Finding Your Rhythm After the Fall Back

In honor of Daylight Savings yesterday, I figured this week's topic should be about creating new routines!  As the clocks turn back and our evenings feel longer (it is dark by like 4 pm!), many of us notice a shift.  Less energy, minimal motivation, trouble sleeping, and disrupted schedules.  Rather than trying to fight against it, I encourage you to work with it by using what is called the BACE framework for self-care: Body Care, Achievement, Connection, Enjoyment.  This model encourages the development of a well-rounded routine supporting both physical and mental wellness.  Here's what it looks like in practice:

1. Body Care: It is easy to forget that it takes time to take care of our bodies.  Think about paying more attention to sleep (especially routines around bedtime!), healthy eating, exercise, and even tasks as seemingly simple as basic hygiene.
2. Achievement: We feel good about ourselves when we have a sense of accomplishment.  This could be everything from completing work tasks to chores to tending to your garden or learning a new song on guitar.  Maybe even tackle those items that have been on your to-do list for months!
3. Connection: Set aside specific time to connect with friends, family, pets, and anyone else you care about.  It could be a text, a phone call, an email, or even face-to-face time if you are able!
4. Enjoyment: Do more things that make you feel good!  Is there an old hobby you want to revisit?  A board game you haven't played in forever?  Do something that brings you joy without feeling any obligation to be good at it or accomplish something.

As time falls back this week, allow yourself to fall forward into a routine that supports all aspects of you.  Over time, these small but consistent practices will become habit, and you will find yourself feeling better overall because you are meeting your core needs each and every day.

Extra Tip: Write it down!  Fill in a chart to help manage until it becomes automatic.  Feel free to borrow this one!

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