Good morning!

I’ve been encountering a lot of tired parents this season. People are feeling exhausted and hoping to catch a break.

After a chaotic summer filled with activities, many of us hope the fall season will usher in a bit of peace. Unfortunately, while some stresses get better, others tend to worsen as the season changes. We go from one set of frantic activities to a new set of endless obligations.

So, how can you get back into balance?

I’ve got two ideas for you today. The first is easy. A few weeks ago, I discussed that putting off your own health care, whether physical or emotional, does not work. I suggested that you take a moment and determine if there is an area of your health you’ve been putting off.

I want to encourage you to choose one thing related to your health and take action. You might schedule a medical appointment, restart a medication, see your dentist, call your therapist…you get the picture.

No matter how busy you are, there is a good chance that you can fit one self-care step into your schedule in the coming week. You’re worth it, and your family needs you to take care of yourself.

The second idea for regaining balance takes a little contemplation and might involve adjusting your daily schedule. It involves developing a daily habit, one that leads to improved energy and a cascade of positive outcomes in your day. This is sometimes called a keystone habit and is different for different people.

What gives you energy? What activity starts your day right, helps you to re-center during the day, or makes you feel grounded in the evening?

Here are some examples:

• Taking a walk daily at a scheduled time

• Reviewing a list of affirmations before you start work

• Starting your day with meditation or prayer

• Going to the gym at a scheduled time

• Journaling each evening

• Sitting outside and observing nature

• Reading with your child before bed

• Doing a few minutes of yoga each day

What keystone habit appeals to you? Mine is walking every morning while I listen to an audiobook. It’s a wonderful way to start my day. Walking loosens up my body, and the ideas from the audiobook light up my mind.

Walking each morning has created a domino effect of other positive habits in my life. For example, to walk each morning, I have to regulate my sleep. My morning walking habit sort of forces me to get to bed at a decent time at night and get up on time each morning.

Remember that you don’t have to be perfect as you work to develop a daily self-care habit. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear says, “The point is to master the habit of showing up. The truth is, a habit must be established before it can be improved.”

If you’ve been feeling exhausted or out of balance recently, consider what self-care habit you could schedule daily, and start implementing it. Feel good about each step you take to take care of yourself!

Warmest regards,

Len

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