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HOW TO WELCOME THE SEASON AHEAD WITH PRESENCE AND EASE
Just like that, the first day of fall is here. And while we wish we could have just a few more care-free summer days, we’re looking forward to embracing the season ahead. For ideas on how to move into fall with success, we spoke to barre3 VP of Research and Development, Lisa Schale-Drake. Below, Lisa shares five ideas for tackling life’s transitions and moving into a new season with grace and ease.
EXPERIENCE GRATITUDE—AND WRITE IT DOWN
I love my gratitude journal. Even on days when I don’t think I have anything to write, just the intention of sitting down with my notebook helps me find something I can be grateful for or appreciate in my life.
I challenge myself to always find three things to write down. It can be repetitive—sometimes it’s the same three things for a week. But every time I practice it, I walk away from my gratitude journal with a glass-half-full perspective. Writing it down helps me stay in that positive mental state.
PICK YOUR “MINI MOMENTS” AND LEAN INTO THEM
While it can be tempting to write out a list of big, lofty goals, I’ve found it much easier and doable to focus on the “mini moments” instead. Throughout my day, I look for the smaller moments when I can center and take care of myself. That can be as simple as taking two minutes to write in my gratitude journal, or settling for a 10-minute stroll with my dog if I don’t have time for a longer walk.
REMEMBER THAT ALL MOVEMENT COUNTS
I aim to work out three to four times a week. The key to reaching that goal is not limiting myself on what that looks like. Some days, I’ll be able to make it to the studio for a challenging class, but if my schedule doesn’t allow for it, I’ll get in a 10-minute or 30-minute barre3 online class while my kids are reading or getting ready for bed. I give myself the grace for my movement to look different day-to-day.
RELEASE GUILT
With everything—movement and goals I have for myself, I try not to feel guilty for not accomplishing what I set out to do. There are days when I just can’t find time for a workout. I could beat myself up about it or get frustrated, but instead, I choose to reflect and realize that maybe I had a great day with my family or I spent that time reconnecting with a friend instead.
I’m taking my wins when I can get them. It’s a healthy balance of prioritizing yourself but also not stressing so much about it. If I don’t achieve it, I try to let it go and feel grateful for what I did accomplish and move on.
GET ON THE SAME PAGE (WHILE MAKING IT FUN!)
As a mom, moving into fall means helping my kids make the transition back to school. During this season, it’s really important to me to make sure that our family isn’t burning the candle at two ends. Every Sunday, we have a family meeting that helps us get aligned for the week ahead.
The meeting is short, but it gives us that intentional time to connect as a family and to talk over any family issues. It’s a way for us to make sure our kids feel like they’re being included in problem solving and family dynamics. We also use that time to plan our schedules and meals. It lets us be realistic about what we can do during the week. For example, maybe Tuesday we can’t make a new meal because there’s soccer practice at 5pm, so we’ll make that a hummus plate night instead.
And, to sweeten the deal a little, we always make sure to do something fun afterward: family meeting may lead to a game, an activity, or a surprise. For me, it’s really important to make sure we’re not losing sight of fun. Having this meeting lets us be realistic and not overcommit ourselves.
Ready to step into a season of positive change? Find your local studio, or get started online with a 15-day free trial today!
Just like that, the first day of fall is here. And while we wish we could have just a few more care-free summer days, we’re looking forward to embracing the season ahead. For ideas on how to move into fall with success, we spoke to barre3 VP of Research and Development, Lisa Schale-Drake. Below, Lisa shares five ideas for tackling life’s transitions and moving into a new season with grace and ease.
EXPERIENCE GRATITUDE—AND WRITE IT DOWN
I love my gratitude journal. Even on days when I don’t think I have anything to write, just the intention of sitting down with my notebook helps me find something I can be grateful for or appreciate in my life.
I challenge myself to always find three things to write down. It can be repetitive—sometimes it’s the same three things for a week. But every time I practice it, I walk away from my gratitude journal with a glass-half-full perspective. Writing it down helps me stay in that positive mental state.
PICK YOUR “MINI MOMENTS” AND LEAN INTO THEM
While it can be tempting to write out a list of big, lofty goals, I’ve found it much easier and doable to focus on the “mini moments” instead. Throughout my day, I look for the smaller moments when I can center and take care of myself. That can be as simple as taking two minutes to write in my gratitude journal, or settling for a 10-minute stroll with my dog if I don’t have time for a longer walk.
REMEMBER THAT ALL MOVEMENT COUNTS
I aim to work out three to four times a week. The key to reaching that goal is not limiting myself on what that looks like. Some days, I’ll be able to make it to the studio for a challenging class, but if my schedule doesn’t allow for it, I’ll get in a 10-minute or 30-minute barre3 online class while my kids are reading or getting ready for bed. I give myself the grace for my movement to look different day-to-day.
RELEASE GUILT
With everything—movement and goals I have for myself, I try not to feel guilty for not accomplishing what I set out to do. There are days when I just can’t find time for a workout. I could beat myself up about it or get frustrated, but instead, I choose to reflect and realize that maybe I had a great day with my family or I spent that time reconnecting with a friend instead.
I’m taking my wins when I can get them. It’s a healthy balance of prioritizing yourself but also not stressing so much about it. If I don’t achieve it, I try to let it go and feel grateful for what I did accomplish and move on.
GET ON THE SAME PAGE (WHILE MAKING IT FUN!)
As a mom, moving into fall means helping my kids make the transition back to school. During this season, it’s really important to me to make sure that our family isn’t burning the candle at two ends. Every Sunday, we have a family meeting that helps us get aligned for the week ahead.
The meeting is short, but it gives us that intentional time to connect as a family and to talk over any family issues. It’s a way for us to make sure our kids feel like they’re being included in problem solving and family dynamics. We also use that time to plan our schedules and meals. It lets us be realistic about what we can do during the week. For example, maybe Tuesday we can’t make a new meal because there’s soccer practice at 5pm, so we’ll make that a hummus plate night instead.
And, to sweeten the deal a little, we always make sure to do something fun afterward: family meeting may lead to a game, an activity, or a surprise. For me, it’s really important to make sure we’re not losing sight of fun. Having this meeting lets us be realistic and not overcommit ourselves.
Ready to step into a season of positive change? Find your local studio, or get started online with a 15-day free trial today!
