What Changes in Your Health and Routine as Seasons Change?

Several clients come to me around this time of year anxious or challenged by the uptick of baked goods, social events, and of course football Sundays with couch time and an abundance of snacks. (I know, buffalo chicken dip can be SO good.😉) Throw on the added stress of the upcoming holidays, Q4 deadlines, school obligations, and kids' sports activities, and the burnout can be real and so can the aftermath (No, the extra 5 lbs did not magically appear out of nowhere). The changing weather, less daylight, and the added stress aforementioned can wreak havoc on the metabolism regardless of your workout regimen or healthy breakfast routine.

So what can we do to make the seasonal transition just that, and not a seismic shift into self sabotage? The key is to be kind to yourself without sacrificing your health. What does that even mean??

It means understanding that because there are baked goods in your staff lounge, it doesn't mean you can't eat some. It means bringing your lunch to work and still having a high protein breakfast gives you the off switch to stop at one pumpkin cookie if that's your thing.

It means continuing to get 10 minutes a day of sunlight even if that means throwing on a sweatshirt and a hat.

It means delegating responsibilities that aren't exclusively for you or, saying "no" to the volunteer opportunity at your kid's school because your health and well-being has to come first.

It means maybe you didn't get the full 40 minute workout in 3 times that week, but every day you did at least 15 minutes of something. Remember, consistency over perfection.

It means quizzing your kids on their spelling words while you do squats and lunges. Yes, I did this last week!

None of these choices are anything revolutionary. They are unwavering choices following principles of daily movement, stress management, and mindful eating in a changing season. And if we can do that, we are falling into a great place towards the holidays.🍂