How A Slow Summer Led to An Inspired Fall

This summer I did something I have never done before. I did less! I worked less, planned less getaways, exercised less, and was less social than usual. I focused on healing, unwinding and time with my family.

As someone who actually loves to work, and is fuelled by creativity and to-do lists, I have to say it wasn’t 100% easy sailing!!! Old thought patterns of not being good enough or that lack of productivity as bad would sneak in, but for the most part it was pretty darn amazing and I learned a lot.

I learned that taking breaks to really slow down is incredibly beneficial for me, but there’s a time limit. By the second week of August I got so friggin’ antsy to get back to work! And it wasn’t because I was stressed or felt it needed me back (my team rocked the summer beyond all expectations)!! What I found is the break lead me to feeling more motivated, more creative and more excited about the future than I had been in years!

The pro of doing less is that it led me to want to do more - I have more ideas, inspiration and energy for the work than every before.

How my slow summer led to an inspired fall in terms of work, family, and healthy routines.

WORK

Most people are surprised to learn that summer is our slowest season at Good Life Juice. You would think fresh juice and light eats would equate to us been super busy. Nope! As a wellness brand, we’re in the same boat as the rest of the health + fitness industry. Just like gyms and yoga studios, the summer is when we slow down.

It’s human nature for us to give up some healthy routines in the summer. We’re fuelled by fun, friends, family and sunshine . . . healthy routines can just go out the window! Even though I caught myself giving me a hard time once in a while, but that’s just silly!

If you’ve been giving yourself a hard time for letting go of some healthy routines this summer, then this is your friendly reminder to give yourself a break instead! If an entire industry slows down during the summer then why should your health routines be any different?!

And maybe, if you are like me, the break is gong to lead to a renewed sense of energy with what you have ahead of you! In the next few months we have more launches, changes, and exciting things in the works than any 3 month period in the past 8 years. Stay tuned for a FUN fall!

FAMILY

You wanna know what I can’t stop thinking about?! My oldest starts high school this year! How did that happen? My summer of working less had a lot to do with my desire to soak up as much time with him and his brother as I could. They got to stay up, sleep in, eat fun/soulful foods, enjoy more adventure time, and more chill time, and definitely less routine.

Prioritizing happiness and being present with my family is a habit I am trying to cultivate more and more. I found it easier in the first half of summer, and harder in the second. My goal for the fall is a balance.

And in terms of routines, the boys might not be thrilled about what I have in store come fall, but hot damn, I’m excited! The chore list will be updated, homework time will be structured, and as life gets busier, we will keep having pockets of time for doing less to feel balanced amongst it all.

Happiness is a habit—cultivate it. -Elbert Hubbard

HEALTHY ROUTINES

I love to geek out about healthy routines and the fall is my favourite time of year to dive in deep! I didn’t stray too far in the summer, but definitely meal prepped less, ate more fun/soulful foods, drank more cocktails and exercised way less.

Due to an ankle sprain in the spring, my walks had to be short and slow. Being in mother nature in that way allowed me to really slow down and connect (as opposed to run right by)!

Now that I have had a period of active rest, I am so excited to get back to the gym and get my sweat on, but will keep my walks slow and mindful - a new habit I am grateful to have formed. I strength train with an incredible group of women and our trainer Annie a few times per week - I’m nervous for how sore I’ll be the first week but so excited for that healthy routine to resume.

A routine that serves my family well is planning our weekly meals, doing a big shop on the weekend, then doing a little meal prep so we are set up when things get busy.

But perhaps the healthy routine that serves me most of all is prioritizing JOY over any other goal. Over business success, fitness goals or family adventures. Sparking joy is numero uno! Mother nature, being present with the kids, eating healthy, meditation, and being creative top the list for feeling good, being joyous, and having FUN!

Cheers to a fun fall y’all!

XO, Andrea