Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

It’s that time of year again—back-to-school time. Whether you’re sending your little one off to kindergarten or dropping your teenager at college, back-to-school season is here, and with it comes a shift in routines. We’ve spent the summer enjoying the great outdoors, barbecues, and long, sunny days. But as we transition into the new school year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our habits and routines.

The Power of Habit Stacking

Last year, when my son went off to college for his freshman year, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. I learned that many of my routines were stacked on top of habits that involved him—whether it was driving him to karate or catching up after school. Suddenly, when he wasn’t around, and I realized that some of my healthy habits were tied to his presence, I had to reimagine how to structure my day.

This experience highlighted the importance of habit stacking but in a way that focuses on you and the habits you control. Habit stacking is all about building new habits by linking them to existing ones. For example, if you brush your teeth every morning, you might decide to do ten squats while brushing. This works because brushing your teeth is something you do consistently, and it’s within your control.

However, if your habit is tied to something external, like dropping your child off at school, and that routine changes, you lose the foundation for your habit. This can be a challenge when routines shift, as they often do during the back-to-school season.

Adapting to Seasonal Shifts

As we approach Labor Day weekend, a natural time of change for many, it’s essential to think about how your routines and habits might need to shift. Whether or not you have kids, this time of year often brings a shift in focus, energy, and daily activities.

So, I invite you to reflect on your current habits. What habits might you need to restack or reconfigure as the seasons change? Are there new habits you want to form that better align with your goals? 

As always, my wish for you is to live a life you love—without feeling hungry, deprived, or giving up the things that bring you joy. Embrace the changes, stack those habits wisely, and make this season your best one yet.