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Fall is here again. With cozy sweaters and warm cups of cocoa to help you deal with the dark evenings. With stressful and rainy days. And leaves that wind up everywhere. It’s a lovely season with crisp air and beautiful colors. But it can also be a bit too much, as work and schools start up again and you  feel overwhelmed by homework, evening chores or prepping for the holidays. So in today’s post I’d like to simply share 51 of the most funny fall quotes. To help you and the people in your life get a few good laughs and release some stress. I hope you’ll find something helpful here. Funny Fall Quotes That Will Make You Laugh “Some say fall is the season when the leaves change. I say it’s the season when my sweat pants never change.” – Katie Nicole Felton “Summer makes me drowsy. Autumn makes me sing. Winter’s pretty lousy, but I hate Spring.” – Dorothy Parker “Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to spring.” – Doug Larson “Autumn is the hardest season. The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground.” – Andrea Gibson “Fall colors are funny. They’re so bright and intense and beautiful. It’s like nature is trying to fill you up with color, to saturate you so you can stockpile it before winter turns everything muted and dreary.” – Siobhan Vivian “I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” – Henry David Thoreau “A wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. I think, I too, have known autumn too long.” – E.E. Cummings “The autumn wind is a pirate. Blustering in from sea with a rollicking song he sweeps along swaggering boisterously. His face is weather beaten, he wears a hooded sash with a silver hat about his head… The autumn wind is a raider, pillaging just for fun.” – Steve Sabol “No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds – November!” – Thomas Hood “Autumn leaves are falling, filling up the streets; golden colors on the lawn, nature’s trick or treat!” – Rusty Fischer “The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens apples, the other turns them to cider.” – Jane Hirshfield “In autumn, don’t go to jewelers to see gold; go to the parks!” – Mehmet Murat Ildan “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” – Winnie the Pooh “Happy September! The world shall very soon transform into pumpkin everything.” – Keith Wynn “For anyone who lives in the oak-and-maple area of New England, there is a perennial temptation to plunge into a purple sea of adjectives about October.” – Hal Borland Short Funny Fall Quotes for Your Instagram “Let’s pumpkin spice things up a bit.” – Unknown “Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” – Chad Sugg “My favorite color is October.” – Unknown “Autumn wins you best by this, its mute appeal to sympathy for its decay.” – Robert Browning “Espresso yourself with fall flavors.” – Unknown “Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature.” – Tom Robbins “Falling for autumn and not getting up.” – Unknown “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery “Happy fall y’all.” – Unknown “Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night.” – Steve Almond “Oh my gourd, we’ve got plenty!” – Unknown Hilarious Fall Quotes for Work (Great to Share with Co-Workers on a Bad Day) “I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.” – Jerome K. Jerome “I used to love September, but now it just rhymes with remember.” – Dominic Riccitello “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne “Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.” – Carol Bishop Hipps

“September tries its best to have us forget summer.” – Bernard Williams “I’ve got all the money I’ll ever need, if I die by four o’clock.” – Henry Youngman “My keyboard must be broken, I keep hitting the escape key all autumn long, but I’m still at work.” – Unknown “September was a thirty-days long goodbye to summer.” – Lea Malot “Success is just a matter of luck, ask any failure.” – Earl Wilson “No man goes before his time – unless the boss leaves early.” – Groucho Marx “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – Dalai Lama “We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer’s wreckage. We will welcome summer’s ghost.” – Henry Rollins “It’s like summer wear the world out, and by October everyone is just ready for a nap.” – Ta-Nehisi Coates “Doing nothing is very hard to do… you never know when you’re finished.” – Leslie Nielsen Funny Fall Quotes for Your Autumn Letter Board “My favorite poem is the one that starts ‘Thirty days hath September’ because it actually tells you something.” – Groucho Marx “Sweater weather is always better together.” – Unknown “Making your Christmas cake in September is perfect, as too fresh a cake crumbles when cut.” – Mary Berry “Pumpkin spice and everything nice.” – Unknown “It’s like going back to school. You know, autumn! Time for ‘Harry Potter’.” – Robbie Coltrane “During the day, I don’t believe in ghosts. At night, I’m a little more open-minded.” – Unknown “A sweater is like life, you get nothing out of it that you don’t put into it!” – Marilyn Monroe “Leaves are falling. Autumn is calling. No matter if you want it or not.” – Unknown “Autumn skies and pumpkin pies, I can tell no lies, this I love.” – Unknown “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” – Hal Borland Want more inspiration and laughs for your autumn season? Then have a look at these inspirational fall quotes, the hilarious work quotes here and also this one with plenty of funny teamwork quotes.

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When we talk about extroverts and introverts it’s often oversimplified in black-and-white terms. But here’s the thing: true extroversion is at one end of the scale and true introversion is on the other end. This means that most people fall somewhere in between.  So, yes, you might be slightly more introverted, but you might also have some extrovert qualities or traits, making things like public speaking or socializing that much easier. And this is completely normal.  In fact, many people are ambiverts individuals who draw energy from both solitude and social interaction, depending on the context. So if you’re someone who enjoys performing in public but still needs downtime afterward, you’re not contradicting yourself - you’re just more nuanced than a label. Below, we break down what this really means and how to tell where you fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum.   Can Introverts Be Good Performers & Public Speakers? In short, yes. In fact, some of the most captivating performers and speakers in the world are actually introverts. Barack Obama, for example, is known for his eloquent, commanding speeches, but he’s also described himself as a reflective introvert who values quiet time.  Another famous example: Emma Watson, beloved for her role in Harry Potter, has openly shared how she’s introverted and shy by nature - yet she delivers powerful speeches on gender equality with grace and confidence.  In other words, being introverted doesn’t limit your ability to perform - it just means you might approach it differently. For introverts, specifically, preparation, depth, and connection to the material often take center stage, which can lead to incredibly powerful performances. As mentioned above, you can also be a little bit of both, introverted and extroverted, which we explore in more detail below.   What is an Ambivert? Let’s get this out of the way first: It’s a rarity for someone to be fully extroverted or fully introverted. Most people are a little bit of both, depending on personality traits, environment, and the situation they’re in. And ambiverts are those that fall in this middle ground - able to lean into either side when needed. You might be an ambivert if: You’re good at listening but also at communicating. You feel comfortable socially but also like your alone time. You’re naturally empathetic. You tend to feel best with a healthy balance of socialization and quiet time. Do you need to be extroverted to perform in public? Not necessarily. Sometimes, it’s more about how you’ve adapted to fit into the world around you.  Many introverts learn early on that certain forms of success - like leadership, public speaking, or social confidence - require stepping outside their comfort zone. That doesn’t mean they aren’t introverted; it just means they’ve developed tools to navigate an extrovert-leaning world.  Related Article: The 4 Best Personality Tests & How They Can Help Your Personal Growth   So, Do You Need to Be Extroverted to Perform in Public? Why or Why Not? Many people assume that public speaking, performing, or leading a team requires you to be naturally outgoing and extroverted. But that’s not always the case. In fact, countless introverts have become powerful performers - not because it comes naturally, but because they’ve learned to adapt. For some, success meant: learning how to speak up in meetings taking the lead in group settings presenting with confidence, even if they’d rather be behind the scenes This doesn’t erase their introversion - it simply shows that introverts are fully capable of showing up when it matters. With practice and self-awareness, they’ve built tools to thrive in an extrovert-leaning world without abandoning their true nature.  And the truth is anyone can do this, even the most introverted among us. Often, it just takes practice! And yup, it’s going to feel uncomfortable, especially at first. But it’s all about leaning into the discomfort and ensuring you have downtime later on to potentially balance it all out.

  Where Do You Fall On the Spectrum? Boxes and labels aren’t the best, but gaining self-awareness can help you thrive in all areas of life. And uncovering how introverted versus extroverted you are is a good way to do this. So, here are some reflective questions to help you discover your natural tendencies and where you might have some strengths versus weaknesses (and from there, you can lean into them or even push your comfort zone a little wider!). After a social event, do you feel energized and ready for more, or do you need quiet time to recharge? When you’re stressed, do you seek out friends and conversation, or do you prefer solitude and reflection? Does your ideal weekend involve packed social plans or plenty of downtime? Do you do your best thinking in group brainstorms or during solo deep work? Would you rather collaborate throughout the day or have long stretches of uninterrupted focus time? Do you prefer instant messaging and calls, or do you favor email and written communication? Do you prefer deep conversations with one or two people, or mingling with large groups? Are you comfortable with small talk, or do you find it draining? Do you make friends easily in new situations, or does it take time to warm up? Keep in mind, as you self-reflect, that there’s no “better” place to be on this spectrum. Whether you’re an introvert who’s learned to excel at public speaking, an extrovert who’s discovered the value of quiet reflection, or an ambivert who flows between both worlds, what matters is understanding your natural tendencies and honoring them. Ultimately, we aren’t trying to change who you are. Generally speaking, the goal is to help you uncover greater balance in your life and learn about yourself in productive ways. For instance, if you’re more of an introvert, you may want to build in recovery time after social events. If you lean more toward extroversion, you may want to seek out more collaborative opportunities. If you’re an ambivert (also known as an extroverted introvert), you may, instead, need to more so pay attention to what you need in the moment and adjust accordingly. Related Article: What's Your Personal Equation & How Does it Affect How You See the World?   Get to Know Yourself Better Ultimately, knowing yourself allows you to create a life that energizes rather than depletes you. So, wherever you fall on the spectrum, embrace it - and use that knowledge to perform at your best.  And remember, things are rarely black-and-white. Like most things, introversion and extroversion occur on a spectrum. And most of us don’t fit neatly into either box, which is entirely okay and to be expected. Read Next: 5 Motivation Tips for Introverts: Finding Your Quiet Drive Photo by 祝 鹤槐

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Autumn is here with all its leaves in different colors. With crisp days and dark nights. With cozy sweaters and plenty of cups of tea while watching the rain drizzle outside. It’s also a time to find new motivation and energy for this season. So in today’s post I’d like to share 101 of the most beautiful, positive, funny and inspirational fall quotes. I hope this one will help you to have a happy, less stressful and more successful fall season. Inspirational Fall Quotes for a Happy Season “Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren DeStefano “Autumn whispered to the wind, ‘I fall but always rise again.'” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – John Burroughs “I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” – Lee Maynard “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” – Jim Bishop “Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.” – Rumi “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” – Emily Brontë “Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” – Friedrich Nietzsche “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” – Unknown “The heart of autumn must have broken here, and poured its treasure upon the leaves.” – Charlotte Bates “There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves.” – Joe L. Wheeler “Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.” – Elizabeth Lawrence “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” – Samuel Butler “I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” – Dodinsky “Autumn is the season that teaches us that change can be beautiful.” – Unknown “Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” – Chad Sugg “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” – Stanley Horowitz Motivational and Positive Fall Quotes for Work and Autumn Success “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.” – B.C. Forbes “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” – Hal Borland “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus. “ – Alexander Graham Bell “The first breath of autumn was in the air, a prodigal feeling, a feeling of wanting, taking, and keeping before it is too late.” – J. L. Carr “Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring.” – Truman Capote “Autumn embraces change, even as she is falling to pieces.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “Autumn is the antidote to stifling summer.” – Terri Guillemets “There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.” – Ruth Ahmed “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson “Maybe you are searching among the branches for what only appears in the roots.” – Rumi “One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren’t enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.”

