How to Reset Your Routine When Summer Has Thrown You Off
Summer has a way of rewriting our routines: sometimes beautifully, sometimes chaotically.
We trade early alarms for slow mornings, carefully planned meals for impromptu picnics, and set schedules for “let’s just see where the day takes us.” And to be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Between family visits, long evenings outside, road trips, and the occasional “I’m just going to read my book on the patio for 20 minutes” that somehow turned into lost two hours. There are many impromptu moments of this season that make life full. They’re the stories we tell and the memories we’ll look back on years from now.
When Routines Slip (and That’s Okay)
For me, summer usually means a lot of travel, which comes with jumping between time zones and just trying to remember which day it is. Let’s just say, my brain is not necessarily focused on which habit I was working on before the trip. Now, combine that with a flexible work schedule, the determination to squeeze in every possible family moment, and my natural tendency to get distracted. Let’s just say when it’s summertime, my discipline takes a little vacation too.
Maybe for you it isn’t travel, but summer BBQs that turned into late nights. Or kids home from school creating a whole different rhythm (more likely, no rhythm at all). Or simply the bliss of not looking at your calendar for a few weeks. Whatever your version of slipping in the summer looks like, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.
Before You Reset, Pause and Reflect
Jumping straight into “fixing” your routine can feel harsh, especially after a season of joy. Rather than immediately fixating on the season ahead, start by honoring the positive aspects of the past season.
Write it down: Grab a journal and jot down your favorite summer memories.
Print your photos: Yes, the real kind you can hold in your hand!
Reach out: Send a quick text to a friend or family member saying how much you enjoyed that day together.
This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about acknowledging that your “off-routine” summer still had purpose and value. That shift in perspective makes it so much easier to move forward without guilt.
What Not to Do When Resetting Your Routine
Sometimes the quickest way to get back on track is to avoid the traps that make it harder. A few to watch out for:
Don’t go from zero to 100 overnight
Your brain (and body) will rebel if you try to reinstate every habit at once. That “I’ll just wake up at 5am, run 5 miles, meal prep for the week, and meditate for 30 minutes” plan? It’s not healthy!
Don’t punish yourself for the summer
Guilt is not a motivator that lasts. You had fun and you made memories this summer! Your last couple months isn’t a crime scene to clean up; it’ll just require a transition.
Don’t copy someone else’s routine
Just because your best friend thrives on 6am yoga doesn’t mean you will. Build a reset plan that fits your life, not theirs.
Don’t wait for the “perfect” time
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist. Waiting for the stars to align just delays progress in achieving your goals. Start small and start now.
A Gentle Guide to Resetting Your Routine
Once you’ve reflected, here’s how to start easing back in without swinging to the other extreme:
Pick One Anchor Habit
Instead of overhauling everything, choose one habit that helps you feel grounded (morning walk, meal prep, 10 minutes of stretching). Implement that one habit in your daily routine and build from there.
Habit stacking is a really powerful way to build upon connections in your brain. We all have certain patterns and behaviors already built into our brains. These are strengthened over time and are further solidified when we link our new and old habits together. So much more effective than trying to build a whole new routine from scratch! So, start small. Think of something you already do every day, like brushing your teeth or drinking a cup of coffee. Now, use that as a starting point to (gradually!) construct a routine you love.
Use Transitional Cues
A fresh notebook, a clean workspace, even a new candle for your desk. These can serve as little signals that tell your brain, “We’re back to business.”
Revisit Your Calendar
Map out your week with both structure and breathing room. Summer may be over, but you don’t have to lose all spontaneity.
Layer in Accountability
Accountability is an important psychological tool to keep in our pockets. Its positive impact on motivation, goal setting, and habit formation are backed by scientific research. How does it work? Accountability creates a sense of obligation to others, and it draws on positive reinforcement, as well as the fear of failure or disappointment. It helps us to set specific, clear goals, which increases focus, commitment, and a sense of ownership. Plus, consistency and regular check-ins keep us on track.
So, whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a group, share your goals with someone who will check in with you (and cheer you on).
For more tips on transitioning your routine from summer to fall, read this blog article!
Resource Recommendation
If you find yourself stuck in the all-or-nothing thinking, thinking that you need to do a complete 180 to see and progress, I would highly recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s full of practical strategies for building habits that last, without falling into the perfectionism trap.
Ready to Find Your Rhythm Again?
If this content resonates with you and you’d like more personalized guidance, I’d love to help you create a routine that feels good and sticks, even when life gets messy.
Click here to book a time and let’s map out a plan that works with your energy and your season of life.
PS: In my next post, I’ll share simple fall habits that actually work, without the pressure.
Resources:
Clear, James. Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. International Edition, Random House Business Books, 2020.
Clear, James. “Habit Stacking: How to Build New Habits by Taking Advantage of Old Ones.” James Clear, 4 Feb. 2020, jamesclear.com/habit-stacking.
Haller, Claudia. “Fall Into Wellness: Refreshing Your Health Routine This Autumn — Vibrant Health by Claudia.” Vibrant Health by Claudia, 2 Oct. 2023, www.vibranthealthbyclaudia.com/blog/fall-into-wellness-refreshing-your-health-routine-this-autumn?rq=routine.
“The Science Behind Accountability and Productivity.” Habit10x, 2025, habit10x.com/the-science-behind-accountability-and-productivity.