When we’re in the season of summer, many people crave time outdoors, a slower pace and a mental break from being “on schedule”, and it’s actually good for us to unplug and allow spontaneity and creativity to guide our days during this season. Our minds and bodies really benefit from it. If you’re like me, there’s a part of you, however, that sort of dreads when the fall season starts creeping in.

Sure, the colourful leaves are beautiful and the abundance of produce is wonderful, but that’s not it. It’s that feeling of not wanting to leave the carefree experience of summer behind. It’s that nagging voice that tells you “It’s time to get back into a routine”. Are you beginning to feel this way?

Whether you’re returning to work from summer holidays, or getting the kids back to school, there’s something about September that feels like a new start and a time to get organized. I think it’s actually a perfect time to begin to switch gears and find ways to keep ourselves from feeling out of balance and overwhelmed. We know that the shorter and cooler days are ahead; let’s not kid ourselves, okay?

We also know that during the fall and winter season, it’s easier to feel less energized and motivated, and that leads to feeling frazzled with all of the responsibilities we have each day.

I suggest getting a head start now towards bringing in routines and structure that really allow you to experience a greater sense of balance, productivity and health. Ask yourself the following questions to get a sense of where you might need to begin: Do you wake up in the mornings feeling overwhelmed about all that you need to do? Do you find yourself jumping from one task to the next, not really completing anything properly because you’re distracted by all of the other things you need to do?

Having predictable routines teaches us to trust ourselves to not only tackle our to do lists, but to prioritize our self-care. We feel more confident when we are spending our time wisely and experiencing that wonderful sense of accomplishment. Having clear routines in place actually saves you time in the long run, because you have already pre-planned days and times for doing the things that you need (and want) to do. Another benefit of having routines is that it frees our minds from wondering when we’ll get to do certain things if it’s already been thought out and planned.

So, what are some ways that you can begin to organize your days a little more and find a rhythm that works for you?

Here are some ideas:

*Have a morning routine, such as creating a to do list for the day, and try to limit your “absolute mustdo’s” to 5 things you’d like to complete. Don’t overwhelm yourself!

*Make time throughout your day to fit simple exercises in, such as stretching or taking a short walk.

*Try to enjoy at least one meal a day in a quiet environment; use that time to truly enjoy your food.

*Plan your meals for the week, so that you’re not scrambling at 5:00 each evening to prepare dinner.

*Create a way to unwind at the end of each day, whether that means reading a book, writing a short gratitude journal or listening to relaxing music. Unwinding prepares your body for a deep sleep.

Can you think of one routine that you can add in to your life right now? Set yourself up for success by writing it down in your calendar or putting a reminder into your phone. Pay attention to how you begin to feel mentally, emotionally and physically as you begin to add that new routine into your life. When you’re ready, add another one! Notice how your energy shifts (in a good way!) during those sometimes “challenging” seasons of fall and winter once you have some good, solid routines in place.

If you think you would like more support to prioritize your self-care and bring healthy routines into your life, I invite you to contact me for a free health consultation. Please visit my website at: www.healthystartcoaching.ca or drop me an email at: milissaharding@gmail.com for moreinformation. Let’s see how I can support you!

About Milissa Harding

Milissa Harding is a Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She works with busy moms to provide health and wellness support in areas such as: improving nutrition, increasing energy, decreasing stress, understanding and dealing with sugar cravings and weight loss. She shares a monthly newsletter filled with lots of healthy tips and recipes, and she conducts free health consultations. Milissa offers 3 and 6-month Health Coaching programs at affordable rates.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (4)