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With flowers blooming, it’s the perfect time to cultivate new habits

April 19, 2026

April has a way of making you want to get moving. Maybe it’s the longer days, the sense that spring is here, or just the feeling that the year is hitting its stride.

Whatever the reason, something shifts in April, and with it comes a natural urge to shake up our routines and try something new.

It turns out there is some science behind that feeling. Psychologists call it the fresh start effect, with certain moments in time, such as a new season or week, that act as natural reset points that make it easier to build new habits and let go of old ones.

April offers another opportunity to reset, since January resolutions could have fallen by the wayside by now. Somehow, April feels different – lighter, easier, like change might actually stick this time.

An April reset works across every corner of life. On the health side, the mild weather makes it easier to add a new walking routine, outdoor sport, or simply drinking more water as the weather warms up.

For mental wellness, even 10 minutes of journaling or quiet time at the beginning or end of your day offers many benefits. Cutting back on late-night screen scrolling pays surprising dividends too.

And don’t forget the hobbies and creative pursuits that could have been pushed aside, such as the guitar in the corner, the sketchbook on the shelf or the course you bookmarked but never started.

The biggest mistake many people can make when starting something new is going too big, too fast. The secret to habits that actually stick is almost embarrassingly simple: Start small.

Ten minutes a day of something new is sustainable, and sustainability is everything. Pairing a new habit with something you already do can make the new thing feel less like an effort and more like a natural part of your day.

And track your progress where you can see it and celebrate the small wins. That positive reinforcement can help you get past the bumps along the way.

April also gives us some built-in motivation. Earth Day on the 22nd is a wonderful anchor for habits around sustainability like planting something, spending more intentional time outside, or cutting back on single-use plastics.

Even better, launch a little April challenge with friends or family. Pick something simple and check in with each other. Accountability makes everything easier, and a little friendly competition never hurts.

So, here’s a thought: Along with watching the beautiful flowers bloom this month, what new habit would you like to see bloom in April?

Writer, editor and speaker Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Contact her at Cheryl@starheart.com.

Orange County Register

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With flowers blooming, it’s the perfect time to cultivate new habits

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