The sun is setting earlier, the air feels crisper, and peaches are going out of season. We know this all too well as the first indicator that summer is coming to a close. I often think of summer as the season of health and rejuvenation, "glowing up" and turning into the best, most beautiful version of myself; the tan, the ability to be active daily with ease as there is no fighting for our lives in -40 degree weather, the restful lake weekends. But, now that this period is coming to a close, does that mean one must just revert to winter hermit mode in anticipation of the upcoming months? Luckily, we will have the opportunity to ease into things with the slow cool in temperature and beautiful autumn months as things begin their gradual pickup before the true craziness that seems to occur in the new year. Thus, this makes the perfect time to implement new habits and create a wellness routine that you can sustain as life begins to feel more hectic, and our wellness seems like the easiest thing to sacrifice. And though none of the tools and tactics I am about to suggest are revolutionary and may seem obvious, that is intentional as sometimes the reiteration of accessible tools that make a big difference is precisely what we need to make a change and implement the tactics we all know we should.
Though everyone has a different perception of wellness and an individual threshold of what is necessary for their routine to remain in optimal mental and physical space, there are specific tactics that can be used as a baseline and then further be altered and customized as we begin to gain a better understanding of ourselves and our needs. Firstly, sleep must be a top priority to maintain all aspects of a busy schedule without getting burnt out. Though we are all well aware of the importance of sleep and its effects on disease prevention, cognitive function, reducing stress, etc., it is often the first thing to go as it seems optional in our day when there is more to do than hours in the day. However, sacrificing sleep in the short term is not a sustainable method and will eventually have the inverse effects we were hoping for. This is where self-control comes in. For those of us who lose hours to our phones or get hyper-fixated on a topic and want to learn about it into the depths of the night, self-control is a must. Establishing a good nighttime routine is essential. Having a specific time at least 30 minutes before bed to turn off electronics and focus your attention on less stimulating activities will allow your mind time to wind down. Consider reading a book, catching up with a loved one, drinking a cup of tea, doing a puzzle (if you are someone who doesn't let puzzles become all-consuming), light stretching, or anything else similar. Thirty minutes is not that much time out of your day to dedicate to winding down; therefore, it is an attainable thing that most people should be able to implement.
That perfect night routine and good quality sleep directly impact your morning and ability to feel energized and ready to take on the day. Thus, allowing you to accomplish more in your day, even with an unchangeable fixed sleep schedule. So, by prioritizing sleep and establishing a good nighttime routine, you're setting yourself up for a more energized and productive day. It's a simple yet powerful way to enhance your wellness and productivity. In the mornings we must follow the same general rule and avoid electronics and social media right off the bat. If you can, try to get some fresh air, sunlight, and water into your body first thing. This does not have to be anything crazy; simply take the time to step outside in the morning and take a couple of deep breaths before taking on the day's tasks. The sunlight will help regulate your circadian rhythm, contributing to better sleep that night. Fresh morning air can increase blood circulation, oxygenate cells, and give you more energy you need to take on the rest of the day. Drinking water is also essential in replenishing our bodies and preparing our digestive systems after becoming dehydrated throughout the night. All of these small tactics help to increase your energy throughout the day and contribute to better overall wellness. The last thing you should prioritize in your wellness routine this fall is carving out an hour 3-6 days a week to take a class at Crossfit 306. And though this suggestion may be slightly self-interested, it is the most efficient way to ensure you get enough exercise in your busy schedule. With excellent and ever-varied programming, you will ensure that you incorporate all aspects of training in a backed method that will reach all aspects of your fitness. In addition to the exercise component, you are also dedicating an hour to socializing in a welcoming community setting, a pillar in personal wellness as humans are innately social creatures and require human connection to continue growing and ensure a healthy mental space. Overall, there are always more things we can do to become more "healthy," but focusing on sleep, community, and exercise in a simple and attainable manner will ensure you have a perfect wellness routine to transition into this busy time of year seamlessly.