Sticking to Routines When September Gets Heavy
September starts strong — new goals, a clean slate, maybe even a little motivation. But once the weather shifts, the mornings get darker, and the rain sets in… it gets harder to keep up.
If your routine is already slipping, you’re not alone. And no, you don’t need to start waking up at 5am or do yoga every time you boil the kettle.
Why It Gets Tough
As the season changes, so does your body and mind. Less sunlight, colder days, and a shift in pace can lead to tiredness, low mood, or just that “meh” feeling. If you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, or depression, it can hit even harder.
The truth is: it’s completely normal for routines to wobble right now. What matters most is how you respond.
5 Realistic Ways to Keep Going
Here are a few low-pressure tips to help you keep your routine going — without expecting perfection:
- Shrink the Task
If your routine feels too heavy, make it smaller.
- Can’t do a full workout? Try 5 minutes of stretching.
- No energy to cook? Make toast and something warm.
Doing something small keeps the habit alive — and often gives you the energy to do more later.
- Move Your Routine Around
Hate early mornings now that it’s darker? That’s okay.
Shift your walk, workout, or quiet time to a part of the day that actually works — even if it’s 3pm between meetings. - Keep One Thing Steady
If everything else feels messy, choose one non-negotiable.
Maybe it’s taking your meds, drinking water, journaling at night, or just making your bed. Let that be your anchor. - Plan for Low-Energy Days
Build routines that work even when you feel flat.
Example:
- “If I’m tired, I’ll swap my usual routine for a 10-minute version.”
That way, you’re still showing up for yourself — without pushing too hard.
- Talk About It
When your routine falls apart, it can bring shame or frustration. You might think you’re lazy, failing, or “not disciplined enough.” You’re not.
Sometimes, what’s underneath the routine struggle is burnout, grief, anxiety — or just plain overwhelm. Talking to a counsellor can help you figure out what’s really going on.
In Summary
You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to keep up with how you felt in week one of September.
You just have to stay connected to yourself — and take the next small step.
📩 Need help staying grounded this season?
Let’s talk.
Counselling can help you rebuild routines that actually work for your life — no shame, no pressure.
Book a free 15-minute intro call today.
Call us on: 0161 676 0341
Email: info@wellbeing-rehab.co.uk
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