka Shaw, a psychotherapist. “Limit exposure to


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content that dysregulates your nervous system. Replace doomscrolling with grounding rituals, movement, or journaling.” Remember that social and emotional health is just as important as physical health.


SHED EMOTIONS “Fall is a season to shed what no longer


EAT HEALTHIER “You are not trying to


become a nutrition saint,”


CREATE BOUNDARIES “Set boundaries around work and personal time,” says Dana


emails, phone messages, and screen time. That digital overload can increase stress and distract from what matters. Take a few hours to unsubscribe from email lists, delete unused apps, and organize your digital calendar. Try implementing “tech-free zones” in your home — perhaps the bedroom or dining table — to improve presence and reduce stimulation. “Mandatory breaks every two hours from your digital devices are key,” says Harris. For example, walk away from your computer and take a five-minute walk. It resets your brain and reduces digital fatigue.


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DIGITAL DETOX Back-to-school and work routines often mean more


Mandatory breaks every two hours from your digital


devices are key.” — Michelle Harris, a licensed clinical social worker


in with yourself and allow yourself to experience the joy life has to offer,” says Shaw. That might mean walking in crunchy leaves, savoring your coffee, or calling a friend just to say hello. Connection is a


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vital part of wellness — fall is a good time to rekindle relationships or join a new community group.


SEPTEMBER 2025 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 83


CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF “Don’t forget to check


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