Stepping into a Sustainable September
September has arrived and for some it offers a fresh start, a chance to create new habits. For others it can feel too overwhelming to introduce something new when we already have season changes, back to school/work and getting into a new routine again. My motto has always been to offer safe, simple and sustainable solutions which means these are only invitations and you can pick and choose what works for you without getting overwhelmed or discouraged. If you are anything like me, I need the reminder often that we don’t have to do it all to make a difference, all it takes is all of us together taking a few small steps in the right direction. You get to pick what resonates and what’s a priority in your life…got it?!
Offerings / Invitations / Suggestions for a Sustainable September (and beyond):
Morning Routine - Are you someone who already has an AM ritual in place? Maybe its a workout or coffee or journal writing? Whatever it is a morning routine or ritual is a great place to start before introducing any new habits to your household. Why? Because when you start the day with a clear intention or growth mindset you are WAY MORE likely to succeed in whatever it is you set out to accomplish. Giving yourself that time can be a gift especially if your day involves showing up for others who might have demanding needs. Creating a healthy morning ritual can set you up for success in taking on those hard things without taking on the feeling of overwhelm. Adding in sustainability to your morning routine can also create an ease and awareness that flows with you throughout the day. For example how do you make your coffee or tea? Try switching to a zero waste option like a french press or stainless steel filter or even try the refillable stainless steel pod for your nespresso or keurig for your brew!
Growth Mindset - Having a growth mindset is directly linked to your dopamine release levels - we can actually teach (or trick) our brains to release dopamine when we want it to be released which will inevitably set us up for success in whatever we take on throughout the day. If I’ve lost you that’s ok! Check out this 9 minute video from Dr. Andrew Huberman or from his Stanford College Carol Dweck who developed the “Not Yet” theory. There are many videos or exercises available to practice this throughout your day and I strongly believe if you create this foundation the rest will feel easier!
Systems in place - Just like in any successful and productive workplace, systems and organization can make your home and sustainability journey much more sustainable. I love September for setting these thing up! It’s like a fresh start where I get to look what is working and what areas need improvement. From creating a “chore chart/calendar” and creating an organized recycling system to labeling jars and organizing the fridge. So before introducing any new systems take a look at what you are currently doing (or have tried doing) and start there, its like the low hanging fruit of implementing new habits - you and your household will be much more successful if you start with fine tuning the systems that already familiar. Remember there is no race here and the process is what it’s all about so take your time and don’t get overwhelmed.
Rewards & Encouragement - This is a gray area for me because just like Dr. Huberman states in the video above; rewards create a release of dopamine that then increases your baseline and takes away from the release during the activity so the next time you go to perform that task your body resists it. I see it in my kids (and myself) All the time! I try to make “chores” fun by turning on good music, working together and showing them the joy in being proud of a clean, organized space but alas it doesn’t work all the time! So rewards can be an option but they don’t have to be monetary, screen related or sugar-filled. Instead I try experiences like having a friend over to share in the joy of the clean space or going on a special outing like to the beach or river. Timing is everything and ceasing the moment when the moment arises is key so I suggest not filling the schedule so full in order to allow those moments to naturally arise more often which leads me to….
Time Management - My husband will laugh very hard when he reads this because he’s my biggest reminder (thats my nice way of saying he gives me a very hard time!!) when I’ve over scheduled myself and the family. But I will say I’m getting better every year and learning how to say No has been a huge help. I was introduced to the term “Watering down your Yes” by my good friend and mentor Zoey Ann (who I highly recommend working with if you are looking to achieve any kind of inner peace). Watering down your Yes means you say “Yes” to so many people and things that it starts to loose its meaning, you start to bail on things not because you want to but because you legit can’t fit everything in. It can be a very hard skill to learn especially if you are like me and LOVE doign so many different things and engaging with so many different people. But once you do start taking the time to think about and contemplate whatever has been offered or asked of you and you do start saying “No” a magical thing begins to happen! More of what really serve and nourishes you starts showing up and the other obligations drift away and get the hint. So my suggestion is when you are offered or asked to do something don’t say yes right away, take an appropriate amount of time (1 hour to 3 days depending on the time commitment asked) before making your decision, involve your family if effects them and make sure you haven’t given something up that you really wanted to do just to appease or help someone, you matter more!
OK so that might not have been the Sustainability Steps you expected but you will be surprised what comes in when you start with the smallest, simplest things. The rest will come and if you’re ready for more nitty, gritty Zero Waste living reach out and ask me about my Zero Waste Coaching Sessions happening this fall!
