As the school year begins anew, I find myself reflecting on the season like it’s a fresh start, even though I’ve long graduated. This autumn, I’ve set some meaningful goals to carry me through the end of the year, focusing on maintaining my emotional and physical well-being.
Over the past two months, I’ve really stepped up my health and fitness routine. I’ve committed to working out three times a week and have shifted my diet to include more protein and significantly less sugar. Here’s a deeper dive into my plans for self-care this fall:
Embracing Social Activities this Fall
In recent times, I’ve noticed that I’ve become increasingly reclusive, particularly since bringing home a new puppy. She demands a lot of my attention, which has kept me at home more than usual. While this extra time with her is lovely, I recognize the importance of prioritizing social interactions and spending time outside my home. One of my goals is to attend at least one MSU football game this season, sporting my vintage MSU sweatshirt and a pair of new sneakers!
Strength Training at Home and Extended Dog Walks
I plan to continue my strength training routine at home, and I might even sign up for a gym membership to help me get out and about more, which ties in nicely with my first goal of being more social. Long dog walks have become a staple in my routine, benefiting both my dogs and my mental and physical health. To keep things exciting for my pets and myself, I’ve started taking my dogs to different walking locations, as our usual neighborhood route has become a bit monotonous for all of us.
Treating Myself Thoughtfully
While I’ve never had trouble buying myself things, I’m trying to approach my purchases with more mindfulness. I want to reward myself with new fitness gear as I achieve specific health and fitness milestones. I’ve been gravitating toward cropped fitted tees for workouts, especially in chocolate brown and cream shades. I’m also drawn to Adidas tracksuits. Recently, I picked up some wide-leg pants that pair wonderfully with a fitted crop tee or sweatshirt. It’s truly motivating to reach my goals and then celebrate with a fresh new outfit to wear during my workouts!
Maintaining a Relaxing Evening Routine
My nighttime routine is something I genuinely look forward to; it’s both relaxing and fulfilling. Each evening, I take a warm shower and then curl up in bed early with a good book instead of indulging in TV shows. Currently, I’m diving into Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin, as I have a strong affinity for fantasy novels and memoirs. I’m also on the lookout for my next great read! I try to hit the hay around 9 PM since my puppy Colette is an early riser, needing to go out for potty breaks and breakfast.
Weekly Meal Prepping
I’ve successfully returned to the habit of meal prepping, which aligns with my renewed focus on health and fitness. I’ve been exploring recipes on Pinterest (check out my Pinterest board!) and enjoying the process of cooking each week. There are a couple of recipes I keep coming back to regularly! I’m also excited to venture into healthier high-protein baked goods, such as a pumpkin muffin recipe I’ve found. With crockpot season approaching, I can’t wait to dig it out and discover healthier versions of classic casseroles to enjoy.
Conclusion
In summary, my self-care goals for this fall are designed to cultivate a well-rounded approach to my health and happiness. By focusing on socializing, staying active, treating myself with thoughtful purchases, maintaining a relaxing evening routine, and preparing healthy meals, I aim to create a fulfilling and enjoyable season. With these intentions set, I’m looking forward to embracing all the cozy joys of autumn!