Summer’s Coming to an end…few Tips to Get Back in Your Routine?

Summer is a magical time with longer days for adventures, chances to sip beverages on the porch and regular stops at local ice cream shop. 

Certain times of the year call for season specific indulgences.

Yet come Labor Day I often say – “ok it’s time to get back to my fall routine”.

But much like the months after the new year it’s easy to find yourself saying…ok enough is enough – it’s time!

If you can resonate – this email is for you!

True rebels at heart often want to say – “do I really need a routine?”

I know I’ve been there. 

Truth is your nervous system needs a routine.

The more predictable life is the less stressed your nervous system will be. 

This equates to – the more safe  you will feel in your body. 

Routines signal to your body that all is good and safe.

If you divert from your routine your primal nervous system thinks there’s a threat lingering. 

So you go on alert mode aka fight or flight mode.

This may show up as not being able to let your shoulders relax, clenching of the jaw or anxiety. 

Then it morphs into not being able to keep yourself from habits that do not serve you like skipping meals, stress eating or drinking.

I’m guessing you may resonate with how this shows up in my life.

For example – if I don’t plan out the meals for the week and at least partially prepare them on the weekend I’m skipping meals or scrambling to put something together at the last minute. 

Then I’m finding myself having to wolf down meals in 5 minutes while multitasking. 

That’s not healthy for your gut and it tells your nervous system a bear is chasing you. 

The same goes for not planning out exercise and movement. 

If it’s not in your schedule it won’t happen as you’ll find time to do other things instead. 

It’s hard to recognize the impact of routines till you stray from them. 

I’m sure you’ve all experienced the stress of getting back into life after a vacation. 

So why put yourself through all this stress in the first place?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in the last few years is the power of routines. 

This is why I work hard to keep the routines going even when I’m on vacation, traveling to Tacoma to work or heading back and forth from my Dad’s house. 

I live by my schedule and having done this for a few years now I can say without a doubt that it’s helped me to feel less stressed and anxious over time. 

So…being the day after a holiday and getting close to summer’s end I ask you…what could you do to give yourself the gift of a predictable routine for your nervous system?

The mindset and productivity gurus out there say – “control what you can and let go of what you can’t”.

You are in control of your routine.

The more predictable you are the better it is for your nervous system. 

A resilient nervous system prevents chronic illness, is less likely to degenerate and has you feeling safe. 

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Feeling safe = less cortisol.

Less cortisol = less belly fat, better mood, more energy and balanced blood sugar.

Today is a perfect day to think about what routines benefit your health, productivity and longevity…

…and what fall routines serve you the most?

• is it possible to plan your meals?
• can you schedule in workouts and movement (walks and such)?
• can you plan stress relief, breathing or fun breaks?
• what else can you set a routine for?

The change of season is a perfect time to evaluate your current routines and switch them up if needed.

Hope this gives you a little inspiration for thinking about moving into fall and winter routines that serve you!

Here’s to the health of your routines,

Dr. J

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