In this weekly blog episode: A few words on feeling the back-to-school vibes, even as an adult. Plus, National GetOutside Day, my latest walking-related audiobook, and the Last Night of the Proms.
I mentioned in my last weekly blog (episode 163) how autumnal it is starting to feel here in the UK – and that feeling has only been getting stronger over the last few days. I’m not long home from attending this year’s Comms Unplugged event down in Dorset, and the very cold nights and almost-frosty mornings were a sure sign that we are done with summer. (More on Comms Unplugged in my next weekly blog episode.)
Then there’s the fact the laundry doesn’t seem to fully dry on the washing line anymore. Although, it still seems worth putting out the washing even if I have to finish drying it on the airer in the spare room. I’ll be clinging onto that for a good few weeks yet!
I’ve even noticed the colours starting to change on the trees. We’re not at the reds, oranges and browns stage of autumn yet, but there is a slight alteration in the greens evident. There’s no point hanging on, is there?!
Back-to-School Vibes
The biggest sign of autumn this week, though, is that the students are back at work. And with that, I’m feeling those back-to-school vibes deep within my bones. Working in the education sector as I do, it’s impossible to get away from everything associated with starting a new academic year.
But even if you don’t work close to education, and don’t have any children, I don’t think that feeling ever leaves you. You just can’t get away from it. Walking into any shop in early September, it’s impossible to miss the sea of back-to-school supplies. I mean, it’s 25 years since I left college and went to university, and I still see September as a real point of change and the start of something new.
This time of year – September – still brings a sense of renewal and fresh starts, much like it did during my school days. It feels like a fresh notebook waiting to be filled with new adventures. Those back-to-school vibes ingrained in my psyche bring with it an excitement for new stationery and the promise of a clean slate. Which in turn seems to nudge me to set new goals and dive into existing projects with a renewed energy.
Or rather, that’s the theory.
Embracing a Different New Year
I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast on exactly this topic the other day. She shared a few reasons why September makes a better New Year than January, and why setting goals now is a good way to move towards the end the year feeling motivated and accomplished. What she said made a lot of sense, and I have since found that many other researchers and coaches agree; September, the start of autumn, is a perfect New Year. More perfect than January could ever be. And those back-to-school vibes are in part responsible for that.
It starts with the fact that we are generally less productive in summer. Not necessarily because the hot weather makes us lethargic (although it can and does do that), but because we are motivated to do different things in July and August.
I admit I am pleased that this is a general rule, as I know it’s true for me. The warmer and longer days lure me outside, making it hard (almost impossible) to stay as productive as I might be in winter and spring. And even though I don’t think I made as much of this summer as I sometimes manage, I still spent more time enjoying life outdoors over the last few weeks. Let’s face it, I much (much) prefer to take a leisurely stroll on a summers evening instead of sitting at my computer, simple as that.
And that’s okay, we should embrace the summer and what the better weather allows us to do.
The Season for Change
But now, as the days start to shorten and the air gets crisper, it feels natural to want to bring a sense of structure back into our lives. Autumn is a season synonymous with change and renewal, and as such it lends itself to refreshing our routine, getting back to good habits, and focusing on the life we want to create for ourselves.
I feel ready to use the cooler weather and darker evenings to concentrate on tasks that require my full attention. I might be a bit sad I need to put the big light on to make my morning cuppa at 6.30am, but it’s apparently that very thing that helps make me more productive at this time of year.
September Resolutions!
The other thing that is true for September, is that it gives us a 12-week window until Christmas and the end of the year. This provides a natural countdown which, like back-to-school time, is hard to get away from. Four months is, according to the research Mel Robbins quoted in her podcast, an ideal timeframe for setting – and achieving – our short-term goals.
Making a sensible resolution now, with a deadline of the end of December (or Christmas, if you want a week less…), means we are more likely to stay focused and motivated enough to achieve it. I guess the thought of ending the year on a high note, with a tick in the box, is incredibly satisfying.
And so, while I was away at Comms Unplugged, I had a look at my bucket list for 2024, especially at those good intentions I set out for myself this year. I gave some real thought to what I want to achieve this season, and picked three of the handful of things from that list I want to concentrate on over the coming weeks. These aren’t big ambitions or adventures or anything like that, but are personal goals to keep me motivated and on track as the days get colder and shorter.
Get Outside, Write Regularly, Cook Good Food
Get One Hour Outside (or more) every day. This is the thing I talk about most on my blog, but it still needs to be my own specific goal. One Hour Outside inspired adventures I’d like to have over the next four months include walking, kayaking, motorcycling, jogging, picnics, campfires, and whatever else takes my fancy. This is an unapologetic outdoors catch-all, because having fun outside is one of my favourite ways to spend my time. And it’s what makes my life feel like my life.
Write regularly. The thing I let slide the most this summer was my blogging. I had been writing daily and publishing a couple of articles a week for many months. But in July and August, I was just not in the mood. I miss the rhythm of regular writing, the therapy that brings to my soul and the joy of sharing my thoughts with others. My hope – my aim – is to get back into the flow by setting time aside to write for (at least) 30-minutes every day. Which in turn I hope will lead to publishing more articles on Splodz Blogz and elsewhere. Starting with this one!
