Summer Lessons Before Autumn Arrives; Part One

WHAT HAS YOUR BODY BEEN TELLING YOU THIS SUMMER?

August has a funny way of sneaking up on us.

One minute we’re looking forward to longer days and lighter evenings, and the next we’re noticing the evenings drawing in and wondering where the summer went.

Before we start thinking about autumn routines, September plans and getting back on track, I’d like to invite you to do something different.

Pause.

Take a moment to consider what your body has been telling you over the last few months.

Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, but many of us have become very good at ignoring the messages.

We push through tiredness. We dismiss aches and pains. We convince ourselves we’ll deal with things later.

But what if we listened?

Perhaps you’ve noticed your energy levels have been lower than usual. 

Maybe you’ve realised that sitting at a desk all day leaves you feeling stiff and uncomfortable. 

Or perhaps you’ve discovered that a daily walk does more for your well being than you ever gave it credit for.

Summer often changes our routines. 

We travel more, socialise more and spend more time outdoors. 

Sometimes those changes highlight what supports us and what doesn’t.

Have you moved more this summer, or less?

Have you slept well?

Have you felt energised or exhausted?

Have there been little niggles that keep making themselves known?

None of these observations are good or bad. They’re simply information.

One of the things I often remind my clients is that the body isn’t trying to make life difficult. It’s doing its best to keep us informed.

Tight shoulders may be a sign that stress levels have crept up.

A sore back may be asking for more movement.

Persistent tiredness may be telling you that rest has slipped down the priority list.

The challenge is that many of us wait until the messages become impossible to ignore before we pay attention.

What if we didn’t?

As summer starts to draw to a close, take a few moments to reflect.

What has your body appreciated most this summer?

What has it struggled with?

What might it need more of as we move towards autumn?

You don’t need to fix anything today.

Simply notice.

Listening is often the first step towards positive change.

I’m listening to my body and going with my instinct – there’s a lot to be said for that!

Sam ‘paying attention’