Chances are if you're reading this, you've probably used the "BUT IT'S SUMMER TIME!" excuse once or twice. Yolo
In 30 seconds we can turn the entire year into 12 reasons why we should never get it shape, focus on our health or dial in our nutrition.
January - It's the middle of bulking season
February - Still bulking season
March - Last month of bulking season
April - But summers just around the corner! I can't get abs now!
May - May 24 weekend with the girls!
June - You're suppose to get abs FOR the summer, not in the summer!
July - 1st (or 4th) of July though. It's BBQ season!
August - Last month of Summer, YOLO!
September - Colder weather is coming anyway - I can just wear sweaters.
October - Its' sweater weather
November - Bulking season starts
December - .... just... Holidays.
Next thing you know you've succumb to all the excuses and you're in the position where you just don't know what happened. So the reality is that this article headline should read "why TODAY is the best time to get on track". Or literally any other time of the year.
I could write an article about why Christmas is the best time to get or stay on track and it would have a lot of the same points.
Why?
Because your excuses are getting tired. And so are you. And no matter what day of the year it is, we can always find a reason not to.
So this summer, let's instead find reasons to act, stay motivated, and feel your best ever.
Let's start small.
When it comes to creating a routine that's conducive to weight loss, health increase, muscle gain, increase energy, or general wellness - the basics are queen. What are they?
Sleeping, managing your stress, hydrating, getting steps or general movement in throughout the day, and eating good quality food.
There are two major things we can and should be prioritizing when the weather gets warm and the sun starts to shine longer.
Hydration & Steps
Drinking 2.5 litres of water a day should be a non-negotiable for you regardless of the time of year. In the warmer months, you need more. You sweating is your body's natural cooling mechanism. If you're outside gardening or working out, you need to prioritize putting in that extra effort to replenish lost fluid.
Speaking of exercising outside, this is another big reason why summer can help you stay on track. There is so much more to do when you're outside in the warm weather! Not only that, but simply getting your steps in doesn't seem as daunting.
Here's a quick schedule you can add into your routine to help check off both these big boxes:
7:30 - wake up
7:45 - Drink 250ml of water with Vitamins
8 - Go for a 15-20 minute walk or aim for 2000 - 3000 steps.
8:25 - Drink another 250ml of water
9am - Coffee and work
Sip water throughout the day and schedule another 15 minute walk at lunch
Above and beyond physical things you should be focusing on in the summer months, your mindset can shift too. How?
Opportunity vs Obstacle
Look at the summer for what it can present you - an opportunity to practice and exercise new habits, practice discipline and practice balance.
Health isn't just about weight loss. And weight loss isn't just about a number on the scale. Building up new good habits and breaking down old ones is a part of a much bigger picture. This picture depicts you as a well rounded human, a strong human - both physically and mentally - and an empowered human. Achieving those things goes above and beyond your jeans fitting better.
Because your jeans fitting better is a result of you exercising your mind, the discipline muscle.
Every time you're invited to a cottage weekend is an opportunity for you to practice your organizational and pre-planning skills. Once you're there, it's your opportunity to show your ability to execute.
Every time you're out for drinks with the gals it's an opportunity for you to practice self control and balance. Order that appetizer, have that cocktail. Enjoy the presence of your friends.
Every beach day you plan is an opportunity to get creative with snacks, to stay well hydrated, and to plan a game of volleyball to stay active.
Staying healthy is not about restriction. It's not about cutting out the things that you enjoy. It's rather the opposite! Because the only route to a lifetime of health is sustainability. And sustainability comes from being happy and doing things you enjoy.
You will only go as far as your mind allows you. And so I want you to practice reframing each social outing and event as an opportunity instead of an obstacle.
If you can do that, your summer will turn into a summer of growth, not something you have to "undo".
