Two PSAs from your friendly W+T Therapist
Beautiful William O’Brien State Park - Just imagine getting your therapy session in here!
If you live in Minnesota (and probs Wisconsin), the weather for the week ahead is looking like an absolute September DREAM. Highs in the mid-seventies, sunshine, and no rain for the foreseeable future. In fact, as I sit inside writing this, my brain is already outside… a solo walk at William O’Brien is calling my name, and it’s loud! I can hardly wait to breathe in some fresh air, disconnect for a bit, and find some calm before getting the kids off of the bus and transitioning into full-on mom-mode.
Now for the buzz-kill. As Wise Womxn Wellness’s resident therapist, it’s part of my duty to be real with ya’ll. While these temps are gorg and sunshine is still a regular part of our current weather repertoire, we all know what’s next. Cue the Game of Throne’s quote “Winter is Coming…” As northern hemisphere folx, we know this means two things: Literal winter temps/limited sunshine and also the metaphorical winter that goes hand in hand (for many of us) with the change in season…less energy and lower mood.
That being said, I have two PSAs for you…
1). If you don’t have a movement habit established, now is a great time to consider this. Start small. It doesn’t have to be a 60 min. work-out at your local cross-fit gym. It could be walking for 10 minutes after lunch. If you start now while the weather is beautiful, and make your habit bite-sized—so easy that you almost can’t not do it, your future (winter) self will be so grateful. I, myself, am aiming to fit in more movement, more often. I can so easily fall into “all-or-nothing” type of days—walking 20,000+ steps on days where I have Walk + Talk clients, and 3,000 on the days I don’t. If anyone is looking for more consistency and accountability, peep our stories in the coming weeks—I’ve got some ideas!
2). Get yourself a “Happy Light.” Bright Light Therapy is an awesome way to help stave off some of the “Winter Blues” by increasing mood-regulating hormones and regulating your circadian rhythm. This type of light therapy helps by mimicking natural sunlight which we are all craaaaving in the dead of winter. Every September I deliver this annual reminder to my clients to dust off those happy lights or try to acquire one. Bonus: they are often HSA/FSA eligible.
Looking to take your therapy to the next level? Kari’s got more Walk + Talk sessions available and fall is THE time to get started. Get in my inbox! kari@wisewomxnwellness.com