Your “Back to School” Supplies for a Thriving Autumn

I can so vividly remember the back-to-school feeling of the final week of August! Setting out the newly decorated notebooks, fresh markers, and bright Lisa Frank folders ( 80’s/90’s kids, you know what I’m talking about!) turned some of the first-day jitters and nerves of the unknown into excited anticipation. Even if I wasn’t completely sure I could handle the work that lay ahead of me, I was showing up equipped with my rainbow-unicorn-plastered toolkit prepared for success (see photo!).

As we head into September, we can get that "back to school" feeling for ourselves as we restart our wellness routines. Full of possibilities, learning, and growth, the coming season is like a new semester. 

So, what supplies might you want to pack in your toolkit to prepare for an amazing autumn?  (Hint: It's about more than just things! )

Try asking yourself the following questions as a place to start!

What does “living well” mean to you this year? Maybe it's feeling more energized in your body, participating in making meals more often, or enjoying movement more. Knowing your “course objectives” for the year gives you a sense of direction to guide you.

What tools will you need? This could be anything from a new pair of workout shoes that makes you excited to dance, to digging out a water bottle from the back of your cupboard for more hydration, to a journal to track your progress and thoughts.

What structures will help you stay on track? Consider what processes or routines can make staying on track smoother and simpler. Registering in advance for classes (September’s in-person Zumba class registration is open and “Busy Day Boogie 20 min.” has been added to the Unlimited On-Demand Package!), scheduling your meal prep time on your calendar, or bringing comfortable shoes to work each morning so that a  lunchtime walk becomes automatic, may be useful ideas! 

Who will you surround yourself with? Think about the people who will keep you motivated and accountable. This could be your classmates in our Zumba classes, friends you can walk with, a teacher who inspires you, or a coach who keeps you on track.

This year, there are no grades. YOU are the one in charge of your curriculum. Just like "add/drop" week in college, you can try new things and let go of what doesn't work for you along the way. This learning and self-knowledge continually build on themselves, having the potential to bring us closer to our own unique vision of wellness.

So, go out there and learn! Pack your toolkit, start your new semester strong, and enjoy the journey. I can't wait to dance with you in class and online in September!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie