Today is the fall equinox, which marks an equal proportion of daytime and nighttime hours. It also can represent a balance between light and dark, which makes it a special day worth marking.

For me, fall has always been my New Year. It's that back to school energy, not just for the kids but for me too. Summer is fun but it makes me feel out of step, off routine, and a little unbalanced. Fall is like a deep breath, and a great time to reset and make plans to finish the remainder of the year strong.

Here are some little, easy, and mostly free ideas to mark the equinox and reset our daily routines to achieve our best balance and maximum wellness.

clean up

Now is a great time to declutter and cleanse. I always clean my closet in the fall and put away my summer things (in a spot where I can get them easily for those hot days that pop up!) to make room for sweaters and fall layers. Pull everything out, weed out what needs to be donated. I use these questions: does it fit NOW? Would I buy it if I saw it today? Has it been more than a year since I wore this? If yes, it's time to pass it on.

reflect

Fall is a contemplative season, and as we enter the last quarter of the year we can reflect on the year so far. What are the joys and heartaches it has brought? Have we learned anything? Are there any goals from last year that haven't been achieved or even started, but we could realistically take even tiny steps on now? 

set intentions 

After reflection, make a list of intentions for the remainder of the year and beyond. What do you want to do, and how do you want to be? Make statements of what you will do and the state of mind you will cultivate.

walk and connect with nature

Now is the perfect time to try and fit in daily walks when the weather is favourable and it's so beautiful as the leaves change. If not daily, try to fit in a trail walk when you can. Unplug, breathe deep and just listen to the sounds of nature around you for an instant mood improvement.

pick new screensavers and wallpaper  

Easy, free and satisfying. It's a little change that can put you in a cozy fall feeling in the most subconscious of ways.

plan something fun

One of the keys to happiness for me is to always have something fun on the horizon. It doesn't have to be something major like a trip, but there should always be something coming up to look forward to. A pumpkin carving party, a thrifting and coffee date with a friend, something off your fall bucket list. If things are feeling blah and you need a perk, be the friend who puts something together to look forward to.

make a fall playlist 

Make a new playlist with moody, vibey songs that feel like fall to you. If you use Spotify you can also just browse other people's fall playlists, ready to use. Pinterest is a great resource too; search for "fall playlist" and an infinite number of suggestions will pop up.

digital decluttering

Part of a good reset is decluttering your digital world. This will look different for everyone. For me, it means watching how much time I spend scrolling and unfollowing accounts when I notice something is making me feel "lesser than". Clean up your phone and photos and free up some storage. Delete unused apps, clean up your desktop, review and cancel any subscriptions and unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters. Ditch your phone in a drawer and go for a walk.

get yourself a little treat

If you managed to fit in all or even a few of these things in the next few days, you know what? You deserve a little treat. Get yourself the new fall sweater or candle you've been wanting, or the pumpkin spice donut calling your name. Give thanks for all the good things and to yourself for taking the time to work on your balance and wellbeing. Happy Equinox friends!