– Viggo Mortensen “Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year’s end and day’s beginnings.” – Terri Guillemets “Do more than is required. What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following? The extra mile.” – Gary Ryan Blair “To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.” – Eva Young “You will never plough a field if you only turn it over in your mind.” – Irish Proverb Funny Fall Quotes for Laughs and Stress Relief “Summer makes me drowsy. Autumn makes me sing. Winter’s pretty lousy, but I hate Spring.” – Dorothy Parker “Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to spring.” – Doug Larson “It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life.” – P.D. James “I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” – Henry David Thoreau “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” – Winnie the Pooh “Sweater weather is better together.” – Unknown “The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens apples, the other turns them to cider.” – Jane Hirshfield “On Halloween, the parents sent their kids out looking like me.” – Rodney Dangerfield “Wench! Trollop! You bucktoothed, mop-riding firefly from hell!” – Billy Butcherson (from the movie Hocus Pocus) “Never trust the living.” – Beetlejuice “If you’ve got it, haunt it.” – Rose Pressey “I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way, what bliss.” – Gomez (from the movie The Addams Family) “I put a spell on you because you’re mine.” – Jay Hawkins “It’s Halloween; everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” – Brackett, Halloween “Have you come to sing pumpkin carols?” – Linus (from the movie It’s the Great Pumpkin) “What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye? What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?” – John Greenleaf Whittier “I’m guessing Angela’s the one in the neighborhood who gives the trick-or-treaters some toothbrushes. Pennies. Walnuts.” – Pam Beasley (from the TV-show The Office) “A sweater is like life, you get nothing out of it that you don’t put into it!” – Marilyn Monroe “During the day, I don’t believe in ghosts. At night, I’m a little more open-minded.” – Unknown “Sticky fingers, tired feet; one last house, trick or treat!” – Rusty Fischer “I’m your number one fan.” – Annie Wilkes (from the movie Misery) Aesthetic and Cute Fall Quotes to Welcome the Season (Great for Instagram) “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” – Oscar Wilde “Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” – William Wordsworth “Days decrease, and autumn grows, autumn in everything.” – Robert Browning “And I rose. In rainy autumn. And walked abroad in a shower of all my days…” – Dylan Thomas “Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant “Autumn is as joyful and sweet as an untimely end.” – Rémy de Gourmont “Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.” – Faith Baldwin “I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves.” – Ann Drake “Autumn colors my soul in the loveliest shades.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.” – Unknown “Autumn glows upon us like a splendid evening; it is the very sunset of the year.” – Mary Russell Mitford “If the leaves are changing, I feel poetry in the air.” – Laura Jaworski “Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this, their only chance to soar.” – Delia Owens “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonize.” – George Eliot “Dancing of the autumn leaves on a surface of a lake is a dream we see when we are awake.” – Mehmet Murat Idles “The fallen leaves in the forest seemed to make even the ground glow and burn with light.”

– Malcolm Lowry “Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” – Shira Tamir “Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” – J.K. Rowling “It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.” – Diana Gabaldon “October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace!” – Rainbow Rowell “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” – Nora Ephron “Autumn skies and pumpkin pies.” – Unknown Short Inspirational Fall Quotes for Your Letterboard “See it, smell it, taste it, and forget the time of day or year. Autumn needs no clock or calendar.” – Hal Borland “Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day.” – Elizabeth Bowen “Happily we bask in the warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures.” – Henry David Thoreau “But I miss you most of all, my darling, when autumn leaves start to fall.” – Frank Sinatra “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” – Victoria Erickson “It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” – Sarah Addison Allen “Autumn arose and my soul bloomed.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.” – Yoko Ono “Give me juicy autumnal fruit, ripe and red from the orchard.” – Walt Whitman “By all these lovely tokens September days are here.” – Helen Hunt Jackson “Nature’s first green is gold.” – Robert Frost “October’s poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.” – Nova Bair “My favorite color is October.” – Unknown “O Autumn, Autumn! O pensive light and wistful sound!” – Effie Lee Newsome “I come by light of an autumn moon.” – Broken Bells “The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of autumn.” – John Muir “Let it go.” – Unknown “Food is better in November than any other time of the year.” – Cynthia Rylant “A friend you are, sweet autumn day; to never falter, in my soul you stay.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby Want more inspiration for your fall and the rest of the year? Then check out these short fall quotes, the inspirational September quotes here, the short September quotes in this one and also these uplifting and beautiful October quotes.

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Lemon balm is an herb in the mint family, but as its name suggests, it has a lemony aroma instead of one that’s minty. While lemon balm has many healthy benefits, including aiding digestion, it is not necessarily a weight loss aid. However, adding lemon balm tea to your diet is a great way to manage your overall well-being and maintain a healthy weight.  Image Editorial Credit: Wikimedia Commons This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info. What Is Lemon Balm? As its name suggests, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has lemon-scented leaves, although it is a member of the mint family. It contains several essential oils and compounds such as geranial and neral, which are precursors in the industrial production of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K. Although lemon balm is native to south-central Europe and central-Asia, it’s commonly found all around the world today. Lemon balm’s leaves and essential oils are widely used in medicine, foods, perfume, and supplements. Young lemon balm leaves can even be eaten raw.  Common Uses for Lemon Balm While there are many uses for lemon balm, here are some of the most common ways to use the plant and its extracts:  Herbal Tea –  Fresh or dried lemon balm leaves are used to make a soothing, lemony herbal tea. Culinary Uses – Fresh leaves are added to salads, marinades, sauces, and desserts for flavor. Aromatherapy – Lemon balm essential oils are often used in aromatherapy because of their calming scent.  Sleep Aid – Lemon balm teas or tinctures promote relaxation and better sleep. Stress Relief – Lemon balm can be consumed as tea or supplements to help reduce anxiety and stress. Insect Repellent – Crushed lemon balm leaves can be rubbed on the skin to help repel mosquitoes. Digestive Aid – One of lemon balm’s most touted uses is as a digestive aid. It can ease indigestion, bloating, and gas. Skin Care – Lemon balm can be added to homemade balms, lotions, or baths for its soothing properties. Flavoring in Beverages – Lemon balm leaves are often infused in water, lemonade, cocktails, or other drinks. Honey Infusion – Lemon balm leaves steeped in honey create a honey infusion for culinary or medicinal use. Herbal Pillows and Sachets – Dried lemon balm leaves can be used in sachets or pillows for a calming aroma. Herbal Remedies – Lemon balm is often used in traditional medicine for mild pain relief and to boost mood. How Lemon Balm Tea Helps with Weight Loss While there are many claims that lemon balm tea is an effective weight loss aid, there isn’t any strong research to back up such claims. However, lemon balm tea does have many health benefits that may lead to a healthier weight as well as an overall healthier lifestyle. Some of the health benefits of lemon balm tea include: Supporting Digestion Lemon balm tea is a great way to settle any bloating naturally. The herb can help calm gastrointestinal distress and provide relief. It’s best to combine lemon balm with ginger and/or mint when making a tea to help any digestion issues. Keeping Your Gut Healthy One way to maintain a healthy weight is to make sure your gut microbiome stays healthy. Lemon balm contains helpful compounds such as tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which help lower inflammation in your gut. Additionally, lemon balm tea has prebiotic properties, which help strengthen good gut bacteria. Relieve Stress and Improve Sleep Many people enjoy lemon balm tea before bed because of its stress-relieving benefits. Lemon balm tea has a calming effect, which lowers cortisol levels. Lower cortisol levels lead to a healthier weight as well as improved sleep quality. One study suggests that drinking lemon balm tea helps people feel less depressed and anxious than those who took a placebo. While lemon balm tea shouldn’t be a replacement for anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants, it wouldn’t hurt to add it to your overall health routine. Blood Sugar and Lipid Control

Compounds in lemon balm may help regulate blood sugar and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels—factors that can support metabolic health over time. Lemon balm contains a compound called triterpene, which may help insulin work better. Maintaining balanced blood sugar can lead to weight loss. Lemon balm tea may also help lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein (LDL)). Having healthier cholesterol levels is another way to indirectly lose weight. As you can see, while lemon balm tea isn’t a miracle weight loss aid, it has many health benefits that can lead to a healthier weight as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise. Easy Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Image Editorial Credit: Wikimedia Commons Ingredients: 1–2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1 cup (8 oz) of hot water Optional: honey, lemon, or mint for flavor Instructions: Rinse the LeavesIf you’re using fresh lemon balm, gently rinse the leaves under cool water to remove any dirt. Prepare the LeavesChop or tear the fresh leaves slightly to release more of their natural oils. If using dried lemon balm, you’re ready to go! SteepPlace the leaves in a tea infuser, teapot, or mug. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the leaves. Cover and Steep for 5–10 MinutesCover the cup or teapot while steeping to keep the essential oils from escaping. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor. Strain and ServeRemove the leaves or strain the tea. Add honey, a slice of lemon, or fresh mint if you like. Enjoy Warm or IcedSip it warm for a relaxing moment, or chill it for a refreshing herbal iced tea. Potential Side Effects and Precautions While lemon balm tea is generally safe for most people, there are a few possible side effects you should know about: 1. Drowsiness or Fatigue Since lemon balm has calming properties, it may cause drowsiness, especially when consumed in large amounts or alongside other sedatives. It’s best to avoid drinking it before driving or doing tasks that require focus if you’re unsure how it affects you. 2. Digestive Upset While lemon balm is often used to ease digestion, some people may experience mild symptoms like: Nausea Stomach cramps Bloating These are rare and usually linked to overuse or individual sensitivity. 3. Allergic Reactions Though uncommon, allergic reactions can occur. Watch for signs like: If you’ve had allergic reactions to other plants in the mint family (like peppermint or basil), use caution. 4. Interactions with Medications Lemon balm may interact with certain medications, including: Always check with a healthcare provider if you’re on medication, especially if you plan to drink lemon balm tea regularly. 5. Lowered Alertness Because lemon balm has a calming effect on the nervous system, it might slightly reduce alertness or reaction times in some people. 6. Hormonal Effects (Rare but Possible) Some early research suggests lemon balm might have mild effects on thyroid function. If you have a thyroid disorder (especially hypothyroidism), consult your doctor before using lemon balm consistently. Final Thoughts Although lemon balm tea isn’t the magic weight loss aid you were probably looking for, its many health benefits can indirectly lead to a healthier weight. Lemon balm tea is a great way to naturally relieve stress, improve sleep, and help with indigestion. Adding lemon balm tea to a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help with better overall health.

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German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” For a fulfilling life, purpose and meaning is undeniably essential. Yet, in today’s modern world, so many of us struggle to find true meaning in our lives, leading to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.  However, many people have found meaning in helping others. Maybe you’ve noticed this too! After volunteering, you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. After helping your friend move, you feel good. This little phenomenon is known as the “Helper’s High.” And surprisingly it can actually lead to a longer life (we aren’t kidding!). So, here are a few words for helping others and how it actually boosts your mental health and wellness, guiding you toward fulfillment, longevity, and more. Why does it feel so darn good to give?   The Helper’s High Definition The idea of a truly “selfless act” is rare, if not impossible. This isn’t to make you feel bad by any means. Rather, it’s a simple way to zoom out and view the world through a whole new lens.  Imagine if we all helped each other? We’d all be far better off — and not just because we’ve been helped but because we’ve done the helping. This is what we mean by the fact that there really isn’t a truly selfless act. Philosophically, this is very debatable. But for the sake of this article, stick with us here! The “Helper’s High” refers to the positive emotions you feel after selflessly serving others. Yet, this selfless service isn’t so selfless after all, since it makes you feel good (at least, for the most part!). Many people report that this high feels like elation, exhilaration, and higher levels of energy. In fact, some have even compared it to the feelings you get after exercising.   So… Is Helper’s High Real? In short, yes! Psychologists have recognized this state of helper's high occurs in individuals after helping others. It’s thought that after these helpful acts, the brain releases endorphins, which make you feel good (and which also happens when you exercise).  So, let’s dig a little deeper into this topic…   Does Volunteering Lead to a Longer Life? Research actually shows that individuals who volunteer might actually have a longer lifespan than those who don’t. However, this isn’t all. The volunteering must be done for the sole purpose of helping others. In other words, despite you receiving mental health benefits, your motives for volunteering should be altruistic.  Psychology Today hypothesizes that those who volunteer lead a longer life due to a number of factors, including less stress, increased socialization, and enhanced self-care. It’s also theorized that individuals who volunteer are more likely to be physically active. This may fall in line with better self-care, as well as happen naturally through the activities of volunteering. So, if you have an urge to help others, do so. You might just reap even greater benefits down the line, leading a fulfilling and longer life! Now, let’s move onto how helping others impacts the brain. What’s going on beneath the surface? Related Article: Want A Healthier Life? It’s Not As Hard As You Think   How Does Helping Others Affect the Brain? As previously mentioned, when you help others, your brain produces endorphins. Endorphins actually act similarly to morphine in the body, making you feel good. They give way to that “high” you feel after a selfless act.  But this goes even deeper than just chemicals. When you help another person, the part of your brain associated with reward (the same part that activates when you eat food or have sex) literally lights up. This part of the brain even lights up when you have the mere thought of helping others or donating to a charity of your choice. Crazy, right? Some experts even suggest that the neural pathways associated with compassion, which is used during volunteer efforts, causes you to see a less “you” and “other” approach but rather a “we” approach to the world, allowing you to open your heart and care for others. 

