Your Start Of Month Checklist For A Simple Life Refresh

This 8-step start of month checklist is all you need to reboot your life every month and stay on top of all your needs.

The start of a new month comes with a unique energy.

It’s the time for people to reset their goals, pick up their discarded resolutions, and assess their life progress with motivated eyes.

But the pressure to “make the most of it” can be overwhelming.

I see many people around me setting crazy goals at the beginning of the month, and they give up in a week or so because they push themselves too hard and too fast.

I think it’s awesome to see a new month as a new beginning, but it shouldn’t just be about crushing to-do lists and maximizing every minute.

Sometimes, the best way to truly thrive in a new month is to step back and keep things light.

My 8-step start of month checklist will help you refresh every area of your life and ditch the pressure of getting things right.

Ready for a holistic monthly refresh? Read on.

8-Step Checklist For The Start Of New Month

1. Do A Habit Audit

Unhealthy habits are a big reason why you might find it hard to stick to your monthly goals.

To make space for good things in your routine, you need to weed out the obstacles first.

So, as the first agenda on your checklist, do a habit audit with a calm mind.

Grab a notepad, and write down two or three habits that are holding you back. It could be mindless scrolling on the internet or eating too much sugar.

Once you know what habits to discard, plan strategies to quit them and replace them with something positive.

For example, if you drink too much coffee, you can set a goal to stick to just two cups of coffee during the first week, then come down to one coffee and replace your other cup with herbal tea.

Be smart and realistic with your approach and you’ll have an easy time quitting a bad habit.

Related: 11 Toxic Habits You Need To Discard Right Now

2. Refresh Your Space

You don’t have to do a major organizing spree (unless you want to, of course). But do take some time to make some positive changes in your living space.

You could declutter a small area or spend a few hours sprucing up your wardrobe.

Throw away a couple of things that don’t spark joy in you and make space for new stuff.

It will also give you mental clarity. You can also do something refreshing with your decor.

Like add a few frames, bring home an indoor plant, or buy a new piece of furniture you’ve been eyeing for some time.

If nothing else, change your bedsheets and declutter your workspace a little. It’ll add fresh vibes to your space and give you the feeling of newness.

3. Simplify Your Schedule

So often, we get lost in the act of scheduling for productivity and forget all about the real purpose behind having a routine — Simplifying your life.

Your schedule isn’t meant to drain you. It should be a way for you to be in control of your time without any stress.

Instead of being laser-focused on “doing more”, I want you to focus on simplifying your schedule this month.

Start by assessing the goals that you’ve been chasing for a while to no avail, and consider taking a break from this. Just for this one month or a couple until you feel like coming back to them.

Reevaluate your commitments and say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.

I know it’s appealing to litter your day with loads of tasks and activities, but you’ll have a better chance of success by keeping it limited to what’s necessary.

Prioritize your tasks every morning, and schedule your demanding tasks during the hours when you’re most focused and productive.

The less intense periods can be used for catching up on mundane tasks and relaxation.

Check out: How To Create A Daily Routine That Works For You – 7 Easy Tips

4. Take A Phone Break

What was the last time you went an hour without touching your phone? And no, sleeping hours don’t count.

I know a digital detox isn’t high on the priority list for most people, especially at the start of the month, but you need to give yourself one to connect to the real world around you.

Tuck your phone away for a set period and do something that doesn’t involve screens.

See what life feels like when you’re fully present. It’s a good way to discover your interests outside your screens.

Screen-free activities to try during your digital detox:

• Unwind with a cup of tea and lose yourself in a captivating book.
• Channel your inner child and draw something.
• Head outdoors for a nature walk and breathe in some fresh air.
• Try knitting, origami, or tackle a DIY project you’ve been putting off.
• Work on a puzzle – a calming and satisfying way to challenge your mind and de-stress.
• Practice yoga or gentle stretches.

5. Write In Your Journal

Writing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but journaling should be. It’s empowering and soulful to pour your thoughts on a page, even if it’s in just a few words.

Whether you haven’t touched your journal in ages or whether you are a religious journaler, creating an entry at the start of the month is a must.

Write whatever you want to. Could be a review of your past, a worrisome thought that just won’t leave you alone, or your plans for the new month.

Whatever is on your mind, pen it down. Use journal prompts if you don’t know what to write about.

See what your mind is trying to tell you. You’d be surprised by the revelations that can emerge from a single journal entry.

Related post: 15 Monthly Reflection Questions You Need To Ask Yourself

6. Connect With Your Peeps

You have a whole month ahead of you to focus on productivity and being busy. But for the starting days of the month, make time for those who really matter to you.

Call a friend who lives far away, invite your close people for dinner, or have fun conversations over a tea party.

Plan a fun night out with your gang to celebrate the new month. You can also look for monthly festivals happening in your area and make plans for them.

Reach out to your family members and make them feel loved and cared for.

Strong social bonds are essential for well-being. It’s how we stay authentic and grounded in life, no matter how good or bad things get.

7. Have A Self-Care Session

Self-care is my favorite part of this start of month checklist.

Even though I try to be regular with my self-care practices, something about a proper self-care session screams prioritizing yourself on another level.

Start by taking a proper bath or a shower with nice-smelling products.

Put on a hydrating face mask afterward and paint your fingers and toes. While you’re at all this, listen to some music or a podcast.

It’d also be a good time to start a new show that you can watch throughout the month.

Once you’re feeling pampered and taken care of, either read a book, go for a slow walk, or take a beauty nap.

Don’t miss: How To Start A Self-Care Routine You Actually Love

8. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals

I’ve already covered the demerits of making the start of month all about goals, but it’s still one of the most important monthly rituals.

It’s how you give yourself a new sense of purpose and make your life more interesting.

Growth is impossible without goals, but the same goes for intentions too, which is what most people forget to think about while setting their goals.

Goals are specific and action-oriented, while intentions are broader and focus on how you want to feel or the approach you want to take.

Goals are the “what” you want to achieve, while intentions are the “why” and “how” behind those goals.

Goals:

• I want to do 30 minutes of cardio exercise 4 times a week for the next month.
• I want to read 50 pages of a non-fiction book each week.
• I want to lose 5 pounds in a healthy way over the next 2 months.

Intentions:

• I want to do regular workouts because it makes me strong and stress-free.
• I want to read because it helps me stay clear and focused. It also gives me mental strength.
• I want to prioritize self-care and create healthy habits for the long term.

Setting intentions will also allow you to shift your mindset and work toward your goals for the right reason.

You want to get healthier this month? That’s good. But it shouldn’t be to fit into a certain beauty standard. It should be because you want it for yourself.

When your purpose behind wanting good health is strong and clear, you’ll find it easier to pick up your shoes and hit the road with happiness.

Instead of focusing solely on achieving goals, set intentions for the month.

Being specific, intentional, and planned will help you cross those milestones that you’ve been chasing for a while.

Give Yourself A Monthly Refresh With This Checklist

As you step into this new month, take a deep breath, release the pressure to “do it all,” and embrace the power of a simple refresh.

Remember, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to nourish your soul, reconnect with yourself, and prioritize your well-being.

Here’s to a month filled with intention, balance, and the joy of a life that feels truly fulfilling.

Happy refreshing!

Read next: How To Organize Your Life In One Month

What did ya think of this start of month checklist? Let me know your thoughts in the comment box and tell me what you found the most helpful.