Gradually the days are getting shorter, the evenings cooler and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. Soon the leaves will change colour and pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters and fireplaces will replace hot summer days. How do we carry a little taste of summer with us as the seasons change and how do we prevent the common Fall burnout? Here are a few simple ideas:
- Review your Summer: what was it that you loved this Summer? Was it travel or social time? Was it the lake or beach? Was it the feeling of relaxation that long hot days brings? Was it new routines that you found yourself in? Taking notice of the things that fuel us the most is the first step in bringing more of those things into our lives. If it’s the social time, how will you ensure you continue you include social time when your schedule gets busier this Fall? If it was the lake or the beach, can you plan an early Winter sunny escape to fuel your inner sun worshipper? Be purposeful about doing the things that bring you joy.
- Schedule exercise: let’s face it, we tend to be more active in the Summer. It’s easy, it’s warm out, we can walk and ride our bikes and go play in the mountains and on the water. Exercise is one of the most foundational ways of combatting stress. It literally moves stress hormones out of our bodies and helps to clear our minds to be better more productive humans. It’s easy to think it’ll just keep happening the Fall, but it changes and new obstacles come up like busy schedules, shorter days, and let’s face it, arg, snow. If we schedule exercise, literally mark it in our calendars, and fully commit we are much more likely to get it done. Maybe it’ll look different in terms of what you do, maybe a class or a ski pass or a bike on an indoor trainer. Get yourself set up early to increase your chances of success.
- Value sleep: sleep is probably the #1 best thing you can do for your health. It’s not something to do “as much as you can of with the free time you have” no, it’s something that should come before most other things in your life. We need at least 7 hours of sleep every single night of our lives. My recommendation is to spend at least 8hrs in bed to get these 7 hours. Make yourself a regular bedtime and commit to this as well. We are all better people, are more resilient and can handle stresses so much better when we’re well rested. Make it the priority it deserves.
- Embrace the change of season: reflect on how Fall is different than summer for you and be honest about how you can get excited about the next season. Maybe you’ll start making nutrient packed elixirs to warm your cooler days. Maybe you’ll look for new Fall friendly recipes to try. Maybe you’ll commit to doing a dally walk in the beautiful fall colours. Simply through reframing, excitement can combat burnout.
- See your ND for a Fall wellness plan: whether it’s time for a seasonal detox, you are looking for a boost in energy or you need some guidance for immune support for the cold and flu season, your ND can help set you up for success as you move through this transition.