It’s safe to say we probably need more of this in the world! Thus, if you’re looking for a little more purpose in life, find your passion through helping others and volunteering.  Related Article: Vision Boards: Why You Should Make One & How To Do It   Does Volunteering Affect Mental Health? This is a loud and resounding YES! Volunteering has the incredible capacity to improve your mental health and wellness. It’s not just about your physical health.  Research indicates that volunteers tend to have better mental health than non-volunteers. It’s also been shown that volunteering can reduce your risk of anxiety and depression. It does this, again, by reducing stress and enhancing those positive and happy feelings.  And also as previously mentioned, volunteering can give you purpose, something that might be hard to find in today’s modern society.    So… Get Out There & Volunteer! You’ve learned the helper’s high definition and how it can improve your life. Plus, you know volunteering helps those in need. So, why not dedicate some of your free time to helping another? We’ve all struggled at some point. We’ve all really needed someone at some point. This can be your turn to be that person for someone.  Look up volunteering opportunities in your local area, and begin giving back. You’re doing others (and yourself) a ton of good! Read Next: Let Passion Be Your Guide - How Being Determined Can Get You What You Want Updated from Jan 28, 2022 Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels

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A molten evolution of the BODi LAVA series, BODi LAVA: Slow Burn is a revolutionary mini-program of five 20-minute slow flow yoga workouts that fuse strength, mobility, and mindfulness. With slow, sustained movement and focused breathwork, you’ll sculpt lean muscle, improve flexibility, and help reset your nervous system—without the joint strain of high-impact workouts—in one powerful flow. Grounded in science, this slow flow yoga mini-program enhances flexibility, muscular endurance, and functional strength through time-under-tension holds and slow, controlled movements. Whether you’re feeling overtrained, stiff, or stuck in a progress plateau—this is your reset. You’ll Get 5 Unique Workouts Each 20-minute workout is designed to target your body and mind in different ways. The common theme? A focus on intention over intensity. Mood Boost Mobility Open your hips, spine, and shoulders with intentional flows that release tension and boost circulation. This feel-good sequence restores balance—body and mind. Total Body Burn Target every major muscle group with slow holds and deep engagement. It’s low impact—but don’t be fooled, this one brings the heat. Energy Activation Invigorate your body with intentional breath-to-movement sequences and core activation. Walk away feeling grounded, strong, and recharged. Cardio Core Blend mindful movement with deep core sculpting and elevated heart rate. No crunches—just slow, targeted transitions that build serious strength. Controlled Burn Master control, focus, and precision with steady movements that fire up your stability and endurance from the inside out.   Ready to feel powerful in every rep, without burning out? BODi LAVA: Slow Burn is your new go-to for strength, mobility, and mindfulness, with results that last.

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Many people might think that a meditation retreat is sitting on top of a mountain alone, waiting for spiritual enlightenment. Or, they may think it’s a bunch of “woo-woo” people dressed in robes or funky clothes. While some meditation retreats may occur in the mountains, and you may find people dressed in various styles, there is so much more to meditation retreats these days. Retreats geared toward meditation occur all over the world. From small retreat centers in nature to large retreat settings in a big city, many people feel led to retreat from the world for a time to get quiet and go within.     Contemplation & Meditation Many retreats involve contemplation and meditation. The purpose of this type of retreat is for relaxing and reducing physical and mental stress, as well as growing spiritually. The best environment for such a spiritual retreat is one that is surrounded by peaceful, raw nature. However, there are many beautiful, serene retreat centers in cities too. A meditation retreat is important for spiritual growth. It gives people the chance to calm their minds. As you can probably relate, our minds can get pretty busy with incessant thoughts. And sometimes they can be so busy that it’s hard to concentrate, fall asleep, or find any peace at all. 8 Types of Wellness Retreats & What You Can Expect   Engaging in the Meditation Practice Meditation retreats can help you grow spiritually, giving you space for what isn't always achievable in your daily, busy routines. A retreat can also help you overcome obstacles in meditation. One of the toughest things about meditating is actually stopping your life and doing it. Whether it’s five or thirty minutes, making yourself stop, sit down, and meditate is easier said than done. This is why many seasoned meditators state that it’s a “practice”. You actually have to experience it over and over to get better at quieting your mind. When you commit to attending a meditation retreat, you're making the time to practice consistently because that’s the whole goal. By doing so, you open yourself up to enjoying a quieter mind and more spiritual insight.     5 Meditation Retreat Benefits Several benefits can be reaped from attending a meditation retreat. It can certainly foster your spiritual growth. You tend to feel more peaceful and happier after the experience. You may also have the opportunity to engage in other activities at the retreat, such as yoga, qi gong, breathing techniques, and more.  Learning techniques and practices like these can help you mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 1. Spiritual Insight Most retreats will have a spiritual teacher who will offer valuable lessons too. After all, meditation goes hand in hand with spirituality and learning how to navigate life in a way that affords you more peace, joy, inner insight, and contentment.   2. Beautiful Scenery Meditation retreats are usually located in places that are known for their natural beauty, such as near mountains, lakes or rivers. Being in nature can be quite therapeutic in and of itself. This can provide the best environment for soul-searching and for reflecting on the more important aspects of life.   3. A Greater Spiritual Journey A meditation retreat can also help people with their inner spiritual journey. It is quite different from a regular holiday where you just enjoy yourself and relax. In a retreat, you will be able to find a sense of peace which you can hold onto even after you return to your normal schedule. You become more aware of yourself as a spiritual being, and less preoccupied with your mind that tends to be chock-full of thoughts. And, a spiritual retreat that focuses on meditation can help you learn how to view your problems and life from a new, higher perspective.   4. Direction For Your Life After you come back from such a retreat, you may be able to better cope with the stressful world and hectic lifestyle. Deeper introspection is also possible and you will be able to silence your turbulent mind in a more effective way.

You may find many negative emotions, such as jealousy, greed and anger decreasing after such a spiritual retreat. Your tired body and senses can be recharged and rejuvenated.   5. Gain Wonderful Friends You can also benefit from the programs, demonstrations or other discussions that are held on the important and spiritual aspects of life. Oftentimes, you will make some wonderful friends who have the same spiritual interests and goals as yourself. It is always helpful to engage with others who are on the same path. Who knows, people you meet on your meditation retreat could become lifelong friends.     Plan Your Meditation Retreat Start doing some research on meditation retreats. Look for one that resonates with your goals and make plans on attending. You might even want to ask a loved one or friend to attend with you. There are retreats all over the world.  The best way to get started is by searching for: what type you want (Silent meditation? Group meditation? Guided? Etc.) how long you want to go a specific location (Are you looking for one near you or do you want to travel somewhere?) Some are in gorgeous remote places that you may enjoy visiting, such as in Bali, India, Costa Rica, and more. Others may be right in your local area. Seek out those that speak to you and are in your budget range. You can certainly benefit from attending a meditation retreat – benefits that could carry on a lifetime. You deserve a life where you experience more peace and joy. Meditation and or a meditation retreat is simply one avenue that can get you there. Photo by Min An Editor's note: This article was originally published Dec 10, 2020 and has been updated to improve our reader's experience. 

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Consoling someone who tells you, “My pet died and I can't stop crying” isn’t easy. Their pet is like a person they share a close emotional bond with. The loss is devastating and not easy to explain to those who haven’t had the experience. First, let me say I’m truly sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how you feel, especially if your animal companion “crossed the Rainbow Bridge” unexpectedly. I’ve lost a furry friend–a kitten. I blamed myself for her passing and felt sad for a long time. Know that weeping and the mixture of emotions you feel are normal for grieving pet owners. While it’s necessary to take time to mourn, it’s also important to find a way to cope. I’ll walk you through 12 effective coping steps you can follow to get you through this period of sorrow. Before getting there, I will explain why you feel torn apart, the stages of grief, and when to seek help. Why Is Pet Loss So Hard to Cope With? The reason the death of a pet hurts so much has to do with your special relationship with the animal. Others may not understand your sorrow and pain, which is okay. You are the one who shares a special bond with your dog or cat. You may already be aware that the intensity of your pain also has to do with these other factors. They were not ‘just a pet’ We get closely attached to our pets as if they were a lifelong friend or family member. People might say “It’s just a pet. You can always get another one.” Not only is the statement insensitive, but also not true. You just lost your best friend, and it feels like nothing or no one can ease the pain. While they may be trying to offer words of encouragement, they don’t make you feel good. The last thing you need is someone to tell you your beloved friend is replaceable. They provided companionship Pets are viewed as companions, particularly for those who live alone. If this is your case, accepting the loss may not be easy. Your pet played a significant role in their everyday life. The connection you shared might have even spanned many years. Those factors may make coping harder, sometimes more than losing a relative or friend. They provided emotional support Some people have pets as emotional support companions. They provide a unique type of emotional support that human beings are almost unable to. In fact, companion pets help you cope with medical ailments and mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. They offered unconditional love Your dog, cat, fish, or bird was a living, breathing thing. They meant the world to you for accepting and loving you unconditionally. They listened to all your ramblings and didn’t judge you for your mistakes like humans do. Pets trust you wholeheartedly to take care of them. They don’t argue with you or betray you. You also trust them to show up for you all the time. In short, your special relationship brought a unique source of happiness. They made you feel special Your beloved furry friend made you feel a certain special way no one else could. No wonder pet ownership in the US is so widespread. 86.9 million US households (66% of homes) own a pet. Dogs, cats, and freshwater fish are most common in that order. Whatever your pet’s type, it’s unique and irreplaceable. That’s why it hurts so bad and why you struggle to accept they are truly gone. Is Grieving a Pet the Same as Losing a Loved One? Research shows that the death of a pet, no matter the type, can hurt similar to losing a human loved one. Sometimes the loss is even more devastating and the grief far more intense. Every situation is unique depending on the connection shared. My neighbor confessed that he felt greater sadness over losing his Golden Retriever than his father. If you feel this way, there’s no need to feel guilty. We all have blood relatives including parents we don’t have a close bond with. In some cases, they are completely absent from our lives. Your pet meant more to you because they were there with you and for you every day.

The simplicity of living with your pet companion may explain why you grieve for them more. Relationships with pets are simple and straightforward. Food, water a warm, cozy crash pad, and the occasional petting are enough to make them happy.  You also benefit from providing care. On the other hand, relationships with humans are stressful, complicated, conditional, and uncertain. Stages of Grief When Your Pet Dies Sorrow and grief are a natural part of the loss of a loved one, human or animal. It is normal to experience mixed emotions throughout the grief and loss process. Typical feelings include anger, sadness, guilt, relief, and resentment. Those emotions relate to the five stages of grief model by Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. Shock is the first emotional reaction you experience before the stages of grief set in. It is a form of stress response to an unexpected or traumatic event, such as death. However, shock occurs whether or not you expected your pet to pass away. Common symptoms of shock include wailing, confusion, or anxiety. Feeling numb, in a ‘daze’, detached, or searching for your pet is also normal. After that, things usually shift to the following stages of grief: Stage 1: Denial. Refusing to believe your pet is ‘gone’. Denial is a way to bury the overwhelming emotions. Some pet owners experience shock and denial at the same time. These emotions tend to surface again later on. Stage 2: Anger. Anger can stem from blaming yourself. You may beat up on yourself for not preventing the loss. Some owners turn their anger toward their pets, others, or even God. Stage 3: Bargaining. Here, you’re asking “what if” questions. You may believe if you had done things differently, your pet would still be alive. Stage 4: Depression. This stage is marked by deep sadness and loss of interest in doing anything. Note that depression along the stages is not the same as major depressive disorder. Stage 5: Acceptance. You acknowledge and accept your pet is no longer here. Acceptance lets you treasure the moments while learning to live without them. How Long Does Grief Last? Psychologists pointed out that grief is unique to each individual. However, not everyone experiences all the stages or goes through them stage by stage. The grief duration and the types of emotions felt are also different for everyone. While getting to the end of your grief is the goal, there’s no way to predict when it will be over. The average timeline seems to be 1-2 years. When it comes to companion pet loss, however, the person may grieve longer than for a human loved one. 12 Steps to Cope With Pet Loss and Grief Finding healthy ways to cope can lessen the pain and help you come to terms with your loss. Below are important steps to assist you in working through the pain and begin healing. The strategies work pretty much the same for pet loss by natural death or euthanasia. #1. Process what happened The shock of what happened can cause the brain to disconnect from reality. Denying the loss is your brain’s way of protecting you from all kinds of negative emotions. You should be able to process the loss once the initial shock wears off. At this point, you can put your pet’s life in the context of then and now. You may find it easier to accept the loss just by beginning your healing journey here. You can always revisit this step later on to continue putting things in perspective. #2. Identify your grief stage Take a moment to figure out where you are in the process of grieving. Next, assess your feelings. Are you feeling numb, detached, angry, or depressed? Are you ruminating about ways you could have saved your pet from passing away? This exercise helps you link your emotions to the stage. You’re also able to put your thoughts and feelings in context. For example, you’re likely at the denial stage if you continue to think your pet is hiding somewhere. #3. Don’t blame yourself Pets can die in the normal course of their daily lives.

