It's that time again, back to school. While I haven't been back to school for quite a few years now, it's that time of year to buckle down and focus on your goals. There's only 4 months left in the year and the holidays are fast approaching. With fall and back to school, it can be a challenge to remember to take time for yourself and to keep on track with all your goals you made at the start of the year. So today I thought I'd share 5 Back to School/ Fall Hacks to Keep You On Track.
*I'm excited to be working with adidas on this post!
5 BACK TO SCHOOL/ FALL HACKS TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK
TIP #1: Set Up Your Day The Night Before
I am not a morning person. Snooze is my best friend and worst enemy. Freelancing makes it hard to get up early if I don't have a meeting I need to get to. Why bother getting up early, if you don't have to? Well, the rest of the world is on a schedule and the later I wake up the less productive I feel, which leads to me feeling bad about myself. So getting up earlier is a goal of mine. I also prefer to get my workout done first thing.
Working out first always sets up my day to be more productive. Something about starting the day with a good workout helps me feel like I've already achieved something. Working out earlier in the day also guarantees I won't keep putting it off later and later in the day, eventually to the next day, or sometimes even the next week.
How do I set up my day the night before? I like to layout my clothes for the morning the night before. When I schedule an early workout, laying out my clothes down to the socks and water bottle filled by my bed allows me those extra minutes of sleep and no excuse to not make it to the early workouts. A few years ago I took morning bootcamp at 7am. Which meant I had to wake up at 6am and be out the door by 6:20am. Having everything I could possibly need in the morning laid out near by and on my way out the door, including the banana I'd grab and eat in the car was the only way I'd make it on time and with out having to do extra laps or push ups.
Not working out in the morning? This works for school and work. Make sure you have everything you need from books to projects and laptops and chargers. Don't add stress when you're trying to get out the door, plan ahead and start your day right the night before.
TIP #2 GET CREATIVE and MAKE YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE
I can let work become an excuse to not make time for workouts, friends, family, and anything else, but I also hate canceling. So as long as it's an appointment in my calendar, I'll be there.
Instead of scheduling dinner, movies, or drinks with friends, which can make me feel guilty, schedule a new fitness class to try. Most studios offer a free trial class or a discount for bringing a friend. Kill two birds with one stone. Workout together and catch up before and after class. It's also healthier and more affordable then drinks or dinner.
This can also be applied to running errands and projects. Enlist a friend and turn it into a fun outing or get together. From re-painting a room, to an IKEA run, I've done it all and it makes it fun.
TIP #3 PLAN AHEAD and MEAL PREP
Most of us have health goals regarding diet and meal prep for our family or ourselves. So meal prepping for the week and shop in bulk. This may seem basic and obvious, but it's taken me awhile to figure out how to properly plan meals for a family of two always on the go. For us, we are currently living a ketogenic diet, so I've learned to buy my meats, dairy, and oils in bulk from Costco. Produce I like to refresh weekly to keep them fresh and crisp. Pre wash, cut, and store all the ingredients in single portions so you can easily throw things together. We always make enough at dinner for the next day's lunch, this cuts down on time and stress.
Keto has really been life changing for the two of us. We are able to think clearer now when it comes to our meals and we feel our best on this diet. Chris and I use to stress about what we were going to eat, who would buy the groceries, what we would make, and to be honest waste a lot of food and spend too much each month. Our lives have completely changed since discovering keto.
TIP #4 FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT
Wear your workout clothes! This sounds silly, but I will wear my workout clothes all day to remind myself to go workout. It also helps if you have a cute outfit to sport. Besides atleisure is still going strong. How cute is this sweatshirt? Comfy, cute, and setting myself up to go workout after morning emails.
TIP #5 UNPLUG
These days we are so connected all the time, it's become an addiction for most. When was the last time you were able to just wait in line and not look at your phone?
Turn your phone on airplane mode or do not disturb one hour before bedtime and place it in a different room from the bedroom. I'm notorious for checking my phone if it's near by and studies show that being on a screen before bed disrupts sleep. Plus how many times have you been woken up by an unnecessary text or alert. Bonus when your alarm goes off in the morning, you can't hit snooze without getting out of bed! No more being late to your morning workouts!
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YOU CAN DO IT!
I know a lot of my tips involve working out. If you've been following me the last few years, you know my weight and diet has been a struggle. Between depression, grief, and career changes, I've gained a lot of bad habits and weight. This past year has been a recovery year from getting back in the gym to finding a diet plan that would work for my needs and lifestyle.
Whatever your goals, these tips can still be used to help guide you to success.
xoxo
Serein
I really needed to read this today! Feeling very overwhelmed right now, so this reminds me to refocus. Thanks!!
Author
I’m so happy the post helped you out!
I love Costco. Meal prep is where I always fall short. Waking up to work out isn’t too hard for me but having healthy foods on hand so I don’t just eat something out of convenience is the important one for me. Also you look so cute in the outfits, I love Adidas!
Author
Thanks Ashley! It was a dream to work with adidas. I’m the same, I’ll make bad food choices in hunger and convenience.
I need planning my day better because I always want to do so many things and I don’t have tie for all!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Author
Time management is defiently a continued struggle! Good luck!
xoxo
Serein