Cook good and nutritious food. I’ve said before how I go through phases when it comes to cooking. I always do it – five nights a week and sometimes more – but the effort that goes into those meals increases and decreases with my mood. This is about dedicating time to cooking, continue to build up my skills, and play about with ingredients and flavours. I want to explore new recipes and revisit my favourites, ensuring what is on my plate is nutritious and bursting with colour (a colourful meal is a healthy meal!). What’s on your meal plan this week? I’d love to know!!
Your Goals
What do you think? Have I convinced you that September is a better New Year than January? Have the back-to-school vibes gotten into your soul this year? Let me know if you’ve set any pre-Christmas goals or challenges for yourself.
National GetOutside Day 2024
Mark your calendars… This year’s National GetOutside Day is Sunday 29 September! Created by Ordnance Survey (for which I am a proud champion), this year’s theme is The Outdoors is Yours. It’s all about embracing the freedom and joy the great outdoors offers – and doing something to celebrate that.
The Outdoors is Yours means that no matter who you are, where you live, or what your level of experience is, the natural world is open and waiting for you. Whether you’re exploring the beauty of a local park, hiking a new trail, or enjoying a moment of peace in your garden, National GetOutside Day is an opportunity to step outside and embrace the world around you. The outdoors doesn’t belong to any one group or individual; it belongs to all of us. It’s a place where we can find joy, build memories, and improve our wellbeing.
Get One Hour Outside
To celebrate, why not join in with my One Hour Outside project? The idea is simple: spend at least one hour outside every day. Whether you’re running, walking, or just sitting in the park with a good book, that hour can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
National GetOutside Day is the perfect opportunity to kickstart this habit. Gather your friends and family, and make a day of it. Plan a hike, a picnic, or even a simple stroll from your own front door. The goal is to get moving and appreciate the beauty around us. Let’s make the most of this day and remind ourselves that the outdoors truly is ours to enjoy.
Here are some ways you can make the outdoors yours in a One Hour Outside style this National GetOutside Day this year:
- Find Your Space: Discover a new favourite spot or revisit a cherished one. Whether it’s a hidden gem, or a well-known destination, make it yours for the day.
- Create Your Adventure: No matter how big or small, every outdoor activity is an adventure waiting to happen. Plan something that excites you.
- Share the Experience: The outdoors is a place for connection and community. Whether you share the day with family, friends, or even strangers, let the outdoors bring people together.
- Respect and Protect: The outdoors is ours to enjoy, but it’s also ours to protect. Be mindful of the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty that we do today.
If you want more ideas, I wrote a list of fifty things to do outside in Autumn, or if you are really short on time, here are ten tiny things to do outside today.
That’s Entertainment
Audiobook: 52 Ways to Walk, Annabel Streets
On my drives to and from Dorset for Comms Unplugged, I listened to 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time by Annabel Streets on Audible. It was a very appropriate listen for an outdoors and wellbeing focused communications conference, thanks to the blend of practical tips and scientific research designed to encourage listeners to get outside and walk more.
Though this book, Streets breaks down the art of walking into 52 chunks, one for each week of the year. Each chapter feels like a short blog post like the kind I might write myself, packed with ideas to keep you moving. The advice is backed up with scientific studies, showing how walking can improve everything from our mental health to our creativity.
While it may not delve into the philosophical depths of walking like in Erling Kagge’s Walking (one of my favourite outdoorsy books), it offers a more hands-on approach that’s perfect for those who might be looking for actionable steps. It’s like having a friendly coach by your side, encouraging you to take that next step, literally and figuratively.
If you’re looking for a way to stay active and inspired throughout the year, this book is worth a listen.
Audible | Amazon | Waterstones
Last Night of the Proms
Is the Last Night of the Proms another sign of autumn? I think it probably is! This year’s concert was a delightful mix of tradition and novelty, and if you haven’t already watched it, it’s well worth catching on BBC iPlayer sometime this week.
The highlight for me was Iain Farrington’s new piece, Extra Time. This was an absolute blast in musical terms, celebrating the iconic music of sport with a playful energy that had me smiling and joining in – I loved it. Then there was a great rendition of The Pink Panther theme, an iconic saxophone riff everyone knows. And I always enjoy the added extras thrown into Fantasy on British Sea Songs, which show that musicians have both fantastic talent and love to laugh.
Once again, the concert was a testament to the excellence of the performers, composerts and arrangers, and the music gave me a warm, upbeat feeling. Music really is food for the soul, and the Proms are a cherished British tradition I’m happy to keep. I’d love to be in the Albert Hall for it one year. Available on iPlayer.
See You Next Time…
That’ll do for today. If I get my act together, I might get this one online today, and will therefore be making excellent start on my goal of writing a couple of articles a week. We’ll see… But first, I’m off to try a new-to-me curried rice recipe. If it’s good, I’ll tell you about it in my next episode!
Don’t forget to share your back-to-school inspired goals and challenges with me in the comments below – or over on Instagram. I’d love to support you to achieve your personal goals over the next few weeks.
See you next time.
What do you think? Comment below...