Despite this, some pet owners tend to think they’re at fault. Even though it is unhealthy to self-blame, it’s something many pet owners do to cope. Certainly, overlooking a key safety or health detail can result in them dying. Even then, it’s not intentional. You’re also not responsible for situations you could not predict or were completely out of your control. I’m sure you did your best to care for your pet. #4. Tune out from those who trivialize your loss Well-meaning people can say things that do not support healing. They may say things that sound harsh or unkind in the circumstances. For example, “It’s just a dog, you’ll get over it,” or “You can always get another cat.” Others may urge you to “stop crying” or assure you that your beloved companion is “better off now” that they’re dead. Stay away from their negativity to avoid hindering your healing journey. #5. Set up a memorial You may not feel like doing any activity depending on where you are in the grief process. If you can manage, schedule a day to remember your pet. Invite well-wishers and supportive loved ones to join in celebrating your pet’s life. Memorializing them can be a major step in the direction of accepting the loss. The memorial gathering signifies the reality of what happened. Reflecting on the event in the following weeks or months can also provide a sense of closure. #6. Allow yourself to grieve Facing your feelings head-on helps you to actively process the loss versus burying or ignoring them. Repressed emotions will surface in the future and may be more difficult to cope with. Give yourself permission to move through the grieving process as your brain decides. Avoid those who try to tell you not to grieve, how to grieve, and when to stop grieving. Tell yourself, “[Pet name] was my pet, these are my feelings, and only I can decide my grief.” #7. Practice patience Grief isn’t something to rush. There’s also really no way to skip the stages. Your brain determines how you will feel and when. One day you may feel like you’re beginning to accept the loss. The next day, you could find yourself very angry or denying your beloved companion is gone. Practicing patience is a way to be kind to yourself throughout your healing journey. Accepting that it takes time can prevent frustration if you notice you’re going back and forth along the stages of grief #8. Surround yourself with those who offer validation Connect with friends or loved ones who show compassion and empathy for your situation. Those who love pets, are pet owners, or have experienced pet loss are usually able to relate to what you’re going through. You’ll know you’re around people who validate your grief based on their statements. They’ll offer words of encouragement. They’ll say things like, “I can only imagine how you feel,” I’m here to listen or help in any way I can,” or “I’m sorry for your loss. I saw how much joy Max brought to your life.” #9. Show yourself compassion Self-compassion is the opposite of self-blame which only makes you feel guilty and unhappy. Instead, talk to yourself kindly the same way you would to a friend who lost their furry friend. You should never feel survivor's guilt when you pet passes. you need to have that self compassion. Dr. Kristen Neff, Ph.D., Founder of selfcompassion.org said directing compassion toward yourself is a positive self-attitude. It protects you from judging yourself negatively, isolation, and depression from ruminating about the past. Self-compassion is also a major part of self-care in regard to your mental health. #10. Reflect on the happy moments with your pet How you choose to remember your animal friend can make all the difference in your coping and healing journey. Thinking back on the happy times you’ve shared can bring joy. Was it their excited eyes and wagging tail that made your day? You could even make a list of your best moments. Creating a photo album of the happy times with my cat lessened my pain.

From now on, each time you feel yourself getting sad, counteract the feeling with a positive thought or memory about your pet. In fact, staying aware of your thoughts is a mindfulness practice that may help manage sadness. #11. Prioritize self-care Self-care is a way to combat stress and that persistent gloomy feeling that comes with grief. I found stress relief in planting a new flower garden in memory of my adorable kitten, Frisky. For you, it could be extra relaxation and sleep, meditation, eating healthier, or exercising. Writing down your feelings in a journal is another way to process out negative emotions. Find someone you trust to talk to if you prefer to express your vent that way. Staying connected to your social circle helps, in terms of preventing loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, or depression. #12. Consider the benefits of talking to a grief counselor According to grief experts, grief symptoms typically go away within weeks or a few months. Beyond a year may be a sign of complicated grief. You can seek help from a professional counselor if you’re stuck in grief or your daily life is affected. A grief counselor can provide a safe, non-judgmental setting for you to talk about your feelings. They will also provide coping tools to help you deal with anxiety, depression symptoms, or insomnia. Altogether, the steps for coping with pet loss can lessen the impact of death and shorten the grief timeline. Messages of sympathy for the loss of a favorite pet. If you are looking for a few simple things to say, specific messages of condolence for someone facing the loss of a favorite pet, here are 25 messages of sympathy to give you some ideas on what you can say to someone, grieving the loss of a pet. Your pet was so special, and I know how much you loved them. It’s okay to grieve—your bond with them was real and deep. They were lucky to have you as their loving owner. I’m here for you during this heartbreaking time. Their memory will always live on in your heart. Losing a pet is like losing family—I’m so sorry. I know how much joy they brought you, and that’s a beautiful thing. Take all the time you need to heal; I’m here to listen. Your pet knew how much you cared for them every single day. I’m thinking of you and sending love during this tough time. Their playful spirit will always be a part of you. You gave them such a wonderful life full of love. I’m here if you want to share stories about your pet. Losing them must feel so heavy—I’m so sorry for your pain. They were more than a pet; they were your family. It’s okay to feel this loss deeply; they were so special. I know the house feels empty without them—my heart’s with you. Your love for them made their life so happy and full. I’m sending you strength to get through this sadness. They brought so much light to your life, and that’s a gift. If you need a shoulder to lean on, I’m right here. Their memory will always bring a smile, even through tears. You were the best pet parent they could’ve ever had. It’s so hard to lose such a faithful friend—I’m here for you. Your pet’s love for you was so clear in everything they did. I know this hurts, but their love will stay with you forever. Let me know how I can support you through this. Your pet was one of a kind, and their memory will always shine. Final Thoughts on My Pet Died and I Can't Stop Crying Grief is the thing that helps us come to terms with our loss, but it’s not meant to go on forever. Try to remain patient and kind to yourself in all ways. Keep in mind that grief comes in waves. Ride each one as it comes. Avoid judging yourself if you’re progressing more slowly than you wish. Things will get better with time and acceptance. Remember accepting your pet is no longer here does not mean you have to forget about them. They will live on in your heart always. Lastly, feel free to explore grief therapy if you’re stuck in grief after trying different coping methods.

As a bonus, I handpicked 47 Uplifting Grief Quotes for Dealing with Loss and Pain, especially for you. And if you're looking for more articles about handling grief, be sure to check out these blog posts: Finally, if you want a simple way to reduce your stress and anxiety, then try writing these 35 mindfulness journaling prompts to live more in the present moment. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '531600042335625'); fbq('track', 'PageView');

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September brings about many changes. The long summer days become shorter. Warmth turns into crisp air as the leaves in all kinds of colors fall from the trees. And we go back to work and school (or maybe start a chapter in life). No matter what your fall season may bring, today I want to share 101 of the most positive, motivational and inspirational September quotes. To help you make this a focused and motivated month. A successful but also a less stressful one. And a happy and beautiful start to your fall season. Inspirational September Quotes for a Happy Fall Season “By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” – Helen Hunt Jackson “Let this be the September you always remember. The September you chose to accept: the best thing you could do was to let August fall behind you, and with an open heart embrace this new day that lies before you.” – Morgan Harper Nichols “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” – Peggy Toney Horton “Time turns flames to embers / You’ll have new Septembers / Everyone of us has messed up too / Minds change like the weather / I hope you remember / Today is never too late to be brand new.” – Taylor Swift “September is the month of maturity; the heaped basket and the garnered sheaf. It is the month of climax and completion. September! I never tire of turning it over and over in my mind. It has warmth, depth and color. It glows like old amber.” – Patience Strong “September smiled at her wonderful friends in all their colors and bright eyes and gentle ways.” – Catherynne M. Valente “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” – Victoria Erickson “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures.” – Henry David Thoreau “The windows are open, admitting the September breeze: a month that smells like notepaper and pencil shavings, autumn leaves and car oil. A month that smells like progress, like moving on.” – Lauren Oliver “That old September feeling, left over from school days, of summer passing, vacation nearly done, obligations gathering, books and football in the air… Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year’s mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.” – Donna Tartt “September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours, but in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn.” – Rowland E. Robinson “September: it was the most beautiful of words, he’d always felt, evoking orange-flowers, swallows, and regret.” – Alexander Theroux “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made.” – Virginia Woolf “And then the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep, and autumn awakened.” – Raquel Franco “September has come, it is hers whose vitality leaps in the autumn, whose nature prefers trees without leaves and a fire in the fireplace.” – Louis MacNeice “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus “Nostalgia – that’s the autumn, dreaming through September. Just a million lovely things I will remember.” – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis “Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” – Friedrich Nietzsche “But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed.” – Stephen King “We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer’s wreckage. We will welcome summer’s ghost.” – Henry Rollins

“The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools.” – Henry Beston “Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren DeStefano Motivational September Quotes for Work and School “And suddenly, you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart “Let’s strive to be better in September!” – Charmaine J. Forde “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt “When you are reluctant to change, think of the beauty of autumn.” – V V Brown “Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year’s mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.” – Wallace Stegner “It is worth taking the time to stop and contemplate at the beginning of each new month.” – Nadine Locke “There is a clarity about September. On clear days, the sun seems brighter, the sky more blue, the white clouds take on marvelous shapes; the moon is a wonderful apparition, rising gold, cooling to silver; and the stars are so big.” – Faith Baldwin “Summer, with its dog days, its vacations, its distractions, is over. We have had our holidays, our rest, our recreation. The fall season, with its new opportunities for effort, enterprise and achievement, is upon us.” – B.C. Forbes “In many ways, September feels like the busiest time of the year: The kids go back to school, work piles up after the summer’s dog days, and Thanksgiving is suddenly upon us.” – Brené Brown “Come September, children return to school, grownups to work, and the brain to the head.” – Roger Rosenblatt “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne “O sweet September, thy first breezes bring The dry leaf’s rustle and the squirrel’s laughter, The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring and promise of exceeding joy hereafter.” – George Arnold “Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” – Shira Tamir Funny September Quotes That Will Make You Laugh (Great for Stress Relief) “Making your Christmas cake in September is perfect, as too fresh a cake crumbles when cut.” – Mary Berry “Wine is the divine juice of September.” – Voltaire “Happy September! The world shall now transform into pumpkin everything.” – Keith Wynn “September showed up right on schedule, and lasted a whole month.” – Jenny Wingfield “I used to love September, but now it just rhymes with remember.” – Dominic Riccitello “September tries its best to have us forget summer.” – Bernard Williams “Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature.” – Tom Robbins “Why is summer mist romantic and autumn mist just sad?” – Dodie Smith “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” – Hal Borland “Rest your eyes well before September because with all its colours autumn is coming to visit them!” – Mehmet Murat Ildan “As September rolls into October, I become obsessed with apples. Now obviously this is provoked by the ripening fruit clustering on the trees in our orchard, but it is as though all things pomological ripen in me, too.” – Monty Don “It must be September, July sun has disappeared.” – Charmaine J. Forde “No matter how many losing seasons you might have had in the past with your marriage, the good thing is that all teams get a fresh start once September begins.” – Shon Hyneman “Let’s all be nice to September.” – Nitya Prakash “The seasonal urge is strong in poets. Burns chose autumn. Longfellow liked the month of September.” – Helen Bevington “In short, a bad Sunday of September, in September of that traitor who let you go a big wave passed upon him, like a gunshot between the prickly pears.” – Giovanni Verga “Summer has come and passed. The innocent can never last. Wake me up when September ends.”

