SEPTEMBER SET UP!
Reset your mind, body, and space — plus smart money moves and back-to-school resources.
“Clear mental clutter, boost your energy, and organize your space so you can build momentum that lasts.”
September feels like a fresh start — a chance to hit reset and finish the year strong.
With kids heading back to school and routines shifting, it’s the perfect time to clear your mind, boost your energy, and organize your space so you can build momentum that lasts.
This month, we’re focusing on resetting your mind, body, and space; taking control of your finances; and gearing up with resources to help your kids succeed this school year.
Reset Your Mind, Body, and Space
Here are practical steps to help you clear mental clutter, boost your energy, and organize your space:
Mental
Reset your mindset daily by focusing on gratitude, goals, and reflection. Try these tools:
The 5-Minute Journal – a daily tool focused on gratitude, goal setting, and reflection. Designed for morning and evening use.
Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer offer free meditations and tools, with optional paid subscriptions.
Body
Pick one simple, sustainable physical habit to commit to this month:
15-minute walk daily
15-min morning or evening stretching routine.
Try this: 13 min. Full Body Stretch Routine For Tight Muscles| Beginner Friendly
Weight training session 2-3 times/week. Hit the gym or check out these YouTube channels:
https://www.youtube.com/@JuiceandToya
https://www.youtube.com/@Mrandmrsmuscle
Space
Reset your space to reduce stress and improve focus with this 7-day tidy challenge:
Day 1: Work desk — file/shred paperwork, organize drawers
Day 2: Digital space — delete unused apps/files, clear inbox, organize folders
Day 3: Entryway — organize coat closet, shoes and keys
Day 4: Mail — sort, file, shred
Day 5: Purse — toss receipts/trash, clean out, and reorganize essentials
Day 6: Car — clean it yourself or get it detailed
Day 7: Pantry — toss expired items and reorganize
Focus Tip for Momentum
Use The One Thing method: identify the most important task to do each day. “What’s the ONE thing I can do so that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?”
Try this: Starting September 1st, do one important thing each day, and by the end of the year, you’ll have completed 122 meaningful tasks—making steady progress toward your goals.
Take Control of Your Finances
With a few months left in the year, it’s a smart time to focus on your finances to finish the year strong. Here are some practical tips:
Pick a savings goal that fits your budget from September to December, then break it down by week.
(For example: $1,000 ÷ 17 weeks ≈ $59/week)
Maximize tax benefits by contributing to retirement or tax-advantaged accounts before year-end.
Meet with a financial advisor — most banks offer free financial check-ups.
Review your credit score at least one a year (or quarterly) to spot errors or suspicious activity early.
Check your insurance policies to avoid overpaying or gaps in coverage.
Use cash-back or rewards programs you already have.
Shop around for better rates on credit cards, loans, or mortgages.
Keep learning by reading or listening to audiobooks on money management. Try one of these (available on Amazon and Audible):
Back-to-School Homework Help Resources for Durham Families
You’ve reset your mindset, body, and space to finish the year strong—now let’s make sure your kids start the school year off strong and succeed all year long, with these resources:
Free 1:1 online math tutoring with Ontario-certified teachers, available 7 days a week. Registration requires an Ontario Education Number (OEN) and school board info.
List five things you love about your heritage, family, or culture. A feel-good reminder of where you come from.
Personalized math and science tutoring for grades 1–12 across Ontario, with both in-home and online options. 📞 289-255-1182. 📧 contact@theprogressivecentre.com
Black Queens of Durham Recommendations
A few queens in our community have shared tutoring resources. Check out this thread: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2003813433270091/search/?q=tutoring
Free Educational Apps
Turn screentime into study time:
Free lessons and practice in math, science, and more for all ages.
Learn languages with gamified lessons.
Create and study flashcards with games and quizzes for any subject.
Scratch
Learn languages with gamified lessons.
National Geographics Kids
Create and study flashcards with games and quizzes for any subject.
September is the perfect time to reset your mind, body, and space. Clear mental clutter, care for your body with simple habits, and organize your space to reduce stress and improve focus. And take control of your finances with practical steps that set you up for success.
Small, intentional actions add up over time—start now to build momentum and finish the year strong.
Mark your calendar for these September events:
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7:00pm - 9:00pm
York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch Avenue West Toronto, ON M3N 1M6 Canada
$27.71
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10:00am - 4:30pm
Jamaican Canadian Association, 995 Arrow Road Toronto, ON M9M 2Z5 Canada
FREE
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10:00am - 4:00pm
S3PACE Business Event Center, 205 Placer Court #main level Toronto, ON M2H 0A9 Canada
$20
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written by Nickisha RASHID