Getting Back on Track and Building Habits

Using Autumn to restart and form lasting healthy habits

As the summer days fade and routines shift back into place, September can often feel like a second chance at a fresh start. Like how we view January with its New Year’s resolutions, at Perpetua, we see September and October as the perfect time to reset and get back on track. 

After a more relaxed summer, many of us can find it challenging to get back into structured routines. That’s why these months are an ideal time to refocus and start building healthy habits. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to leverage this month to reset, form lasting habits, and ensure a strong, successful finish to the year.

Embrace the “September Reset”   

As the seasons change and summer activities wind down, there’s a natural shift back into structure. Psychologically, the mind thrives on new beginnings, be it the start of a new week, a new month, or even a new season, and fresh starts help us feel motivated and open to change. It’s this energy that makes September such a powerful motivator to rebuild habits and regain lost momentum after a less structured summer. And, unlike January, September doesn’t come with the pressure of resolutions or extreme lifestyle overhauls. This makes it a perfect time to reset without the weight of expectation. 

Tips to kickstart your September reset:

• Set specific goals: Write down clear, actionable goals to work towards.
• Reflect on the past: Consider the habits you may have dropped over the summer and decide which ones to prioritise now.
• Create a plan: Whether it’s reestablishing your fitness routine or planning healthier meals, make a simple plan to follow.

Start Small for Sustainable Success 

One of the most common mistakes people make when getting back on track is trying to do too much at once. While motivation might be high in the beginning, overwhelming goals often lead to burnout. Instead, focus on starting small and making gradual changes that build over time. This method ensures you can stick to your plan without feeling exhausted or discouraged. For example, if you’re trying to reestablish a fitness routine, rather than jumping into an intense seven-day workout schedule, try easing in with 2-3 days a week. 

Some simple ways to get started:

• Drink a glass of water every morning: Starting your day with hydration is an easy, beneficial habit to build.
• Incorporate short walks: Adding even brief 10-minute walks into your daily routine is a small, yet manageable change that can have real benefits.
• Set a consistent wakeup time: Regulating your sleep schedule helps create structure and supports better energy levels throughout the day.

Routine, Structure, and Accountability

Creating a routine is one of the most effective ways to ensure success when building healthy habits. Having a structured plan to follow will provide consistency, which is crucial for forming long-lasting healthy habits. At Perpetua, we believe that consistency builds discipline, and with time, these actions just become second nature. 

To enhance your progress, you can use habit-tracking tools. Daily journals, habit-tracking apps, or even the Perpetua Training app can be excellent resources for monitoring progress. Tools like this will help you visualise your goals and provide a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks.

Another good option is to find an accountability partner, which we’ve seen can significantly increase the chance of you sticking to your routine. Group fitness classes or working with a personal trainer are great options to help you stay consistent and accountable in your fitness journey.

Overall, the Autumn months of September and October are the perfect time to hit the reset button and focus on building healthy habits. By embracing this refresh, starting small, and creating a structured routine with accountability, you set yourself up for long-term success for seasons ahead. 

Thank you for reading our blog ‘Getting Back on Track and Building Habits’. Start building your healthy habits today, check out Perpetua Fitness upcoming workout classes.