– Green Day “How smartly September comes in, like a racing gig, all style, no confusion.” – Eleanor Clark Beautiful September Quotes on The Start of Autumn for Your Instagram “September is dressing herself in showy dahlias and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias.” – Olive Wendell Holmes “It was a lovely afternoon – such an afternoon as only September can produce when summer has stolen back for one more day of dream and glamour.” – L.M. Montgomery “Autumn is full of leave-taking. In September the swallows are chattering of destination and departure like a crowd of tourists.” – Mary Webb “The roses hung their heads and dreamed under the still September clouds, and the water plashed and murmured softly among the pebbles of the shore.” – E.L. Voynich “It strikes me that the spirit of the Fourth, this year, was used up by September’s end and fell like an early leaf.” – William H. Gass “But now in September, the garden has cooled, and with it my possessiveness. The sun warms my back instead of beating on my head… The harvest has dwindled, and I have grown apart from the intense midsummer relationship that brought it on.” – Robert Finch “Outside the leaves on the trees constricted slightly; they were the deep done green of the beginning of autumn. It was a Sunday in September.” – Ali Smith “Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night.” – Hal Borland “Fallen leaves on the ground are the golden song of immortal creativity.” – Amit Ray “There is a time in late September when the leaves are still green, and the days are still warm, but somehow you know that it is all about to end, as if summer was holding its breath, and when it let it out again, it would be autumn.” – Sharyn McCrumb “September was a thirty-days long goodbye to summer, to the season that left everybody both happy and weary of the warm, humid weather and the exhausting but thrilling adventures.” – Lea Malot “The old summer’s-end melancholy nips at my heels. There’s no school to go back to; no detail of my life will change come the onset of September; yet still, I feel the old trepidation.” – Sara Baume “All at once, summer collapsed into fall.” – Oscar Wilde “The September storms – the hurricane warnings far away, the sudden gales, the downpour of rain that we have so badly needed here for so long – are exhilarating.” – Faith Baldwin “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough, to paint the beautiful things I see.” – Vincent Van Gogh “It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” – Sarah Addison Allen “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” – Emily Brontë “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” – Jim Bishop “The morning had dawned clear and cold, with a crispness that hinted at the end of summer.” – George R.R. Martin “September sky never looked more charming, or the sublime petals of the rose looked so graceful.” – Avijeet Das “The leaves of brown came tumbling down. Remember, in September, in the rain. The sun went out just like a dying ember.” – Harry Warren “Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” – William Wordsworth “No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.” – John Donne “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” – Samuel Butler “Is this not a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonize.” – George Eliot “For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.” – George Washington Cable “Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” – J.K. Rowling “Autumn. Time to dim the sunlight, cue the moody fog, and watch nature’s most charming story unfold.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground.”

– Andrea Gibson “Autumn is a poem – while you fall for everything, you remember that there is something worth dying for.” – Laura Chouette “There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves.” – Joe L. Wheeler “Autumn is as joyful and sweet as an untimely end.” – Rémy de Gourmont Short Inspirational September Quotes for Your Letter Board “It was September, and there was a crackly feeling to the air.” – Carolyn Parkhurst “Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” – Chad Sugg “Let August be August. Let September be September.” – Morgan Harper Nichols “It was September. In the last days when things are getting sad for no reason.” – Ray Bradbury “Autumn is the antidote to stifling summer.” – Terri Guillemets “Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.” – Henry David Thoreau “September is the other January.” – Gretchen Rubin “I love September, especially when we’re in it.” – Willie Stargell “But the days grow short when you reach September.” – Maxwell Anderson “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.” – Stanley Horowitz “Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul.” – Peggy Toney Horton “Sweet September Blessings! I am eternally grateful!” – Charmaine J. Forde “There comes a day each September when you wake up and know the summer is over and fall has arrived.” – Ann Rinaldi “I guess I’m just feeling all September-ish…All the trees change color, the days get very clear.” – George Selden Want more uplifting inspiration and motivation for your fall season? Then check out these short September quotes, the short and inspirational fall quotes in this post and also the positive and beautiful October quotes here.

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There are multiple benefits of exercise for injury prevention - from improving balance to increasing core strength, says an orthopaedic.Are you hooked on your phone, laptop, television or gaming console for the majority of your day? If your answer is yes, chances are that you are exposing your body to a higher risk of injuries, pain and joint-related problems. An orthopaedic underlines the importance and benefits of exercise for injury prevention.“In the digital age, individuals work remotely, mostly confined to a cubicle, in a sitting posture throughout the day. Every day, practices like this affect individuals, resulting in poor posture or lower-back injuries. Between work, it becomes essential to indulge in some stretching or a walk to keep your glutes and hips engaged. Otherwise, the muscles, ligaments and shoulders become weak or rigid,” Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Paneendra S, tells Health Shots.Importance of physical activity for injury preventionMovement is important for overall health for a variety of reasons. It is a preventive approach toward the prevention of acute and chronic injuries, adds the expert.Physical activity is significant in injury prevention as it helps to maintain the joints, muscles and awareness of the body. Continuous movement assists in improving circulation, rigidity and flexibility of connective tissues and body mobilisation to respond to physical stress without causing injury.“It has also been observed that when there is a lack of function in the body or physical movements, the body is more prone to injuries than necessary. However, an active lifestyle leads to quicker and more efficient recovery from injuries as compared to a sedentary lifestyle,” adds Dr Paneendra.A sedentary lifestyle can make muscles weaker, joints stiffer, and worsen the range of motion. The areas that are the most susceptible to tightness that lead to injury include hip flexors, hamstrings, calves, lower back muscles and shoulders. Leading an active lifestyle will make muscles dynamic and the joints lubricated and aligned, thereby reducing the mechanical stress on the skeletal system.Knee pain is common in osteoarthritis patients. Image courtesy: Adobe StockBenefits of warm-up and cool-down exercises for the bodyThe purpose of warm-ups is they serve as a base and guarantee the long-term health of muscles. The body is warmed up, and there is an increase in heart rate due to pre-workout movements. An effective warm-up exercise involves leg swings, arm rotations, or cardio exercise.The cool down must be done through stretches, deep breathing and slow movement to slow down the heart rate and the stiffness of the muscles. By skipping these, you may increase the risk of post-exercise tears, strain, and soreness. Cool-down methods reduce muscle rigidity, aid in the recuperation of the muscle, and reset its condition.Failing to follow these measures, particularly during pre- and post-workout periods, can lead to accumulated damage within the body.You may also likeStrength training for injury preventionStrength training is also significant in the prevention of sprains and strains. This happens through strengthening of tendons, ligaments and other available muscle tissue. The muscles give better support and do not create overload in joints, hence lowering the risk of an acute injury, explains Dr Paneendra.Stretching exercises to avoid injuryFrequent stretching exercises reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries, such as tendons and ligaments. These practices lead to an awareness and early stages of injury detection within the body. Mobility work and stretching can help prevent the most frequent injuries, particularly those caused by tight or shortened muscles. They add flexibility, enhance movement efficiency, and ensure proper joint alignment, thereby minimising the risk of injury. By being consistent in what is required of you, the body will develop a rhythm with better coordination and body balance, which subsequently will enhance your orthopaedic system.

Balance exercises to avoid fallsBalancing is crucial for injury prevention, particularly in older adults. Imbalance could lead to the risk of falls, hence causing fractures—activities like one-footed standing tone the balance in the body. Exercise training, such as squats, lunges, and resistance band exercises, helps improve joint stability by engaging multiple muscle groups in joint stabilisation.A strong core is also essential to protect the spine and reduce injuries. It acts as a stabilising centre for almost all physical movements, absorbing stress and preventing improper strain on surrounding muscles and joints.Apart from this, evaluation of mobility restrictions and joint alignments by professionals can help prevent dysfunction or minor injuries, which may lead to more serious ones.

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It’s September. The month that brings mixed feelings and colors as the sunny and warm days of summer fade out and are replaced with crisp autumn air, chilly rains and the regular days of work or school. To help you welcome and make the most of this fall transition I’d like to share 100 of the most powerful, beautiful and positive short September quotes. I hope you’ll find something here to make this a motivated and successful month and a happy and fun one filled with more laughter and less stress. Short and Inspirational September Quotes and Sayings “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” – Peggy Toney Horton “When you are reluctant to change, think of the beauty of autumn.” – V V Brown “Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures.” – Henry David Thoreau “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” – Jim Bishop “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus “September: it was the most beautiful of words, he’d always felt, evoking orange-flowers, swallows, and regret.” – Alexander Theroux “Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.” – Henry David Thoreau “All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made.” – Virginia Woolf “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “And then the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep, and autumn awakened.” – Raquel Franco “Fallen leaves on the ground are the golden song of immortal creativity.” – Amit Ray “Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” – Shira Tamir “The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground.” – Andrea Gibson “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” – Emily Brontë “There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves.” – Joe. L. Wheeler “Is this not a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonize.” – George Eliot “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” – Victoria Erickson “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.” – Stanley Horowitz “It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” – Sarah Addison Allen “Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” – Friedrich Nietzsche Short Motivational September Quotes for Work “And suddenly, you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart “I am most radiant and full of energy when the leaves are falling and there is a ghost of change in the air.” – Anna Madsen “Let’s strive to be better in September!” – Charmaine J. Forde “Come September, children return to school, grownups to work, and the brain to the head.” – Roger Rosenblatt “The window is open, admitting the September breeze: A month that smells like notebook paper and pencil shavings, autumn leaves and car oil. A month that smells like progress and moving on.” – Lauren Oliver “September is the month of maturity; the heaped basket and the garnered sheaf. It is the month of climax and completion.” – Patience Strong “In many ways, September feels like the busiest time of the year: The kids go back to school, work piles up after the summer’s dog days, and Thanksgiving is suddenly upon us.” – Brené Brown “How smartly September comes in, like a racing gig, all style, no confusion.” – Eleanor Clark “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford “September is the other January.” – Gretchen Rubin “It is worth taking the time to stop and contemplate at the beginning of each new month.” – Nadine Locke “Rest

your eyes well before September because with all its colors autumn is coming to visit them!” – Mehmet Murat Ildan “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton “I love September, especially when we’re in it.” – Willie Stargell Funny Short September Quotes (Great for Your Letter Board) “My favorite poem is the one that starts ‘Thirty days hath September’ because it actually tells you something.” – Groucho Marx “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” – Hal Borland “I used to love September, but now it just rhymes with remember.” – Dominic Riccitello “September tries its best to have us forget summer.” – Bernard Williams “Some say fall is the season when the leaves change. I say it’s the season when my sweat pants never change.” – Katie Nicole Felton “Happy September! The world shall very soon transform into pumpkin everything.” – Keith Wynn “Making your Christmas cake in September is perfect, as too fresh a cake crumbles when cut.” – Mary Berry “No matter how many losing seasons you might have had in the past with your marriage, the good thing is that all teams get a fresh start once September begins.” – Shon Hyneman “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” – Winnie the Pooh “Let’s all be nice to September.” – Nitya Prakash “Why is summer mist romantic and autumn mist just sad?” – Dodie Smith “Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature.” – Tom Robbins Short Hello September Quotes to Welcome a Beautiful Fall “Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul.” – Peggy Toney Horton “It must be September, July sun has disappeared.” – Charmaine J. Forde “But the days grow short when you reach September.” – Maxwell Anderson “Let August be August. Let September be September. Let yourself just be even in the uncertainty.” – Morgan Harper Nichols “I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile, So good to me, so right.” – Taylor Swift “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas, and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” – Vincent van Gogh “The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools.” – Henry Beston “September has come, it is hers whose vitality leaps in the autumn, whose nature prefers trees without leaves and a fire in the fireplace.” – Louis MacNeice “For summer there, bear in mind, is a loitering gossip, that only begins to talk of leaving when September rises to go.” – George Washington Cable “Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night.” – Hal Borland “September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours, but in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn.” – Rowland E. Robinson “By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” – Helen Hunt Jackson “I guess I’m just feeling all September-ish… All the trees change color, the days get very clear – with little smoke on the horizon from burning leaves. Pumpkins begin to come out.” – George Selden “We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer’s wreckage. We will welcome summer’s ghost.” – Henry Rollins “Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” – J. K. Rowling “There comes a day each September when you wake up and know the summer is over and fall has arrived.” – Ann Rinaldi “But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed.” – Stephen King “All at once, summer collapsed into fall.” – Oscar Wilde “Autumn. Time to dim the sunlight, cue the moody fog, and watch nature’s most charming story unfold.”

