It’s August and school is starting very soon. This is my busy season, when the students head back to campus and I go a little crazy planning the semester, preparing new lesson plans, and learning too many new names. On top of teaching, our house is still being renovated, I haven’t had time for a vacation, and my garden is struggling in Colorado’s arid heat. (How long can it possibly take for a tomato to turn red??) Maybe this time of year makes you feel a little overwhelmed, too. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I often slip into panic mode and my usually healthful behaviors become less… healthful. When you’re overwhelmed, do exercise, eating well, and rest fall by the wayside because other things seem more important?

Okay, deep breath. It’s time to get back to the usual routine and not neglect my health! This includes making time for exercise, sleep, going to the grocery store, and focusing on what’s really important. First, I’m going to write exercise and challenges (dinners, parties) into my planner so that I exercise and plan ahead to stay on track. Then, I’m going to schedule grocery store trips so I have time to make nutritious choices and don’t feel rushed. Finally, I’m going to get back to basics by focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables. When I’m running out the door to teach class, I tend to grab whatever is quickest. What could be quicker than a fresh pear or a baggie of cut veggies? Not to mention, these are the best choices to pack in energy and nutrients without sabotaging the other healthful behaviors I’ve written into my schedule.

Planning ahead clears clutter from my mind so I can focus on the task at hand. It’s time to decompress and plan for success!