Summer has a way of making us slow down.Ease into Fall Wellness

Longer days, vacations, late nights, weekends away, time outside and a more relaxed schedule can make summer feel like a completely different season of life.

Then September arrives—and suddenly it’s back to earlier mornings, busier schedules, packed calendars and a seemingly endless stream of emails.

If you’re feeling a little out of sync with your regular routine, you’re not alone.

The good news is that you don’t have to go from summer mode to full-speed ahead overnight.
A few small changes can help you ease back into your fall routine while still holding onto some of that relaxed summer feeling.

Here are five simple ways to make the transition easier.

1. Get Your Sleep Schedule Back on Track

Summer often means later nights and sleeping in a little longer.
If your sleep schedule has shifted, don’t expect yourself to suddenly feel great getting up an hour earlier.

Instead, gradually move your bedtime and wake-up time earlier.

Try going to bed 15–30 minutes earlier for several nights and keep your wake-up time consistent—even on weekends when possible.

A few other simple habits can help:

  • Get some natural light in the morning
  • Limit screen time before bed
  • Avoid caffeine later in the day
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark and comfortable

Good sleep is one of the best foundations for having more energy and focus during the workday.

2. Bring Some Summer Movement Into Your Fall Routine

One of the best things about summer is that we’re often naturally more active.
We walk, hike, swim, garden, explore new places and spend more time outdoors.

Don’t let all that movement disappear when the weather changes.

Look for simple ways to build activity into your fall workday.

Take a walk during lunch. Walk around the block before starting your workday.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Stretch between meetings.
Get outside for a few minutes when you need a mental break.

And remember, exercise doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym.

Even short bursts of movement throughout your day can help you feel more energized and less sedentary.

3. Re-establish a Simple Daily Routine

After a summer of vacations, spontaneous plans and changing schedules, it can feel strange to suddenly have everything back on the calendar.

Rather than trying to organize your entire life at once, start with a few basic routines.

Prepare your lunch the night before. Set out your clothes in the evening.
Take a few minutes each morning to decide what you want to accomplish that day.

At work, identify your top three priorities rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

A little structure can make busy days feel much more manageable.

4. Make Time for Simple Stress-Busting Activities

Getting back into a busy work routine doesn’t mean you have to spend every minute being productive.

In fact, scheduling small opportunities to relax and reset can help you feel better throughout the day.

Try incorporating simple stress-busting activities such as:

  • Taking five minutes to stretch
  • Practicing a few deep-breathing exercises
  • Going for a short walk
  • Listening to calming music
  • Practicing meditation
  • Doing a few minutes of yoga
  • Stepping away from your screen during lunch

You don’t need an hour of free time to take care of yourself. Sometimes just five or ten minutes can provide the reset you need.

If your company offers workplace wellness programs, take advantage of them.
A corporate yoga class or guided meditation session can be an easy way to incorporate movement and mindfulness into your workday without having to add another activity to your already busy schedule.

Innergy Corporate Yoga offers a robust corporate yoga and wellness program in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Ottawa, San Jose, Los Angeles and more.
Our classes and programs are designed to help employees move, recharge and feel their best at work.

From yoga and meditation to fitness classes and online virtual wellness seminars, workplace wellness can be a simple and enjoyable way to support your wellbeing throughout the year.

5. Keep Something Fun on Your Calendar

One of the hardest parts of leaving summer behind is feeling like the fun is over.

But there’s no reason for that to be true.

Make sure you have something to look forward to each week.

Plan a dinner with friends.
Take a weekend hike.
Try a new class.
Have a movie night.
Visit a local market.
Make plans for a fall day trip.

It doesn’t have to be a big event.

Having something enjoyable on your calendar gives you a reason to look forward to the week—and reminds you that life isn’t just about work and responsibilities.

Ease In, Don’t Burn Out

Fall can be a great time for a fresh start, but you don’t have to overhaul your entire life in September.

Focus on getting your sleep back on track, moving your body, establishing a manageable routine, making time for stress relief and keeping some fun in your schedule.

And most importantly, give yourself time to adjust.

You don’t have to be operating at 100% on the first day back from vacation or the first week of September.

Take a breath. Take a walk. Stretch. Get outside. Make time for yourself.

The goal isn’t to leave the relaxed feeling of summer behind.

It’s to bring a little bit of it with you into fall.