The September reset? Here’s why you don't need to overhaul your life

September has a reputation for being the month of the reset. We are expected to get organised, get fit, eat better, sleep more, drink less and generally get our lives back on track. No pressure, then.

It's easy to fall into the September reset trap. But what if getting your wellbeing back on track doesn't require a whole new routine? Instead of attempting a rigid ‘new you’ regime, what if we simply made a few small tweaks to everyday life?

This is where Ayurveda, the ancient Indian approach to healthcare, offers an interesting perspective. Rather than jumping on the latest wellness trend or a supplement checklist, go back to basics with Ayurveda. This holistic practice takes an individual approach to wellbeing, with an emphasis on balance between the body, mind and lifestyle.

Its roots stretch back thousands of years, with Ayurvedic traditions developing in India long before the modern wellness industry discovered them. Today, elements of Ayurveda have become part of mainstream wellness culture, from yoga and meditation to massage, oils and herbal practices. Gwyneth Paltrow is a well-documented fan of Ayurvedic practices, but at its heart, Ayurveda is much more than oil pulling, tongue scraping and knowing your dosha.

One of its key ideas is that there isn't one magic formula for feeling well. What brings one person into balance might not work for someone else. It feels particularly relevant in September, when life can suddenly go from slow summer days to school runs, work deadlines, packed work diaries.

‘Ayurveda is the science of life,’ explains Wellness Expert Shalin Balasuriya. ‘It’s almost like a philosophy of living, and it’s about balance. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, Ayurveda encourages us to listen to our bodies and respond to what they need. That could mean prioritising sleep, making time for movement, introducing moments of stillness or simply stepping away from the constant stimulation of modern life.’

So, how can we bring more balance into our routines this September?

1. Prioritise your sleep

When life speeds up, a decent night’s sleep can quickly slip down the priority list. ‘There is always another email, another load of washing or another episode to watch when you should probably be heading to bed. Creating a simple evening routine can be a useful way of making sleep a priority without turning bedtime into a 14-step sleep routine. ‘As routines become busier, sleep is often the first thing to suffer. Creating a simple evening ritual can help signal to the body that it’s time to slow down. Whether that means a warm bath or herbal tea, consistency is key.’ The important thing is finding something that works for you. It could be reading a few pages of a book or simply be strict about the flicking onto the next episode of your series.

2. Make space for your breath

We breathe all day without thinking about it, but how often do we actually stop and pay attention to our breathing? ‘We assume food is out fuel, but our fuel is our breath,’ says Shalin. Try building a couple of minutes of conscious breathing into your day. Before you start work, when you get home, while you're waiting for the kettle to boil or before you pick up your phone and disappear down an Instagram rabbit hole. The point is simply to create a little space between you and the demands of the day.

3. Move with intention

We’ve lost count of the number of peple who have signed up for a Tough Mudder event this month. For some reason, September is prime time for ambitious fitness plans. We sign up for classes, promise ourselves we'll exercise five days a week and convince ourselves that anything less is failure. Sustainable movement doesn't have to look like that. ‘Wellbeing doesn’t have to mean an intense workout regime,’ says Shalin. ‘Walking, yoga, stretching or resistance training can all become part of a balanced routine. The focus is on consistency and paying attention to how your body feels.’ That might mean a brisk walk at lunchtime, a short treadmill workout at home, a yoga class or simply doing some stretches while watching television.

4. Create sensory rituals

One of the more appealing ideas in Ayurveda is the attention given to the senses and the role everyday rituals can play in creating moments of pause. ‘Ayurveda places importance on the senses, and scent can be a powerful way to create a moment of pause. A simple ritual with a balm, oil or mist can become a cue to step away from the noise of the day and reconnect with yourself.’ It doesn’t have to mean buying something new. A favourite hand cream, a few drops of a familiar perfume or a scented candle can all become signals that you're winding down.

5. Reconnect with nature

We spend a huge amount of our lives indoors. Ayurveda is grounded in the idea that we are connected to the natural world. We’re not telling you to disappear to a remote retreat to reconnect with it. Getting outside can provide a useful break from the noise of everyday life. Take a walk. Sit in the garden with your coffee. Walk barefoot on the grass if you fancy it. You don't need to make it another item on your wellness checklist. Just get outside when you can.

Perhaps the most useful thing to take from Ayurveda this September is that wellbeing doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing project. You don't need to sign up for a punishing fitness challenge or start making your own turmeric shots. Small tweaks can be enough, particularly if they're things you can actually see yourself sticking to. Ultimately, Ayurveda isn't about achieving a perfect state of calm or following a strict set of rules. ‘It’s about knowing when something feels right and when something is off,’ adds Shalin.