Why does September give us the urge to change? Psychology has an explanation
Science

Why does September give us the urge to change? Psychology has an explanation

RFM1 September 2026 at 15:20

September is associated with a period of renewal that goes beyond simply returning to usual routines. For many people, this month works as a new beginning, generating a significant increase in the desire to change habits, organize life, and resume goals that were postponed during the summer months.

Psychology offers explanations for this phenomenon. The beginning of September functions as a psychological milestone that activates the sensation of renewal, even when there are no formal resolutions. This perception is tied to the collective memory of returning to school and work, which culturally represents a moment of fresh starts.

The phenomenon is not merely individual. The social and work structure of autumn, with its more predictable rhythm, creates favorable conditions for implementing changes. People feel more inclined to establish new goals when they perceive a pattern of renewal in the calendar.

This seasonal impulse for change can be consciously leveraged. Understanding that September functions as a natural trigger for renewal allows people to strategically use this period to set realistic goals and implement lasting changes in their habits.

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