Why September is a life-altering month

September can seem like a bit of a rough month. With the summer fast retreating and holiday blues at an all-time high it’s easy to feel a little down. Or so we thought…

New research has shown this month could be the best time of the year for making resolutions or positive lifestyle changes. A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk has shown the post-holiday period is a great time to start something new, as many people feel refreshed and gain a renewed sense of purpose from having a break.

The people behind the research claim that there is a 30-day ‘window’ after arriving home from holiday where new habits are more likely to stick.

The survey quizzed 1,000 UK adults on whether they had been inspired to make lifestyle changes since returning home and a huge 51% said that they had been moved to make positive lifestyle changes, with 30% wanting to lose weight and 20% wanting to take up a new hobby.

That back to school feeling

But what is it about the start of September that makes us want to make changes? One reason could be that we’ve become used to the routine of starting the new academic year in September and get that dreaded ‘back to school’ feeling from a very young age. This sense of renewal and new beginnings is still linked to September for many people, making it a great month to try something new or make some resolutions.

Psychologist Gladeana McMahon agrees with this theory: ’In many ways it can take us back to when we were at school, and how the beginning of each year in September allowed us to make a new start.’

A post-holiday boost

Being on holiday itself can be a trigger to inspire us to make some changes to our lives too. Gladeana explains: ‘We often talk about the new year as if this is the only time to make changes. However, a holiday is just as powerful in helping us change our lives for the better. Coming back from a holiday realising how much fitter you felt because you were walking works too. As does spending time with family and friends on holiday, when you can take time to consider your life and the changes you want to make.’

So, rather than slumping into post-holiday blues this September, why not take full advantage of the time and really make it count? Whether you want to kick-start your autumn fitness routine, make some changes at work, or take up a new hobby, now is the time to act. Your window is open.