Back to School, Back to Work, Back to Health
It’s September … and the one thing that keeps running through my head is …
"Ahhhh, can’t believe the summer is over!"
Those warm, lazy, outdoorsy, sunny, social days of summer are certainly dwindling. But like every turn of the page, there is something exciting about a change.
And that’s the good thing about September. The weather is still beautiful - a bit cooler, but with a coolness that brings clarity in more ways than one.
It’s a fresh start. Whether you're returning to the classroom, diving back into work, or simply resetting your routine, this month is the perfect opportunity to refocus on your health.
September is one of the top months for setting new goals and activating plans. The relaxed mindset of summer often gives way to a more driven, productive energy as we embrace the rhythm of a new season. It’s the ideal time to take stock of where we are and where we want to be in our health journey.
Why September is Like the New January for Setting Goals:
1. New Beginnings: Just as children head back to school with new supplies and fresh goals, we too can start anew … whether it's improving our diet, getting more exercise, or finding ways to reduce stress.
2. Routine and Structure: With the return of school and work routines, it's easier to establish and stick to healthy habits. Regular meal times, planned workouts, and dedicated relaxation periods can all be built into our day.
3. Seasonal Motivation: As the weather cools down, it’s a great time to get outdoors for brisk walks, start cooking warming and nutritious meals, or even begin a new fitness class.
4. Reflection and Renewal: September is often a time of reflection, as we consider what we’ve accomplished so far this year and what we still want to achieve. Use this time to set realistic health goals that will carry you through the end of the year.
And to Get Started …
To help you identify where to focus your efforts, I've put together a brief questionnaire. This will guide you in assessing different areas of your health and help you determine what small changes can make a big impact.
Find some quiet time and sit down and think about these questions. Your answers don't have to be perfect, just honest.
Physical Health:
How often do you engage in physical activity?
Are you satisfied with your current fitness level? Why or why not?
What is one physical activity you’ve been meaning to try or get back into?
Nutrition:
Do you feel that your current diet supports your energy levels and overall well-being?
Are there specific foods or meals you would like to incorporate more into your diet? If so, list.
Are there specific types of foods or drinks that you would like to minimize? If so, list.
Have you been drinking enough water daily?
Mental Health:
How would you rate your current stress levels on a scale of 1-10?
What are your go to methods for managing stress?
Are there new relaxation or mindfulness practices you’ve been curious about?
If so, what can you do to learn more about them?
Sleep:
How would you describe the quality of your sleep in the past month?
Do you have a consistent bedtime routine?
What is one change you can make to improve your sleep?
Lifestyle:
Do you feel balanced between work, personal life, and self-care?
Are there any habits or routines you’ve fallen out of that you’d like to reintroduce that can make you feel more balanced?
Next Steps:
Once you’ve identified the areas that need attention, choose one, two, or even three to focus on this month.
As you identify your new goals, think about what you need to do to move this goal into the "conscious unconscious competence" stage (more on conscious unconscious competence here).
But for simplicity's sake, all you need to do is:
As we step into this new season, let’s get back at it - so we feel good, and energized, and able to do most anything we want to do.
It's important to remember that our self-care is typically the first thing to drop to the bottom of our to do list when life gets crazy.
So we need to always remind ourselves - - nothing, absolutely nothing in life will get done, or be enjoyed, if we don't have our health.
Let me know what you think you will focus on. I'd love to hear from you!