– Angie Weiland-Crosby “O sweet September, thy first breezes bring The dry leaf’s rustle and the squirrel’s laughter.” – George Arnold “The morning had dawned clear and cold, with a crispness that hinted at the end of summer.” – George R.R. Martin “Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” – William Wordsworth “Autumn is the antidote to stifling summer.” – Terri Guillemets “September is dressing herself in showy dahlias and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias.” – Olive Wendell Holmes “Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren DeStefano “Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” – Delia Owens Short September Quotes for a Happy New Month and Your Instagram “It was September, and there was a crackly feeling to the air.” – Carolyn Parkhurst “There is a clarity about September.” – Faith Baldwin “September smiled at her wonderful friends in all their colors and bright eyes and gentle ways.” – Catherynne M. Valente “The roses hung their heads and dreamed under the still September clouds.” – E.L. Voynich “No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.” – John Donne “The old summer’s-end melancholy nips at my heels.” – Sara Baume “It was a lovely afternoon – such an afternoon as only September can produce when summer has stolen back for one more day of dream and glamour.” – L.M. Montgomery “Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” – Chad Sugg “It was September. In the last days when things are getting sad for no reason.” – Ray Bradbury “September sky never looked more charming, or the sublime petals of the rose looked so graceful.” – Avijeet Das “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough, to paint the beautiful things I see.” – Vincent Van Gogh “Nostalgia – that’s the autumn, dreaming through September. Just a million lovely things I will remember.” – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne “As September rolls into October, I become obsessed with apples.” – Monty Don “Autumn is a poem – while you fall for everything, you remember that there is something worth dying for.” – Laura Chouette “Tonight I miss you like the sky misses his moon; a delicate epiphany growing on grass.” – Avijeet Das “Autumn is full of leave-taking. In September the swallows are chattering of destination and departure like a crowd of tourists.” – Mary Webb “A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.” – Unknown “Wine is the divine juice of September.” – Voltaire “Time turns flames to embers, You’ll have new Septembers, Everyone of us has messed up too.” – Taylor Swift “But now in September, the garden has cooled, and with it my possessiveness.” – Robert Finch “Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that autumnal beginning, as if last year’s mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.” – Donna Tartt “There is a time in late September when the leaves are still green and the days are still warm, but somehow you know that it is all about to end.” – Sharyn McCrumb “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “Sweet September Blessings! I am eternally grateful!” – Charmaine J. Forde “How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – John Burroughs “Let this be the September you always remember.” – Morgan Harper Nichols Want more inspiration and motivation for your autumn? Then have a look at these short fall quotes, the beautiful October quotes here plus these uplifting quotes on autumn and change.

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Fall is here. Maybe the most beautiful season of the year with colorful leaves, the clear crisp air and cozy evenings under a blanket with a warm cup of tea or cocoa. But also a time of change as the warmth, light and free days of summer fade away. In today’s post I’d like to share 101 of the most positive, inspirational and beautiful short fall quotes. To help you embrace the changes of autumn. To make this a motivated and successful time. And to make you laugh when you’re having a tough or stressful day. I hope these timeless sayings will help you to have a wonderful fall. Short and Inspirational Fall Quotes for a Great Autumn Season “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” – Unknown “How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – John Burroughs “The trees are about to show us how to be gracefully strong in the face of change.” – Unknown “There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.” – Ruth Ahmed “October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen.” – Hal Borland “Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” – Friedrich Nietzsche “Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.” – Rumi “I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” – Dodinsky “In autumn, change in life becomes as natural as the leaves turning red, yellow and brown.” – Unknown “Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” – Shira Tamir “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” – Unknown “Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” – Chad Sugg “Autumn is the season that teaches us that change can be beautiful.” – Unknown “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” – Emily Brontë “Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren DeStefano “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot “The fallen leaves in the forest seemed to make even the ground glow and burn with light.” – Malcolm Lowry “Crisp autumn air speaks and I can’t help but listen to that clarity and take a different and new turn in my life.” – Sandra Shea “Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” – Delia Owens “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” – Jim Bishop “I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” – Lee Maynard Short Motivational Fall Quotes for Work “The first breath of autumn was in the air, a prodigal feeling, a feeling of wanting, taking, and keeping before it is too late.” – J.L. Carr “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.” – B.C. Forbes “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” – Samuel Butler “Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring.” – Truman Capote “Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year’s end and day’s beginnings.” – Terri Guillemets “Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves.” – Dale Carnegie “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” – Hal Borland “Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.” – Stephen R. Covey “Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”

– Elizabeth Lawrence “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison “In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.” – Elizabeth George Speare “That old September feeling, left over from school days, of summer passing, vacation nearly done, obligations gathering, books and football in the air.” – Wallace Stegner “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne “If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to freeze your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be alive.” – Kyle Lake Short and Funny Fall Quotes for Your Instagram “Summer makes me drowsy. Autumn makes me sing. Winter’s pretty lousy, but I hate Spring.” – Dorothy Parker “Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to spring.” – Doug Larson “Sweater weather is better together.” – Unknown “I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” – Henry David Thoreau “Pumpkin spice and everything nice.” – Unknown “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” – Winnie the Pooh “The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens apples, the other turns them to cider.” – Jane Hirshfield “Let’s pumpkin spice things up a bit!” – Unknown “It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” – Sarah Addison Allen “If I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot “Autumn skies and pumpkin pies, I can tell no lies, this I love.” – Unknown “A sweater is like life, you get nothing out of it that you don’t put into it!” – Marilyn Monroe “What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye? What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?” – John Greenleaf Whittier Beautiful and Short Fall Quotes for Your Autumn Letter Board “Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant “A friend you are, sweet autumn day; to never falter, in my soul you stay.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” – Stanley Horowitz “Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves.” – Humbert Wolfe “It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.” – Diana Gabaldon “October, crisp, misty, golden October, when the light is sweet and heavy.” – Angela Carter “O Autumn, Autumn! O pensive light and wistful sound! Gold-haunted sky, green-haunted ground!” – Effie Lee Newsome “Autumn is as joyful and sweet as an untimely end.” – Rémy de Gourmont “The heart of autumn must have broken here, and poured its treasure upon the leaves.” – Charlotte Bates “Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” – William Wordsworth “Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.” – Faith Baldwin “The tints of autumn… a mighty flower garden blossoming under the spell of the enchanter, frost.” – John Greenleaf Whittier “Autumn leaves shower like gold, like rainbows, as the winds of change begin to blow.” – Dan Millman “And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.” – Raquel Franco “Autumn embraces change, even as she is falling to pieces.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “Days decrease, and autumn grows, autumn in everything.” – Robert Browning “Give me juicy autumnal fruit, ripe and red from the orchard.” – Walt Whitman “There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!” – Percy Bysshe Shelley “By all these lovely tokens September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.”

– Helen Hunt Jackson “A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.” – Unknown “Dancing of the autumn leaves on a surface of a lake is a dream we see when we are awake.” – Mehmet Murat Idles “Autumn’s the mellow time.” – William Allingham Cute and Aesthetic Short Fall Quotes and Sayings “Autumn arose and my soul bloomed.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “Autumn glows upon us like a splendid evening; it is the very sunset of the year.” – Mary Russell Mitford “I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves.” – Ann Drake “I come alive in the fall time.” – The Weeknd “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” – Oscar Wilde “The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” – J.K. Rowling “The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn, And the raspin’ of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn.” – James Whitcomb Riley “Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the top of a leaf.” – Rabindranath Tagore “Nature’s first green is gold.” – Robert Frost “It is a real chill out. The fall crisp comes…” – Gwendolyn Brooks “I come by light of an autumn moon.” – Broken Bells “Autumn colors my soul in the loveliest shades.” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of autumn.” – John Muir “Blaze the mountains in the windless Autumn, Frost-clear, blue-nooned, apple-ripening days.” – Sarah Norcliffe Cleghorn “But see, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie!” – Margaret Junkin Preston “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonize.” – George Eliot “The bright summer had passed away, and gorgeous autumn was flinging its rainbow-tints of beauty on hill and dale.” – Cornelia L. Tuthill “Autumn whispered to the wind, ‘I fall but always rise again.'” – Angie Weiland-Crosby “If the leaves are changing, I feel poetry in the air.” – Laura Jaworski “Only lovers see the fall a signal end to endings.” – Maya Angelou “Now autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods and day by day the dead leaves fall and melt.” – William Allingham “Autumn is all about falling: falling leaves, falling temperatures, and falling in love.” – Unknown “I watch the birds fly south across the autumn sky / And one by one they disappear.” – The Moody Blues “Autumn leaves are falling, filling up the streets; golden colors on the lawn, nature’s trick or treat!” – Rusty Fischer “October’s poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.” – Nova Bair “There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch.” – Robert Brault “Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable… the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street… by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.” – Hal Borland “There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves.” – Joe L. Wheeler “Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.” – Yoko Ono “Autumn would come to this place of welcome, this place I would know to be home.” – Henry Rollins “Another fall, another turned page.” – Wallace Stegner “It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life.” – P.D. James “The falling leaves of autumn inspire us to take daring leaps and to embrace the inevitability of change in life.” – Unknown “Finally, she mused that human existence is as brief as the life of autumn grass, so what was there to fear from taking chances with your life?” – Mo Yan Want more inspiration for your fall? Then have a look at these inspirational October quotes, the uplifting autumn quotes here and also these Halloween quotes for a happy celebration.

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So many of us feel lonely and disconnected from time to time, but it's so important to remember that you’re not alone. If you reach out and share your story, you may find support from unexpected places. Try your best to embrace a spirit of courage and compassion through the difficult times. Even a brief conversation with a kind stranger can create space for healing and growth. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill Let's take a look at a few stories that remind us that great things can happen when we uplift one another in our journeys.  A group of senior citizens come together to rescue seven young pups An eight-year-old’s donation efforts get a major boost An initiative feeds the vulnerable while empowering refugees A father’s persistence becomes a story of hope for non-speaking autistic community     Positively Uplifting Stories | August 4 2025 A group of senior citizens rescued and provided life-saving care to seven puppies. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIMSu4G4fpM[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIMSu4G4fpM[/embed] This heartwarming video of dogs being rescued was shared by Maraya Pierro, founder of Rescue Kitties of Hawaii, a non-profit animal rescue organization. After learning that several puppies were stranded underneath the deck of an abandoned property, Maraya reached out to a group of her mother’s friends, who quickly came to the rescue of the tiny puppies. They came prepared with the tools needed to safely rescue the puppies from under the deck. The pups had been alone and hungry for three days. Once rescued, they received the care they desperately needed and were placed in loving foster homes, where they’re now waiting to find their forever families. “The community really stepped up and everybody came together to save their lives,” said Maraya.   A young boy gets major help towards his donation efforts. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJWOYHVDD2k[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJWOYHVDD2k[/embed] Beck Lundgren recently sent LEGO care packages to children who lost their homes and all their toys in the devastating Texas Hill Country floods. His act of kindness made national headlines and inspired countless others. Donations began pouring in from people around the world, encouraging Beck to continue helping even more children. LEGO Masters, the international reality television show, even sent him a box filled with LEGO-themed gear to support his mission. Beck’s story is a powerful reminder that when you take the first step, support can come from far and wide. “All the notes that people put in the boxes, we’ve read those together as a family, and we just recognize how fortunate and blessed we are that people from all over have wanted to support not only Lego Looks, but Lego Looks plus KERR Together to help those little hands heal,” said Beck’s mother, Sarah.   Initiative offers food, support, and opportunities for connection to those in need.  The Soup of Human Kindness offers meaningful opportunities to asylum seekers and refugee chefs, providing them with valuable work experience. The meals they prepare are then distributed free of charge to those going through a tough time. Volunteers come from all over Sydney to cook and deliver nourishing meals. Apart from food, donations of clean bedding, clothing, and toiletries are provided to homeless individuals and residents of social housing. For over five years, The Soup of Human Kindness has been strengthening and uplifting the local community through compassion. “This is my second time, and I am learning so much. Times are so tough at the moment, there are so many people struggling, and just to be able to help out in a really small way is really meaningful,” said Chareen, a volunteer.   A father’s optimism and persistence are helping his son realize his full potential. Viraj Dhanda is on the autism spectrum and has apraxia, a condition that affects his ability to speak and control his fingers.

