If you’ve been feeling unusually sluggish lately, you’re not alone. Many people notice a dip in their energy, motivation and mood as summer fades, meaning September can feel like hitting a speed bump in your wellness routine. Add in the back-to-school shuffle, busier work schedules, longer to-do lists and fewer daylight hours, and it’s no wonder many people find themselves in what we call the “September slump.”
The good news? Fall is the perfect season to reset, refresh and recommit to your fitness goals—and Healthier 901 is here to help you every step (and lunge, and stretch) of the way.
“Summer-to-fall is a perfect storm of biological, environmental, and lifestyle changes, and if you don’t support your body with some form of consistent wellness routine, that low-energy feeling can linger. The key is starting small, finding activities you enjoy, and making them a non-negotiable part of your week.”
– Chad A. Jones, DNP, FNP – C, Primary/Internal Medicine Provider at Methodist Healthcare
Benefits of a consistent fitness routine
The science is clear: regular physical activity benefits nearly every aspect of your health. It strengthens your heart, improves mood, supports a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic disease and boosts your energy. Staying active also promotes better sleep and sharper focus, both of which are welcome during the busy fall season.
Tips for falling into healthy habits
At Healthier 901, we know that fitness isn’t just for the gym—it’s about building habits that fit your life, whatever the season. Whether you’re chasing your kids through a corn maze, logging miles on a leaf-lined trail or enjoying a crisp evening walk, we’ve got the tools, resources and inspiration to keep you moving long after summer ends. Try one (or more!) of the five proven practices below to help you shake off the September slump:
- Prioritize light, movement and connection. A little intentional exposure to daylight—even 15 minutes on your lunch break— can help boost mood and energy. Pair your outside time with regular movement, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga or a quick bodyweight workout, and invite an energizing friend or colleague to join you.
- Revisit (and refresh) your goals. Summer vibes make it easy to coast without much structure, so when fall begins, it’s a perfect time to check in with yourself and refresh your goals. Keep them realistic—and make them visible by writing them down or posting them somewhere you’ll see them often.
- Build a fall-friendly routine. Understand that what worked for you in June might not work in September. Earlier sunsets and cooler mornings can shift the best times for workouts, meal prep or outdoor activities; the trick is to adapt your rhythms instead of trying to force summer habits into a different season.
- Schedule your workouts (and other wellness time) like appointments. Regular physical activity, even short walks, can increase circulation, release feel-good endorphins and help fight fatigue—as can other wellness-oriented activities, such as meditation, journaling, deep breathing or preparing a nourishing meal. Block off workout and wellness time on your calendar, and treat it as non-negotiable.
- Celebrate small wins. When motivation dips, it’s tempting to wait until you feel “ready” to start again, but in truth, action creates momentum. Instead of focusing on big leaps, celebrate the small, consistent steps—getting to bed 30 minutes earlier, prepping a healthy lunch or taking that short walk between meetings. Over time, small wins add up to renewed energy and drive.
Starting strong this fall
“When you invest in your own health, everything else benefits—your energy, your relationships, even your outlook on life. Autumn is an excellent time to reestablish your rhythm, and Healthier 901 offers resources to make that easier than ever.”
– Chad A. Jones, DNP, FNP – C, Primary/Internal Medicine Provider at Methodist Healthcare
Wherever you are on your wellness journey, don’t let the September slump slow your stride. Explore Healthier 901’s free on-demand workouts, fitness trackers, and personalized challenges to help you form—and keep—healthy habits all season long. This fall, trade the slump for a strong finish, and let your wellness goals be the one thing that doesn’t fall behind.
