10 ways to put some a-ha in your August
Hi! Hope you’re having a great weekend <3 I’m still on the mend over here with my Frankenthumb, but enjoying a nice relaxing weekend with the fam. We have cousins here, too, so it’s been really exciting to see some familia.
Now that it’s a new, fresh month, I always like to brainstorm some ideas to make it even better. For this August, let’s focus on positive change: the little things that make us say “a-ha!” “Yes, I could do that better.” “I could streamline those tasks.” “I could show more love and patience.” “I could push myself harder for this.”
Here are some ideas to make it an even better August:
1) Change up your workout split. If you get my emails, then you know I already did that for ya! Make sure to check in with your workouts and strength test on the workout page. (If you’d like to join in the fun, subscribe below!
You’ll get my future emails + link to the monthly workout page.) If you’re not sure how to change up your routine or split, check out this weight training 101 post + this post on setting up a workout plan.
2) Treat yourself to a new workout tank. I especially love the super light fabric and built-in support of this one. I’ve found that I can still get an awesome workout in my grimy baggy tees and tempo shorts, but a new tank always puts a little pep in my step 😉
3) Check out an outdoor concert or movie. We’ve been cranking away at our summer bucket list, and I’m excited to go to another outdoor concert. Also, I’m glad Livi can’t read so I can tell you guys that we got tickets to go see a Mickey Mouse show that’s coming to town. She is going to go crazypants, and I can’t wait to witness it.
4) Set a timer. This has been a huge help for productivity for me. If I’m going to respond to emails for 10 minutes, I set a timer for 10 minutes and crank away. Knowing that I only have a set amount of time prevents me from mindlessly lurking Facebook.
5) Check out a new podcast! I adore listening to podcasts and audiobooks -especially during drives- and recently downloaded “Outliers” on Audible. I’ve also become a huge fan of the Amy Porterfield podcasts; lots of fantastic social media tips.
6) Give yourself something to look forward to each week. Plan out something for each remaining weekend in August, whether it’s something small (a dinner picnic with family and friends) or something bigger (like a staycation).
7) Try a new skincare product. My current fave is this Sugar face polish. It gentle exfoliates and smells like strawberries! I’m in the market for a new tinted SPF moisturizer, since my Yes To one has run out and I like to switch it up every now and again.
8) Revamp your workout playlist! Need some ideas? Check out this post and this post.
9) Add 5 minutes of silence. I’m always trying to make meditation a priority, especially after the Yoga Journal conference. I’m determined to do at least five minutes of quiet time and deep breaking each day for the rest of the month.
10) Take a new class and bring a buddy with you! Some of my faves: Orangetheory, Bodypump, Zumba and barre!
What’s something you’re going to do this month? Something you’re really looking forward to?
Cheers to an amazing August!
xoxo
Gina
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I’m moving continents this month so I guess that’s new 😉 heading back to the west coast from the UK, I can’t wait to be surrounded by the sea. Also just got some tea tree scrub and wash from the body shop… Live new face/shower products!
yeah that’s new! so exciting!
I’m SO looking forward to trying out a barre class this month. During August, our gym offers a week of free classes and I can’t wait to try some new ones there too!
so awesome!
I haven’t tried any of the sugar face products (I’ve only tried the chapstick but it’s good!) so I really want to try that face polish! This is a big month for me–tomorrow I take the GRE and then go on vacation to the beach 🙂 I live in Colorado so I can’t wait to be near the ocean!
which beach are you visiting??
All the ones I can in Maui 🙂 Preferably with a pina coloda in hand! Because that’s really the only proper way to do it, right?
that sounds exactly right to me 🙂
I am hoping to get back into going to my weekly hot yoga this month now that we’ve been getitng lots of monsoon rain (YAY!) and I’m not melting constantly! Also, I would recommend Coola tinted matte spf30–the matte finish is so awesome!
Setting a timer to get stuff done is so helpful! I used that to help me write papers, and I was so much more productive when I knew I could take a break after a certain number of minutes!
I’m planning to set boundaries on how much time I spend online. It’s easy to get sucked in and five hours later you’ve gotten nothing done and dinner is yet to be prepped or made. I would also like to make a weekend trip to CA.
I loved this post. It made me sit back and think. I never make a plan for workouts and that is going to change. I just tried my very first live yoga class this morning and it will now be a part of my weekly routine.
I’m liking the timer idea! Always looking for new ways to make the most of my day!
Also, your shorts are super cute in the above pic…where did you get them?
thank you! they’re old ones from lulu
I am off all summer .. I spent the entire summer eating good , running more and hot yoga almost everyday! Lost 7 pds !!! My goals are to look into getting certified for les mills cx works and possible body pump ! ( just turned 54 so I’m nervous) getting my wardrobe together for oct visit to San diago and feb turks and Caicos!!!
I’m going to lift heavier weights this month!!
My goal for August is to weight train 4 days a week, when we are home. Will be gone for 10 days, going with the hubs on a business trip and then off to Water parks in Wisconsin Dells. I would give anything for 5 mins of quiet daily. I have a very chatty 4 year old that never seems to stop talking. We have been gone so much this summer I am actually looking forward to fall and everything schedule wise goes back to normal.
I love these! I am in a bit of a rut right now, but I have some big changes coming this next week, so I am hoping that the change up will help me to find some renewed motivation!
Baby #2 is due this month! 🙂
My goals for August are to step out of my comfort zone/cave. I want to meet new people and start engaging in life more and trying out new things. I also want to be non-reactive and show more compassion and patience for the people in my life. There are too many things I get worked over–that aren’t worth it. Life is too damn short! Here’s to a happy August. And I hope you’re feeling better!!!
XOXO 🙂
thank you! hope you have a very happy august, too
I could so use a productivity timer. I find that I have 20 tabs open all the time because I am just mindlessly meandering through the web. Actually, I’m guilty of that right now! My goal for this month is to stick to my half-marathon training program!
Amazing list of works you set!
Review some amazing podcast you listen, Waiting for a podcast post! 🙂
Thanks for the ideas – like #7 & 9 especially 🙂