In Manitoba, it’s completely permissible to throw all regular habits and schedules out the window to squeeze out every last possible moment of our summer.
Now that September is here with things like school, cool crisp mornings, regular schedules and shorter days it makes me realize that I need to get back to my regular routine again. It’s hard, and I feel like we all can use a little help transitioning into fall mode.
Lucky for you, I’ve narrowed down my top five easy and actually do-able habits to get back into the swing of things, here they are in no particular order:
Don’t forget your water bottle! There are water fountains all over the Forks Market where you can stay hydrated.
- Drink water (again!)
I know, so simple, right? Bust out that cute water bottle again! It is much easier to drink little bits here and there throughout your day when you have a bottle on the go. On your desk, in your purse or in your car. It’s a really small change that has a huge impact. Also, I notice a big decline in my mindless snacking when I’m consistently drinking water. Be gone, cabin chips!
Kite and Caboodle in the Johnston Terminal has oodles of books for you to choose from for your fall cozy bedtime reading.
- Less screens, more books in bed
Keep those phones and screens out of the bedroom! It is my secret to a good nights sleep. It’s my absolute favourite time of day - crawling into bed with a good book. The perfect way to segue from a busy day to relax mode. A great way to unwind, get perfectly sleepy and doze off effortlessly. If your phone is your alarm, go old school and get an alarm clock. Huge game changer for a solid restful long sleep.
Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company has fresh garden market vegetables every week to make your next amazing salad.
- Just say no to treats (everyday)
In summer mode, it’s yes to everything! Daytime beers? Sure! Fries with that? Absolutely! I don’t know how it happened but I seemed to break away from my salad habit. And I love salads. Bring back vegetables! I’m vowing to make a salad with every single dinner. Not rocket science.
Forks Trading Company in the Forks Market has an amazing selection of loose leaf teas and gorgeous locally made hand made mugs from Mud + Stone.
- Evening tea
I don’t know about you, but I got pretty used to a glass of wine or a beer with most meals. Now, I’m not saying ditch alcohol, I’m giving you a strategy to cut down on some nights — with tea. Stay with me here— tea is actually a great replacement. The ritual of making it and sipping from a beautiful Mud + Stone mug from Forks Trading Co. does satisfy that habit. It’s not a habit change, it’s what I technically call a habit switchameroo.
Riverstone Spa at the Inn at the Forks is the place to for all your skin care needs. Whether you’re looking for a new fall pick me up product to a full body spa treatment, they’ve got you covered.
- Skin care
By the end of summer, I’m feeling a bit weathered, dry and just a bit blech from the hot sun. In fall, I like to treat my skin to a new routine and exfoliate all that sunscreen, bug spray and summer dullness away. A deep exfoliation treatment is pretty awesome. Part massage, part hydration and total relaxation. You can try the at home version, or treat yourself to a full meal deal treatment at the spa. It feels amazing and is an instant pick me up. Let that summer colour glow!
So, there you have it. Five habits to feel GOOD today. Start with a couple this week and before you know it you are a hydrated, well rested, glowing, vegetable eating human again who wakes up every day with energy and a clear mind! Hello, September!
Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. All photos by Luckygirl Photography.