May 2026
May means we’re just a few short weeks away from the unofficial start of summer here in the US: Memorial Day. The kids are out of school, at least here in Colorado; the days are long and warm, and we’re all dreaming of summer fun and travel. In my mind, summer brings lazy days of reading in the shade and ample family fun, but in reality, the days are busier than ever. Summer camps, birthday parties, BBQs, softball games, camping, maybe a vacation, and suddenly it’s time to go school shopping again. It’s challenging to maintain regular schedules and habits, and often, taking care of ourselves falls by the wayside. This is how it feels for me, anyway, at this stage with school-age kids.
Despite the challenges, I believe that it’s important to maintain as much routine as possible. Routine may seem stressful or boring to some; however, the structure and organization reduce mental fatigue, resulting in decreased stress and improved productivity. Sleep hygiene and eating habits are also greatly affected by one’s routines. For adults and children alike, consistent routines foster a greater sense of security and confidence, leading to higher overall satisfaction in daily life. Recognizing what is nonnegotiable for you is a great place to start when maintaining routine through a busier season of life. Being intentional about those nonnegotiables creates the space for flexibility and freedom for the remainder of the day. I find that a structured morning sets me up to feel my best, be more productive during the workday, and enjoy my free time more wholeheartedly. Throughout the school year, maintaining routine is effortless. Once summer vacation hits, I must be diligent about creating and maintaining the temporary routine. In our family, we try to keep the breakfast-and-walk routine similar year-round, then use the morning for Leah to do any chores she may have and to have time for herself. Todd and I can get some exercise, shower, and have a few guaranteed hours of work. This way, no matter what the afternoon brings, we can be present and enjoy it rather than worrying about things we still hope to fit in.
On vacation, however, routine is out the window! For a long time, I tried to maintain my exercise routine on vacation. I would wake up early to squeeze it in early, but would wake everyone else in the process, or I would take time later in the day and feel bad about skipping family time. What I have come to realize is that vacation is about taking a break. It’s about rejuvenation and resetting. I don’t need to exercise on vacation. As an active family, we generally stay plenty active on our trips, exploring our new surroundings. Exercise is not only unnecessary, but I’ve come to believe that it's actually good for my body to take a break. Taking a few days or a week away from our regular exercise routine gives our bodies time to rest, repair, and replenish, helping prevent burnout. After taking a few days off, we’re generally able to come back with more energy, endurance, and renewed motivation.
That being said, travel can often leave the body feeling stiff, tight, or sore. Sitting for extended periods, sleeping in new beds, walking more than we’re accustomed to, or meandering through museums in cute, but not necessarily practical, shoes can all leave us feeling like we need a massage. This is where Pilates can work magic, like a massage from the inside out. Rather than doing a full workout, I pick specific Pilates exercises to help me feel my best and enjoy every day to the fullest. The wall work, for example, is amazing after a day of travel. It decompresses the spine, releases shoulder tension, and realigns the body. Rolling like a ball massages the back and is very centering, calming the nervous system. For a burst of energy, the 100 gets the blood flowing, oxygenating the body. Swan will open the entire front line of the body, relaxing a tight chest and hips. Swan also encourages a big, capacious breath, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Use a hair elastic in place of a toe corrector or grab a hand towel to soothe your feet after a long day on the go. If you’re unfamiliar with the toe corrector and towel exercises, I highly recommend asking a teacher next time you’re in the studio! Close out the day, cleanse your lungs, and rebalance internally with a few seals before bed. Just a small bit of intentional movement really does have a big impact.
By the end of a week away, my body is generally beginning to crave more. At that point, moving briskly through the intermediate mat repertoire feels good; I want to feel the strength, control, and precision. Just as I was excited to take a few days off at the start of a trip, by the end, I was excited to get back to it. I begin looking forward to returning home and getting back to my day to day routine. The vacation having done its job, I feel rested, restored, and reignited.
As we move through the next few weeks and look ahead to our summer plans, I hope you all take time to reflect on your personal priorities for the season. Create intentionality around what matters to you and establish routines to honor it. Try to be realistic with yourself and your time; rarely is there as much time in the day as I seem to think there is. Days, weeks, months, and seasons fly by. Time is precious, so set yourself up for success so you can savor every moment.
