September is as a good a time as any to check in on goals. Even though it’s still summer weather here, the pumpkin spice latte season started earlier than ever, the 31 days of Halloween are back on TV, and soon, the weather will turn.
In summer, everyone is working hard for their summer bodies (which incidentally, are the same bodies we have the rest of the year). How do we make sure that we stay focused on our goals once fall gets here, vacations are over, the kids go back to school, you go back to school, or whatever this season brings you?
Laser focus your nutrition
Did Labor Day barbecues derail your nutrition goals? You may think so, but they didn’t. Labor Day is just one day in 365. No need to fall into that failure loop. Dust yourself off and get back to basics. Get some meal prep done this week, or just come up with a plan to fit in some more nutrient dense foods and all of the leafy greens and vegetables you can. And water too, but you already knew that!
Refocus your physical activity
Are you over your fitness routine? Find something fun to do with a friend. Get out in nature and take a walk. Take that yoga class you’ve always wanted to try. Try stand-up paddle-boarding! (That’s what I want to try next!)
Movement is critical to our bodies. We were designed to move. But not everyone is designed to move the same way. Running might be your thing, but it’s not everyone’s. Until you figure out your thing, crank the tunes and dance around your house a bit. Any movement is better than no movement.
Refresh your mindset
The greatest thing about mindset is that we have complete control over it. We have control over whether we let negativity set in or whether we keep our focus on positivity. If the hectic pace of the post-Labor Day grind has got you down, start your day on a positive note. Set your intention for the day. Affirm your gratitude for the good things and people in your life. Knock a thing or two off your to-do list and give yourself a pat on the back. We sometimes set ourselves up to fail by striving for perfection or overcommitting ourselves. Use this season as the opportunity to weed out obligations that aren’t serving you. Spend a little time this week taking inventory of your priorities and set yourself up for success.
And if all else fails, make your own pumpkin spice latte!