Ahh, as the air gets cooler, days get shorter, and the colors on the trees start changing. We know it’s the 
beginning of Fall in Washington. With the change of season our health and wellness internal clock may naturally change as well. So, It is a good time to check-in and make sure we are aptly prepared to take on the colder weather and the busy holidays it enraptures. To stay on track, here is my personal check-list you can use to stay on track:
- UPDATE THE WORKOUT CLOTHES: Now I should preface, this mostly applies to anything we may do outdoors, but if you’re a runner (like me), walker, cyclist, or hiker or anything outdoors really. Its time to be prepared for the crisper, and most likely wetter weather that the greater Puget sound will offer. As such, make sure we are properly clothed and layered for whatever endeavor we might pursue. Personally, I know its time to ditch the tank tops on my longer runs and to add some light layers that will allow me to breathe, but yet maintain a base layer of warmth while keeping me dry. Typically, no cotton for a base layer, you don’t want sweat to stick to you and keep you cold and wet during long activities. Use some common sense, you want to be able to move comfortably, and also be prepared to get warmer as you start moving.
- READJUST EATING PATTERN: So, for me Fall time is always getting together Sundays and watching the Seahawks game with friends. While this is always a blessing, it can be a day where it might get out of a hand and I feel like eating everything in sight! Hey I’m only human! Not only football Sundays however, but Fall is the start of many holiday get-togethers. That being said, the best way I’ve learned to sort-of navigate these weekend and holiday buffets is to plan ahead and not be afraid to bring Tupperware! (Yes, I’m that guy) Here’s the thing, its not about restricting yourself to any one dish or food, but it’s the portion of it. Fill the plate up, but make sure it’s just a little bit of everything. It’s something I’ve been able to do, and also at the same time try everyone’s food without feeling restricted. If there is a particular dish I really like, I may go back for more! Simple readjustments like this will help keep you sane and not beat yourself up too much if you do slip up.
- STAY CONSISTENT ON YOUR WORKOUTS: This is hard for me, I like the sun and the warmer weather summer brings. Being outside and working out is so much more easier. So, as it gets cooler and darker my motivation can wane. Don’t let it! Continue to stay consistent on your scheduled workouts inside and outside the studio. Your mental head space will thank you and obviously your physical space. Take this time to reevaluate any schedule changes you might anticipate this Fall and MAKE time for your workouts accordingly.
- TAKE CARE OF MENTAL GAME: Speaking of mental headspace, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how important this aspect of our health can be. Check-in with your mental game, and find some way you can make an impact to it. If you’re good, then great keep doing what you’re doing, but I know Fall is the start of the holidays, notwithstanding the pandemic that we’re in, but it can bring great amounts of stress. Besides working out, find something that might help clear your headspace. So many things out there, personally meditation, journaling, or just even talking to a friend has helped me in so many ways that I cannot define.
- DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF: This isn’t so much of a check-list item, but as a reminder that I (We) are only human and we may make mistakes or slip-up toward our goals, and while it is important to sort-of feel and be aware of this; I also need to remind myself MANY times that it’s okay. Life will always do something totally unexpected that will throw us off our game, and maybe we don’t get to workout one day, or maybe we’re overworked and we reached for a pastry one morning. It’s just important to know we haven’t failed if we’ve done so, but to keep moving along and know we are ok.\
So there’s that, perhaps you can add to this check-list or whatever It might be. But use the start of the Fall equinox to check-in with yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually and we will get through the cold weather together. See ya in the studio – Jonathan
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