I know that summer often feels like that frustrating time when all your routines and schedules go out the window. The kids are home, or grandkids visit, vacations get packed in, and let’s be honest – habits can be hard to hang onto!

But what if I told you summer isn’t the habit-hampering season you think? That in fact, it could be your golden ticket to finally nailing those new habits you’ve been chasing?

I’ve been personally trying this out the past few weeks, and I’ve figured out that while it may seem counterintuitive, summer can actually be an ideal season for establishing new healthy habits. Here’s why:

* The summer mindset is all about renewal and freshness. The warm temperatures and abundant sunshine have an invigorating effect mentally and physically. We tend to crave lighter foods, spend more time outdoors, and have a spring in our step (well, hopefully most days). This vibrant energy is the perfect catalyst for making positive changes.

* Summer’s slower pace also works in your favor. With fewer commitments and a more relaxed schedule, you have the time and mental bandwidth to properly integrate new habits. Starting incremental, sustainable habits is far easier when you’re not rushing from one endless obligation to the next.

* The summer season is also a powerful motivator all on its own. Who doesn’t want to look and feel their best in warm weather and lighter clothing? New fitness routines, healthier eating, hydrating more – these habits seem so much more attractive and worthwhile in the summer.

* Finally, habits started in summer can easily carry into fall. You’ve already done the hard work of installing the new routines and patterns in your brain. By September, those habits will be second nature.

So don’t buy into the idea that summer’s lack of schedule makes it impossible to upgrade your habits. Embrace the mindset, pace, motivation and consistency offered by the season to finally make those positive changes you’ve been waiting for!

Pretty cool how summer could actually be your habit-changing power season, right? That lazy vacay time may be the secret weapon you never expected!

So get started this weekend: commit to just one new habit.

Whether it’s kicking off your day with a green smoothie, journaling your thoughts, squeezing in a morning workout (I’ve been enjoying the 30-day wall Pilates for “mature” ladies), or anything else that fits your vibe, the choice is yours.

Don’t let summer’s schedule shake-ups stop you – reframe this as your habit-building season and watch the magic happen!

You’ve totally got this!