Summer is officially here, and if you’re like many of my clients this week, you might be feeling anxious about maintaining your health progress. I’ve heard the same concern in almost every session: “What if I ruin it all?” “I’m so afraid I’m going to undo everything!” “I have neer been able to get back on track after vacation.”
Whether you’re planning family vacations, spending weekends at kids’ travel sports tournaments, attending summer parties, or simply unwinding on the patio with friends, I want to share something that will change how you approach the next few months. This summer will NOT be a repeat of the past.
The Perspective Shift That Changes Everything
The biggest factor determining how your efforts go this summer isn’t willpower or perfect planning—it’s your perspective.
If summer has historically been your time to “let it all go,” throw caution to the wind, or tell yourself “I can never get back on track,” then it’s time to try something different.
Here’s the secret: this summer isn’t unique or novel. This is life. You’re going to have more summers, more travel, more parties, and more opportunities to unwind with friends and family for the rest of your life. Your health and well-being don’t take vacations—they’re with you 24/7, regardless of whether you are “on” or “off” your plan. So right now, right here make the commitment and perspective shift that on/off or starting over doesn’t exist. Life is simply a continuum that we all have to navigate.
A Financial Perspective That Makes It Clear
Let me ask you this: Have you ever told yourself, “If I go on vacation, I’m never going to get financially back on track” or “There goes my 401K because I partied all weekend”?
Never. You’d never say this about your finances because you understand that financial health is ongoing, with natural fluctuations for special occasions and the importance of having structures in place to remain financially viable.
The same principle applies to your physical and mental health.
Your Summer Health Strategy: Progress Over Perfection
As someone who works with busy adults juggling multiple responsibilities, I know you need realistic strategies, not impossible standards. Here’s how to navigate summer while staying aligned with your health goals:
Set the Right Expectations
You’re going to enjoy yourself, indulge occasionally, and be imperfect—and that’s completely normal. The goal is to to maintain your overall trajectory without major setbacks.
Be Strategic, Not Restrictive
- Choose one meal per day to be more flexible during travel or special occasions
- Select one night for drinks if you choose to drink, rather than making every evening or at every party. Not every night or event is ‘drink worthy’
- Pick your moments. Not every meal of every day has to be all out eating. Choose 1 meal for the day to have something that is ‘really worth it’ to you and balance out the rest of the day.
Plan Ahead for Success
- Call ahead: Ask hotel front desks if they have a receiving area to hold your groceries.
- Amazon Prime hack: Ship healthy snacks and staples directly to your hotel or destination (free delivery with Prime to anywhere in the US). Favorite staples to send ahead are: whole grain bread such as Brownberry, peanut butter, jelly and/or bananas, whole grain bagels, cream cheese, a few yogurts, Built or Dark Chocolate Kind Bars, Jerky, Hard boiled eggs if you have a mini fridge and don’t forget the plastic baggies. To save time and $ I also ship personal items such as shampoo or body wash (cheaper than the mini travel bottles), rain ponchos or even glow sticks for the kids at night…$40 for the park ones, no thank you.
- Order staples for when you return home: Don’t forget to set yourself up for a decent few days after you return. While in the car or waiting for your plane, place a Target or other grocery pick up order. 1-2 Days of basic staples so you don’t have to continue eating out. Stop on your way home and quickly pick up your order.
The Most Important Strategy: Keep Going
Get back into your regular routine as quickly as possible after any vacation, long weekend, or party. Your past doesn’t have to dictate your present or future. Whether you feel “on” or “off” your health plan, your health is happening continuously—there’s no real starting or stopping. The quicker you ‘recover’ and get back into your routine, the further you are going to go. Don’t turn a molehill into a mountain by overthinking it all or getting mad at yourself.
Remember: You’re Not Starting Over
For those of us juggling aging parents, growing children, careers, and our own well-being, summer can feel like another stressor rather than a time to recharge. But with the right perspective and strategies, it can be both enjoyable and aligned with your health goals.
Your health journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, self-compassion, and making choices that support your long-term well-being. This summer, give yourself permission to enjoy life while staying connected to what makes you feel strong and confident.
