Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.
By Quinn Nystrom, MS
I don’t know about you, but this summer has been filled with new adventures, projects, and fun family milestones.
And tons of fun.
As exhilarating as the summer months can be, they can also be downright exhausting. Days crammed with activities, trips, and family functions are what life is all about. Still, many of us are left feeling frazzled and drained by September. If you are feeling me on this, you are not alone!
As the summer craziness begins to wane, I want everyone to know that it is acceptable to choose to do little beyond our basic daily routines. In my option, September is a great month to just “be still.” A time to be more selective on the obligations and offers we say yes to and spend time just decompressing.
In short, it’s ok to “tap out” and just focus on our mental health and wellbeing.
I know what you are thinking as you read that last line too. YES, we need to be mindful of our mental health 365 days a year.
Absolutely, positively, yes.
But summertime is when the need for sun and fun sweeps us into a cyclone of activity. Sprinkle in a healthy dose of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), and you have the recipe for neglecting your health and nurturing routines.
So, for the next 30 days, I want to encourage everyone to spend time every day on the modalities and habits that nurture our bodies and fill out hypothetical tanks instead of being in a constant state of motion until we are “out of gas.”
Get back into your stretching, walking, or yoga routine.
Make the time to create healthy meals instead of “grab-n-go” meals.
Sit outside and listen to the early morning birds and watch the sunrise.
Gently decline to attend yet another picnic gathering of your sister’s uncle’s cousin’s side of the family.
Recreate an evening routine that involves quiet activities like crafts, reading, or binge-watching your favorite show.
Let your body and mind rest.
The holiday season is not that far off, so spend this month rejuvenating and recharging. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to relax and unwind! You deserve it.