For 14 years, his father, Sumit Dhanda, worked diligently to teach him basic communication skills. The breakthrough finally came when he noticed that Viraj was able to type using his thumb. Sumit helped him harness his strengths through an alternative communication device that uses a text-to-speech function, enabling Viraj to express his thoughts clearly. Now, he is able to truly share his voice. "I desperately wanted the world to know that I had a fully functional brain," Viraj said. In the fall, he'll be heading to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge!   Thank You for Reading!  Loneliness and feeling disconnected or misunderstood in this world can feel awful. But sometimes, the easiest way to connect with others is by reaching out our own hand to help.  All of our stories this week underscore how every day people just like us jumped at opportunities to make someone else's life better - and brought communities together as a result.  We hope that our Uplifting Stories touched a piece of you that needed some hope. Keep taking good care of yourselves and look for those opportunities to reach out!

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Picture this: You’re on a video call, nodding along while secretly checking emails, mentally calculating if you have enough pasta for dinner, and half-listening to your kids arguing about whose turn it is on the iPad. Sound familiar? You’re not alone and you’re not imagining that life feels more overwhelming than ever. These are classic cognitive overload symptoms that millions experience daily.Here’s why: Back in 2008, researchers found Americans were already processing 34GB of information daily. Today? We’re swimming in an estimated 75-100GB of data every single day. That’s like downloading your entire brain’s storage capacity, twice. Our digital interactions have exploded from 298 daily touches in 2010 to a mind-boggling 4,909 expected by 2025. We’re consuming 105,000 words daily, roughly 23 words per second during every waking hour.Your brain wasn’t designed for this. It’s like running fifty browser tabs on a computer built for dial-up internet. The result? Cognitive overload and it’s wreaking havoc on your focus, health, and happiness. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 15 warning signs of cognitive overload your brain is experiencing and share science-backed solutions to reclaim your mental clarity.What Is Cognitive Overload?Your brain on cognitive overload – like having too many browser tabs openEver felt like your brain is a browser with 47 tabs open, and they’re all playing videos? That’s cognitive overload in a nutshell. It happens when the information processing demands placed on your brain exceed its limited working memory capacity. Essentially, when you’re trying to juggle more mental balls than your brain can handle.Here’s the science: Our working memory, managed by the prefrontal cortex, can only hold about 7±2 pieces of information at once. When we exceed this limit, our brain doesn’t just slow down. It starts dropping balls. The stress this creates is what researchers call “extraneous cognitive load,” and it’s become the defining feature of our always-on culture. No wonder “brain rot” was Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2024. Understanding these symptoms of cognitive overload is the first step to recovery, especially when combined with effective time management strategies and mindfulness practices.Cognitive scientists break this down into three types: Intrinsic load (how hard the task itself is), Extraneous load (unnecessary complexity from poor design or distractions), and Germane load (the good kind of effort that helps you learn). In our technostress-filled world, we’re drowning in extraneous load while starving for germane load. Every notification, every context switch, every “quick check” of social media adds another weight to an already overloaded system.The 15 Warning Signs of Cognitive OverloadMental & Cognitive Symptoms Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why? When cognitive overload strikes, your brain essentially throws up its hands and says, “I’m done.” These mental cognitive overload symptoms are often the first red flags we notice.Difficulty concentrating becomes your new normal. Simple tasks feel like climbing Everest. Your mind wanders mid-sentence, and what should take minutes stretches into hours. Research confirms this isn’t just in your head. Studies show high cognitive load significantly delays decision-making . Learning how to improve focus and concentration can help combat these symptoms.Memory turns unreliable, like a phone with a dying battery. Deadlines vanish from your mental calendar. Appointments? What appointments? Your brain, overwhelmed with processing current information, simply can’t encode new memories properly. Both short-term and long-term memory take a hit.Then comes decision paralysis. Choosing between two lunch options feels monumental. You default to “good enough” choices because your mental energy is depleted. Analysis paralysis sets in. You can see all the options but can’t evaluate them properly.Mental fog descends like thinking through thick soup. Following conversations becomes exhausting.

Simple information that you’d normally process instantly now requires multiple reads. I once spent ten minutes rereading the same email paragraph, understanding less with each attempt.Finally, your problem-solving skills plummet. Challenges that you’d typically tackle creatively now seem insurmountable. You find yourself relying on familiar patterns, unable to think outside the box. Innovation? That requires mental bandwidth you simply don’t have.These cognitive overload warning signs compound each other, creating a vicious cycle where decreased cognitive function leads to more stress, which further impairs your mental capabilities. If left unchecked, this can lead to burnout and chronic stress.Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms Have you ever felt like your emotions are on a hair trigger, ready to explode at the slightest provocation? When symptoms of cognitive overload set in, they don’t just affect how we think. They fundamentally change how we feel and behave.The stress response goes into overdrive. Your body pumps out cortisol like it’s preparing for battle, even during routine activities. Heart racing while checking emails? Sweating through a simple phone call? That’s your overloaded system triggering a physiological alarm that won’t shut off.Irritability becomes your default setting. Remember Sarah, the marketing manager who used to be known for her patience? Now she snaps at colleagues who suggest alternative strategies. When information doesn’t align with her fixed beliefs, frustration boils over. A minor scheduling change sends her into an emotional tailspin that leaves everyone walking on eggshells.The sense of being overwhelmed creeps in like fog. Too many choices, too many demands, too much everything. You stare at your to-do list, paralyzed, unable to prioritize because your brain can’t shift gears between tasks. Simple decisions feel monumentally exhausting.Motivation drains away like water through cupped hands. You find yourself going along with others’ plans, not because you agree, but because initiating anything feels impossible. Procrastination becomes a protective shell. If you don’t start, you can’t fail, right?Social withdrawal completes the cycle. Declining invitations becomes automatic. Netflix and endless scrolling replace human connection. Why venture out when staying in your comfort zone requires zero cognitive flexibility? The couch becomes both refuge and prison, keeping you safe from challenges but isolated from growth.These emotional cognitive overload symptoms don’t just affect you. They ripple outward, impacting relationships, work performance, and overall life satisfaction.Physical SymptomsPhysical symptoms of cognitive overload manifest throughout the bodyLet’s talk about something that might surprise you: cognitive overload symptoms don’t just mess with your mind. They literally show up in your body. I learned this the hard way when I started getting mysterious headaches every afternoon, only to realize they coincided perfectly with my marathon work sessions, trying to process endless streams of information.Digital eye strain hits hard when your brain is overloaded. We’re the ones staring at screens for hours, jumping between documents, emails, and websites. The result? Blurred vision, eyes so dry they feel like sandpaper, and a peculiar sensitivity to light that makes you feel like a vampire emerging from a cave. Those tension headaches that start behind your eyes and wrap around your skull? Classic signs of cognitive overload.Then there’s the sleep saga. You finally crawl into bed, exhausted, but your brain decides it’s the perfect time to replay every task, email, and decision from the day. Even when you do drift off, it’s that restless, surface-level sleep that leaves you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck the next morning. Research shows that people experiencing cognitive overload get significantly less REM sleep. The restorative kind your brain desperately needs.The physical restlessness is real too.

That jittery, “wired but tired” feeling where your leg won’t stop bouncing under the desk? Your body is literally vibrating with unspent mental energy. Fine motor tremors in your hands, constant fidgeting, feeling like you need to move but being too exhausted to actually do it.And don’t get me started on the stomach issues. Cognitive overload turns your digestive system into a rollercoaster. One day you’re too stressed to eat, the next you’re stress-eating everything in sight. Nausea, digestive irregularities, that constant knot in your stomach during high-pressure periods.Meanwhile, despite all this hyperactivity, you’re perpetually exhausted. Chronic fatigue sets in. It’s like running a marathon while sitting at your desk, leaving you drained by 3 PM despite doing nothing physically demanding. Your body keeps the score of every mental overload, and eventually, it presents the bill. These physical cognitive overload warning signs shouldn’t be ignored.The Hidden Causes in Modern Life Ever feel like your brain is a browser with 47 tabs open? You’re not imagining it. Modern life has engineered a perfect storm that triggers cognitive overload symptoms our ancestors couldn’t have dreamed of. While we’ve gained incredible conveniences, we’ve also unknowingly signed up for a 24/7 mental marathon that’s reshaping how our brains function.Digital Overload: The Invisible Tax on Your MindYour phone buzzes. A Slack notification pops up. Three emails arrive simultaneously. Sound familiar? The average knowledge worker switches between apps and websites over 300 times per day. That’s not productivity. It’s mental whiplash. Each ping triggers a micro-decision: respond now, later, or ignore? These constant interruptions create what researchers call “attention residue,” where part of your mind stays stuck on the previous task even after switching.Take poorly designed apps that bury simple functions under layers of menus. Or platforms that auto-play videos while you’re trying to read an article. These aren’t accidents. They’re features designed to capture and monetize your attention.Workplace Factors: The New Normal That Isn’tRemember when “working from home” meant actually working from home? Now it means juggling Zoom, Teams, Slack, email, and project management tools, often simultaneously. Hybrid workers report spending 2.5 hours daily just managing communication tools. Meeting overload has exploded too, with the average employee attending 62% more meetings than pre-2020.The “always-on” expectation means your boss might message at 9 PM, and you feel obligated to respond. Boundaries? What boundaries?Information Diet Quality: Junk Food for Your BrainWe’re consuming information like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet of anxiety. Breaking news alerts interrupt dinner. Twitter debates rage while you’re trying to sleep. LinkedIn makes everyone else’s career look impossibly perfect. This fragmented, low-quality information diet creates chronic FOMO and decision paralysis. You know staying informed matters, but when “staying informed” means drowning in hot takes and doom-scrolling, your brain never gets a chance to properly process anything.Lifestyle Factors: The Missing IngredientsWhen did you last sit quietly without reaching for your phone? Cognitive downtime isn’t laziness. It’s maintenance. Yet we’ve eliminated every pocket of mental rest. Waiting in line? Check Instagram. Commercial break? Quick email scan. Even our “breaks” involve consuming more content.Poor work-life boundaries mean your living room is your office is your gym is your relaxation space. Everything blurs together until nothing feels truly restful.The COVID Case Study: When Everything Went DigitalThe pandemic forced a massive, unplanned experiment in rapid digitalization. Research from MIT found that when restaurants switched to touchscreen kiosks and QR code menus, cognitive errors increased by 35%, particularly among adults over 50 . Simple tasks like ordering coffee became complex

digital interactions requiring multiple decisions: download app, create account, navigate menu, customize order, select pickup time.These systems, designed for efficiency, actually increased mental load. Older adults reported feeling “exhausted from ordinary tasks” as familiar routines suddenly required new digital skills. The study revealed what we’re all experiencing: technology meant to simplify our lives often complicates them instead.The truth is, these hidden causes compound each other. Digital overload at work leads to poor-quality information consumption during breaks, which prevents cognitive rest, creating a vicious cycle that intensifies symptoms of cognitive overload. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming your mental space.The Long-Term Health Consequences Ignoring cognitive overload symptoms isn’t just about having a few bad days. It’s like running your car engine at redline continuously. Eventually, something breaks.The difference between a normal brain and one experiencing cognitive overloadNeurological Impact: Chronic mental overwhelm literally reshapes your brain, and not for the better. Studies show prolonged cognitive overload impairs neuroplasticity, your brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This means reduced learning capacity, weakened memory consolidation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. Think of it as your brain becoming rigid instead of adaptable—a devastating blow to long-term mental performance.Mental Health: The psychological toll accumulates rapidly. Research indicates that individuals experiencing chronic cognitive overload are 73% more likely to develop anxiety disorders and depression. Burnout rates skyrocket, emotional exhaustion becomes the norm, and many develop learned helplessness—a state where you stop trying because nothing seems to help.Physical Health: Your body keeps the score. Chronic stress hormone dysregulation leads to a cascade of physical problems: a weakened immune system that leaves you vulnerable to illness, increased risk of metabolic disorders including diabetes, and significant cardiovascular strain. The constant flood of cortisol literally ages your body faster. Understanding stress management techniques becomes crucial for long-term health.Professional/Personal Impact: The ripple effects touch every life area. Job performance plummets, relationships strain under emotional unavailability, and overall quality of life deteriorates. It’s a slow-motion crisis that compounds daily.The message is clear: addressing cognitive overload warning signs isn’t optional. It’s essential for your future self.9 Science-Backed Solutions to Overcome Cognitive Overload Ready to tackle those cognitive overload symptoms head-on? Here are proven strategies that actually work.9 evidence-based solutions to overcome cognitive overloadImmediate Relief Strategies1. Cognitive OffloadingResearch from UCLA shows that writing down worries reduces cognitive load by 40%. Start with a daily “brain dump”. Spend 10 minutes transferring every thought onto paper. Use external tools like calendars, task apps, or simple sticky notes to free up mental RAM. This simple act activates your brain’s executive function, allowing clearer thinking.2. Information ChunkingOur brains process information best in chunks of 7±2 items, according to Miller’s Law. Break complex projects into 5-7 subtasks. When learning, group related concepts together. For example, instead of memorizing 20 random facts, organize them into 4 categories of 5 facts each. Studies show this improves retention by 60%.3. Single-Tasking FocusStanford research reveals multitasking reduces productivity by 25% and increases errors by 50%. Implement time-blocking: dedicate 90-minute chunks to single tasks. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distractions. You’ll complete tasks 40% faster with focused attention.Long-Term Management Strategies4. Digital BoundariesCreate device-free zones: no phones during meals or the first hour after waking.

