Don’t Stop Moving: Staying Active as Fall Routines Return
As September arrives, life shifts gears. Kids head back to school, summer break fades into memory, and work ramps up with new expectations. The transition can feel like jumping back onto a fast-moving treadmill: more deadlines, tighter schedules, and less free time. In the midst of all this, one thing often slips through the cracks: movement.
During the summer months, many of us are naturally more active. We rack up steps at the beach, log miles walking through amusement parks, swim at the pool, and generally spend more time outside. All of this activity, often unplanned and untracked, falls under what scientists call NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis). NEAT includes everything from strolling to the ice cream stand to chasing kids through the yard. It’s not a workout, but it adds up, keeping our bodies moving and our energy high.
When fall hits, that incidental activity often slows down. We’re sitting more, and our days become more structured and sedentary. The result? Our stress levels climb, our energy dips, and our fitness progress can stall. But here’s the good news: with a little intention, you can carry the spirit of summer movement into fall.
Why Movement Matters More Than Ever in Fall
Movement isn’t just about burning calories, it’s about supporting your whole self:
Stress management: Physical activity helps regulate cortisol (the stress hormone), making it easier to manage the pressures of work and family life.
Mental focus: Moving your body boosts circulation and oxygen flow, which can sharpen concentration during those long office hours.
Mood regulation: Exercise releases endorphins, our natural “feel-good” chemicals, helping ease the seasonal transition and prevent the autumn blues.
Energy balance: Staying active keeps your metabolism humming and reduces that sluggish feeling that comes from too much sitting.
Small, Practical Ways to Keep Moving This Season
You don’t need to replicate your summer adventures to stay active this fall. Instead, focus on weaving intentional movement into your daily routine:
Reframe your commute. Park farther from the office. Take the stairs when you can. Walk or bike for short trips.
Protect movement breaks. Set a timer to stand up, stretch, or walk every hour. Even five minutes makes a difference.
Make meetings mobile. Suggest walking meetings when possible. A change of scenery boosts both creativity and steps.
Recreate summer’s playfulness. Plan weekend hikes, family bike rides, or games in the yard to keep that spirit of activity alive.
Sneak in strength. Bodyweight exercises—squats, push-ups, planks—can be done in just a few minutes between tasks.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency. A little movement, repeated often, compounds into meaningful benefits.
Rethink “Exercise”
If fall’s busy schedule makes formal workouts harder to fit in, remember this: exercise doesn’t have to mean a full hour at the gym. Short bursts of activity throughout the day matter just as much. A brisk 10-minute walk, stretching while dinner cooks, or a dance session with your kids all count. The more you move in ways that feel natural and enjoyable, the easier it becomes to maintain momentum.
Movement as a Stress Buffer
As the demands of work and family stack up in September, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when we stop moving, stress compounds. The body becomes less efficient at processing stress hormones, making us feel more anxious, fatigued, and irritable.
By carving out space for movement, even in small ways, you give yourself a built-in stress release valve. Think of it as daily maintenance for your well-being, helping you show up calmer, more focused, and more resilient.
Ready to Build Healthier Habits This Season?
At The Well Being, we know that sustainable wellness is about adapting with the seasons. Our tailored programs can help you and your company find practical ways to stay active, reduce stress, and thrive year-round. Learn more at thewellbeingstl.com