The In-Between
I thought I was fully ready to snap back into routine but honestly, I’m having a really tough time. I’m still lingering in summer mode (even caught a cold) so everything has eased up: my workouts, my eating habits, the things I usually do to take care of myself that typically make me feel my best.
And it’s interesting because though I never beat myself up over it, I do notice how my mind and body shift in response.
I have less energy.
My body aches just a bit more.
I carry more bloat and inflammation.
My skin reacts.
You’d think these things showing up would immediately flip the switch but it’s never that easy, and that’s what we have to remember.
There’s always a little dance that happens when you’re tinkering between wanting to make better decisions and actually making them. Finding a rhythm takes time and consistency and it’s never perfect.
I know I’m preaching to the choir but I wanted to share my experience too, because even I get stuck in these waves.
I know school has already started back for some kids out there but for many others, there are still a couple more weeks of summer vacation mode. Getting a head start can make a huge difference.
I’m embracing the more gentle flow right now as summer comes to a close, but there are things that I’m practicing to anchor in some healthy habits so I’m not completely thrown off.
Make sure I have at least one intentional meal a day. For me, this means making that meal at home, with whole, quality ingredients. I balance the meal with protein, fiber, healthy fats, fruit and veg so I feel satiated and good.
It’s summer, so I'm getting that morning sunlight in my eyes while I can. Lucky that I have a dog I can walk early in the morning to naturally get this in and also get my body moving.
My movement has been a bit different–slower, less intense–but I’m making sure to get outside and take in some fresh air and walks while I can. (And also get my PT and stretching in daily - this is always such a mental block for me!)
I’m scheduling in focused work blocks daily because WFH for me can lead to lots of distractions (e.g laundry, playing w/ the dog, cleaning, going full Marie Kondo on my drawers again!)
Find a way to get your anchor habit(s) in so you can slowly ease back in too once September hits!
What’s the one habit or habits you want to hone in on over these final weeks of summer?