Seasons, jobs, school, travel and family all play a big part in how we plan for and execute our personal health and fitness plans. Sometimes transitions are planned and we have time to adjust, other times not. Be versatile and intelligent with your choices to make the best of life’s changes.
Winter, spring, summer, and fall are fairly predictable. They’ll dictate weather, food, and activity changes for most of us. It’s nice to enjoy the best of what every season has to offer, but also know when it’s time to look ahead. Schedules and availability change. You may still be able to play golf and tennis into the fall, but school, work and family demands are different. Summer swims turn into fall hikes for a few weeks, then the cold weather forces indoor cardio options. A versatile routine that evolves with the seasons will give your musculoskeletal and nervous systems a lot of different stimulus, which is a great thing!
The start of the school year is a marker for everyone. Family routines often dominate personal routines, so be realistic and set up a plan that you can stick to. Think about time frames for your exercise choices. When are the best times for you to exercise? Are you looking at a gym or working on a home routine? What are some fitness variables you need to work on? Ask honest questions and start the planning process. Getting into a routine is the best way to set your self up for success.
Major life events have a way of disrupting routines. Relocating, new jobs, injuries and your kids heading off to college are all great examples. Sometimes it is easy to be overwhelmed by change, but important not to use it as an excuse to abandon our health and wellness practice. Exercise and nutrition are the foundation of stress management. Even if you have to make adjustments to your choices, try and find a way to get it done as you adapt to a new regime. Change, even if it’s difficult, can create new opportunities to better your self.
