Embracing September: The Perfect Time to Soak Up the Last of Summer
As the calendar turns to September, I feel an unmistakable shift in the air. As the days grow shorter, with crisp and fresh mornings, it brings a reminder that the cooler autumn is just around the corner.
September holds a special place in my heart as it is a final, golden opportunity to soak up the last rays of summer before the chill (and often damp) weather of autumn and winter sets in.
It also feels like a month of balance as nature offers us the best of both worlds: the refreshing crispness of the approaching autumn and the residual warmth of summer during the day. This balance makes it the perfect month to combine more energetic outdoor activities in the morning, and then relaxing during the sultry, sunny days that we hope will continue during the month.
The Importance of Activity in September
- Boosting Mood and Mental Wellbeing
September is a critical time for mental health. As the days shorten and the bustle of summer winds down, it’s easy to fall into a post-summer slump. Getting outside for activity this month is a powerful antidote to any low mood. Sunshine, even in milder doses, is a natural mood booster and increases the production of serotonin, our“feel-good” hormone, and vitamin D, both of which can help to ward off or minimise feelings of anxiety and depression. This is especially important for those of us who experience seasonal depression.
So, whether it’s a brisk morning walk, a weekend hike, or simply hanging out in the park with a good book, get outside and soak in the sunlight to stock up on positive energy before the darker, colder months arrive. Look into adding meditation or relaxation to your day as the slowing down of nature encourages rest and recharging.
If you are a fitness professional and want to explore exercise and mental health, I have a course running in October and April so visit https://fabnewlous.thrivecart.com/meh/ for more information. If you are interested email me at admin@sarahbolitho.com for a code to get a £40 discount.
- Enjoying the Best Weather of the Year
I don’t know about you, but there’s something so satisfying about a September day that begins with a light sweater and trousers and ends in a T-shirt and shorts as you sit in the warmth of the early evening sun, watching as it casts its golden rays over everything.
This type of weather is, in my opinion, a fabulous bonus. The mornings are often cool and crisp which is perfect for brisk walks, invigorating jogs or yoga sessions. As the day progresses, the temperature rises and the warmth of the sun calls us outdoors, without the oppressive heat of high summer. This combination of cool mornings and warm days and evenings makes September ideal for a wide range of pursuits, from more energetic exercise such as cycling and running to gentler activities like gardening, yoga, paddleboarding or canoeing and swimming. Involving friends and family in these activities not only creates lasting memories but also helps ease the transition into the colder months.
- Preparing for the Seasonal Shift®
In my other business, Fabnewlous, I talk a lot about the Seasonal Shift®. While life is about enjoying the present, it’s also important to consider how we shift from the summer season into autumn. Changing our lifestyles, even minimally, to flow with the change in the season can help boost our health and well-being and prepare us for the colder and darker months ahead.
Any exercise strengthens the immune system, boosts energy levels, and keeps our bodies healthy. As we head into these colder, more sedentary months I tend to shift from more energetic activity to slightly slower exercise like yoga and stretching. I keep up my daily morning walks (not sure my dog would let me stop that!) and love watching the sun rise over misty fields. Staying active in September also helps us to maintain an active lifestyle throughout autumn and winter. When the colder and shorter days set in, it’s much easier to stay motivated if we’ve already established an activity routine.
Changing our diet to include more warming and comforting foods also helps boost our health. Think about the colours of autumn and start to include more orange, red, yellow, and dark green foods in your diet. Consider the way you cook, moving from the fresh, raw and light foods of summer to adding roasted butternut squash to a salad or creating nurturing and nourishing soups. Seasonal foods to add to your diet include:
- Green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale and salad leaves
- Orange and red root veg such as beetroot, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potato
- Wholegrains like brown rice (I love short grain versions) quinoa and oats (get the best quality you can)
- Beans, peas and lentils – so many to choose from!
- Fruits to go for include apples, pears, plums, grapes, and all citrus fruits
- Protein can be anything you fancy including beans, cheese, eggs, fish and meat but check the source, and for fish go for a sustainable option
This is the time of year when I start wearing more autumnal colours as it helps me to get in tune with the new autumn season.
So, let’s embrace September for all it offers—a chance to keep moving yet slow down a little, to breathe and relax, and to soak up the last of the summer sun.
Here’s to hoping for those perfect days, when the skies are clear, the air is warm, and the spirit of summer lingers just a little longer.
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