Can you believe there are only three months left in the year? Somewhere between the long summer days and the back-to-school rush, it’s easy to fall out of rhythm with the healthy habits we set for ourselves. The good news? You don’t have to wait until January to start fresh. Now is the perfect time to rediscover your routine and finish the year strong.
Think about it this way: three months is a season. That’s plenty of time to build momentum, recommit to your goals and set yourself up for success in the new year. And who knows—since weigh-ins go until the very end of the year, this could even be your chance to earn royalty status or become a division winner if that’s your goal.
Here are five ways to reset without overwhelming yourself:
1. Revisit what’s working (and what’s not).
Take a few minutes to reflect. Are there habits you used to stick to that have slipped away? Maybe daily walks, meal prepping or logging your progress. Bringing just one of them back can help you feel grounded again.
2. Create a new goal.
Instead of a sweeping resolution, choose one or a few small, realistic goals to focus on from now until the end of December. If you decide on more than one, just be careful not to overload yourself—too many at once can feel overwhelming and may make you want to give up. The best way to set goals? Make them SMART!
3. Keep your schedule simple.
With the holidays approaching, your calendar may start to fill up fast. Try linking your wellness goals to things you’re already doing. If you’re cooking dinner, take that time to prep tomorrow’s lunch. If you’re watching TV, stretch during the commercial breaks. If you’re already taking the dog for a walk, go a little longer or take another one.
4. Celebrate your progress.
Don’t wait until the ball drops on New Year’s Eve to pat yourself on the back. Every healthy choice you make between now and then matters. Give yourself credit—you’re moving in the right direction.
5. Lean on your support system.
Getting back into a routine is easier when you don’t go it alone. Whether it’s your TOPS chapter, a walking buddy, or a family member cheering you on, surrounding yourself with encouragement can help you stay consistent and motivated.
Rediscovering your routine doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Sometimes it’s just about coming back to what you know works, one small step at a time. These last three months are your opportunity to realign with your goals and carry that energy into the new year.
Start where you are and see how far three months can take you!
Lexi Wojcik-Kretchmer is the TOPS Communications Specialist and Writer/Editor for TOPS News. When she’s not working at TOPS, you can probably find her at the gym, listening to audiobooks on the treadmill, finding good-tasting ways to get her protein in or curled up in the evening with a good book and her cats, Chimi and Little Man, by her side.
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