The Reset Month: Why August Is the Perfect Time to Realign in Recovery

August doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s not a big resolution month. It’s not festive or reflective. It’s the breath before everything speeds up—the calm before fall schedules, back-to-school pressures, and holiday stress. But maybe that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

In recovery, we often wait for a breaking point to “start over.” But what if we reframed this moment—not as a relapse response or a dramatic overhaul, but as a gentle reset? A chance to pause, reflect, and realign.

“Reset doesn’t mean starting over,” says Katie Spencer, Behavioral Health Director at BrightView. “It’s really an opportunity to connect with values. You always have permission to pause and refocus to move forward.”

Why August Is the Month For It

By the time August rolls around, the novelty of summer has worn off, and a new wave of pressures—schedules, routines, even emotional triggers—are on the horizon. For those in recovery, it’s often when the quiet stress starts to build.

“I find myself needing resets all the time,” says Ariel Smith, BrightView Outreach Coordinator and person in long-term recovery. “Especially when I’m feeling stuck or like I’m just going through the motions. That’s when I know I need to switch something up.”

Reset ≠ Relapse

One of the most common myths in recovery is that a reset only comes after a failure.

“You don’t have to relapse to create chaos,” Ariel says. “I can spiral without using. So when I start to feel that way, it’s about going back to basics—or switching something up to feed my spirit again.”

For Ariel, that meant finding a new support group when her old one no longer inspired her. It also meant talking to different people and getting fresh perspectives.

“Sometimes we get stuck thinking we can only lean on one person, or one meeting, but switching things up can be exactly what we need,” she says.

Small Habits. Big Impact.

Resetting doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, both Ariel and Katie agree that the smallest changes often bring the most clarity.

“It’s about consistency over intensity,” Katie says. “That all-or-nothing mindset can burn people out. Instead, pick something achievable. Something that helps you rebuild routine.”

For Ariel, that “something” was acceptance.

“My sponsor always tells me—it’s not the struggle, it’s the resistance to the struggle,” she explains. “When I accept what I can’t control and focus on what I can, I feel more in control of my life again.”

Create Your Own Morning Reset

Katie recommends building a simple “morning program”—not a complex ritual, just a moment of intention.

“Start the day with something small. A journal entry. A moment of gratitude. Two minutes of reflection. That pause can reset your whole mindset.”

Ariel’s reset comes through audio.

“I started listening to podcasts on my way to work. Just a short, motivational message—it helps me start my day in a better headspace,” she says. “And it doesn’t have to be some perfect thing. It’s about trying different stuff and seeing what works for you.”

Take Inventory—Before Fall Hits

Fall can be hard. For many, it brings anniversaries of loss, changes in weather, emotional triggers, and the stress of upcoming holidays. “When life gets noisy, the first things we lose are our self-care routines,” Katie says. “Sleep. Eating. Connection. These are the easiest resets to make—and the most important.”

The Reset Month Checklist

Feeling off-track? You’re not alone—and you’re not behind. Here are a few gentle nudges to help you realign this August.

Katie + Ariel’s Reset List:

• Reconnect with your “why”.
• Try one new support meeting or speaker.
• Refresh your space (clean your car, make your bed, light a candle).
• Journal one sentence a day about how you feel.
• Accept what you can’t control. Focus on what you can.
• Find something to look forward to—even if it’s small.
• Play a podcast or song that makes you feel stronger.

Final Thought: Resetting Means You’re Still in the Fight

You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to not feel okay. You’re allowed to reset as many times as you need.

“Sometimes, I just need to plan something fun for myself,” Ariel says. “Even if it’s small, it gives me something to look forward to—and it reminds me I’m still a person, not just a person in recovery.”

So as summer fades and the season shifts, don’t just brace yourself—reset yourself. This August, give yourself permission to reflect, realign, and start again. Not from the beginning—but from right where you are.

If you or someone you love is struggling, BrightView can help you reset and stay on track. Call us anytime at 888-501-9865 or visit brightviewhealth.com to get started.

Photo Provided by Adobe Stock Images.