Research indicates checking email less frequently (3 times daily versus constantly) reduces stress by 23%. Set specific “communication windows” and stick to them. Your brain needs downtime to process and consolidate information.5. Mindfulness and MeditationJust 10 minutes of daily meditation increases focus by 14% and reduces mind-wandering by 22%, per a Harvard study. Start with simple breath awareness: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Apps like Headspace offer guided sessions specifically for cognitive overload.6. Optimize Information ArchitectureA Princeton study found cluttered environments impair focus and processing capacity. Organize both digital and physical spaces using the “one-touch rule”, handle items once and file them immediately. Create designated spaces for different activities. This environmental clarity translates to mental clarity.Lifestyle Interventions7. Prioritization SystemsThe Eisenhower Matrix helps identify truly important tasks. Plot activities on urgent/important axes. Focus 80% of energy on important-but-not-urgent tasks (Quadrant 2). Research shows this approach reduces overwhelm by 35% while increasing meaningful progress by 50%.8. Regular Mental BreaksThe Draugiem Group study found top performers work 52 minutes, then break for 17. At minimum, take 5-10 minute breaks hourly. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and mental fatigue by 40%.9. Sleep and RecoveryCognitive function drops 40% with less than 7 hours of sleep. Establish a wind-down routine: dim lights 2 hours before bed, maintain 65-68°F room temperature, and enforce a screen-free hour before sleep. Quality sleep consolidates memories and clears mental debris through the brain’s glymphatic system.Success StorySarah, a marketing executive, felt constantly overwhelmed managing 15 client accounts. After implementing these strategies, particularly time-blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, and strict 8pm digital boundaries. She reduced her work hours from 60 to 45 weekly while increasing client satisfaction scores by 30%. “I thought I needed more time,” she reflects. “I actually needed better systems.”Remember: experiencing cognitive overload symptoms isn’t a personal failing. It’s a systemic challenge requiring systematic solutions. Start with one strategy today. Your brain will thank you.When to Seek Professional Help While many cognitive overload symptoms can be managed with self-care strategies, it’s important to recognize when professional support might be beneficial. If you’ve been experiencing persistent signs of cognitive overload despite trying various coping techniques, or if your symptoms are significantly interfering with your work performance and personal relationships, it may be time to reach out for help.Pay particular attention to physical manifestations like chronic headaches, persistent sleep disorders, or digestive issues that don’t respond to typical remedies. Additionally, if you notice signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of hopelessness, or anxiety symptoms like constant worry or panic attacks, professional intervention can be invaluable.Several types of professionals can assist with cognitive overload. Cognitive-behavioral therapists specialize in helping you develop effective stress management techniques and restructure unhelpful thought patterns. Occupational therapists can work with you to create workplace accommodations that reduce cognitive demands. Medical professionals can evaluate whether underlying conditions might be contributing to your symptoms, while executive coaches can help you develop organizational systems tailored to your specific needs. Treatment options range from CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs to neurofeedback therapy and comprehensive medical evaluations.Conclusion Cognitive overload has become a modern epidemic, affecting millions of people trying to navigate our information-rich, always-connected world.

The 15 cognitive overload warning signs we’ve explored aren’t character flaws or personal failures. They’re your brain’s intelligent signals that it needs relief from an unsustainable pace. From the mental fog that clouds your mornings to the decision fatigue that leaves you paralyzed by simple choices, each of these symptoms of cognitive overload is a message worth heeding.The encouraging news is that cognitive overload is entirely manageable with the right strategies. You don’t need to implement every technique at once or transform your entire life overnight. Start small. Perhaps choose just one or two strategies that resonate with you. Maybe it’s setting boundaries with technology, practicing a brief daily meditation, or simply giving yourself permission to say “no” more often. Small changes can create ripple effects that significantly improve your mental clarity and overall well-being.Remember, your brain is remarkably adaptable and resilient. By respecting its capabilities and limitations, you’re not admitting defeat. You’re practicing wisdom. In a world that constantly demands more, choosing to protect your cognitive resources is an act of self-respect and intelligence. Your mind deserves the same care you’d give any valuable tool, and with patience and practice, you can find your way back to mental clarity and peace.

[how2fit]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feo6MytMJ9g[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feo6MytMJ9g[/embed] There are many introverts out there who feel misunderstood. Their quiet nature can be perplexing to plenty of people, especially those who have a more extroverted personality.   The definition of an introvert is someone who prefers calm, minimally stimulating environments. Introverts tend to feel drained after socializing and regain their energy by spending time alone. - Introvert, Dear Research indicates that the brain of an introvert is slightly different than the brain of an extrovert. They’re wired differently. An extrovert will seek to socialize more when their brain gets a dopamine (feel good chemical) boost. They tend to enjoy the whole social experience, boosting their dopamine levels. That boost makes them want to socialize even more. An introvert doesn’t necessarily get that same dopamine boost when socializing. In fact, social situations may actually over-stimulate them, causing them to feel anxious. Introverts tend to rely on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine more than the extrovert. This chemical, when produced, tends to cause an introvert to desire to enjoy peace and quiet, and go within. This is something that makes them feel good. It's hard to tell exactly what percentage of the population are introverts. The Johns Hopkins Newsletter claims that 25-35% of the population are, while Very Well Mind says it's more like 25-40%. As an introvert myself, knowing that others can allow me to simply be the quiet, not-too-social soul that I am without judgment goes a long way. The following are various things introverts would like others to know about them.     7 Things Introverts Want You to Know 1. I really do like people. A lot of introverts get accused of being anti-social or not liking people. This isn’t true. While there may be some people who fall into those categories, that’s not indicative of being an introvert. That may be more of a preference or perhaps they’re dealing with life situations that have caused them to fear people. Introverts enjoy people and friendships, but they prefer them in small numbers and doses. They’d rather enjoy conversation with one or two people than hang out in large groups. Many introverts have a smaller social circle, often due to valuing deeper connection than more surface-level relationships.   2. I get energy by being quiet. Whereas an extrovert may become energized by engaging with others, an introvert finds energy by enjoying quiet time by themselves. They may enjoy reading, watching movies, being out in nature, or simply sitting on their deck enjoying the view. Silence and solitude fill them up, so they try to get as much as they can.   3. I’d rather observe than lead. Many introverts would rather be the observer, rather than feel like they have to lead the conversation or group. It’s not that they can’t be amazing leaders, because they can.  They just really enjoy sitting back, thinking and observing, chiming in when they feel the need to. If they feel like they have to lead, it can cause them some anxiety.   4. I’m not lazy. Plenty of introverts get accused of being lazy, because it seems like they're constantly turning down invites in favor of staying home. But many introverts just don’t like to engage in social functions. When asked to go do things with acquaintances or friends, often the answer is no. This can be taken personally when the intention is misunderstood, and some may point their fingers and call them lazy. Remember that many introverts just prefer to be home much of the time. It’s where they feel their best. It’s a preference, and plenty of them are quite busy at home.   5. Committing to social events isn’t always easy. Speaking for myself as an introvert, it’s tough for me to commit to a social event.  There have been plenty of times I’ll say “yes”, but then I’ll start experiencing anxiety as soon as I think about the outing. I’ll go back and forth as to whether I really want to go or not.

I envision all the people, noise, chaos, etc. and want to cancel. Through the years, I’ve learned to give myself permission to say, “I’ll think about it and let you know”, rather than just agree up front. I may wait until the day before or the day of the event to decide. I also give myself permission to cancel if I truly need to practice self-care.   6. I feel plenty of feelings. I’m sure I’m not the only introvert that gets flack from some people about not “feeling” or expressing my feelings in the passionate way many extroverts do.  I may not be the one hootin’ and hollerin’ at events, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited to be there. I just may not express my feelings in the same way as an extrovert. Introverts indeed feel quite deeply. They just may not prefer to share their emotions openly.   7. I am fine. Silence is awkward for many people. Introverts get asked, “Are you ok?” all the time. The reason? They tend to be more thoughtful and quiet. Those who don’t understand introverts or feel uncomfortable around silence tend to think something’s wrong. Plenty of introverts spend time in their mind thinking about all sorts of things. In my experience, I may be quiet on the outside, but I'm paying very close attention to what's happening around me. So, if we’re quiet, it’s not always because we're upset, bored, angry, depressed, etc. We're likely just fine.   Are You an Introvert? With almost half of the population considered introverts, it’s essential that we learn as much as we can about introversion! This way, there will be less judging and more acceptance. Do you consider yourself an introvert?  If so, what would you like others to know about you?  What would you add to this list? Editor's note: This article was originally published Mar 11, 2021 and has been updated to improve reader experience. Photo by Martin Péchy

[how2fit]

Some days, it feels like the world is tugging at every piece of you. The texts. The noise. The pressure to keep showing up, even when you’re running on fumes. You smile. You nod. You keep saying yes, until suddenly, you're the one who’s quietly unraveling. But protecting your energy isn’t selfish. It’s sacred. It’s not about building walls or cutting people off. It’s about learning how to stay rooted in yourself when life keeps pulling you in a thousand directions. It’s about recognizing that your well-being matters just as much as anyone else’s. We live in a world that praises hustle, over-giving, and being constantly available. But there comes a point where choosing yourself, your peace, and your sanity isn’t a luxury. It’s survival. Let’s talk about what it really means to protect your energy, and why doing so is one of the most powerful things you can do.   What It Really Means to Protect Your Energy Protecting your energy isn’t some mystical concept reserved for spiritual gurus and healers. It’s a daily choice. A way of showing up for yourself. It means paying attention to how people, places, and even your own thoughts make you feel and then acting on that information. Are you recharged after that conversation, or completely wiped? Did that scroll through social media lift your spirits or leave you feeling empty? We protect our homes with locks. We guard our passwords and bank accounts like gold. But what about our energy? What about the one thing we carry with us everywhere? Your energy is sacred space. You have every right to decide who or what gets access to it.   The Guilt Trap: Why Boundaries Feel So Hard Here’s where most of us get stuck: the guilt.  The moment we say no, take a break, or choose quiet over chaos, that inner voice pipes up. Am I being selfish? What if they think I don’t care? We’ve been taught to believe that good people are always available. That love means self-sacrifice. That setting boundaries somehow means shutting people out. But constantly overextending yourself doesn’t make you more loving. It makes you exhausted. Bitter. Burned out. Kindness without boundaries isn’t kindness. It’s self-abandonment. Protecting your energy isn’t about rejecting others; it’s about honoring yourself. And that’s not selfish. That’s truth-telling. That’s choosing you.   How to Know When Your Energy’s Unprotected The signs can sneak up on you. You’re tired all the time, even when you’ve slept. You feel on edge, like your nervous system never gets to breathe. You agree to things and instantly regret them. You start feeling resentful, but don’t know how to say what you need. Or maybe you’ve lost touch with your joy. The things that used to light you up now feel... flat. Dull. Like your sparkle got buried under everyone else’s needs. These aren’t personality flaws. They’re warning lights. They’re your body and soul waving a flag, whispering: "something’s off". Come back to you.   The Shift: From Guilt to Power At some point, you realize: this isn’t sustainable. You can’t keep giving from an empty cup and expecting it not to crack. So you start small. You set a boundary. You say no. You rest. You take space. And yeah, the guilt might creep in at first. That’s normal. But you breathe through it and keep going. Because eventually, something shifts. You stop explaining yourself so much. You start recognizing that your peace isn’t up for negotiation. You realize that protecting your energy is an act of deep self-respect and a quiet rebellion in a world that profits off your burnout. You remember that you’re not here to carry it all. You’re here to live.   5 Ways to Protect Your Energy Without Apology Here are five ways you can start protecting your energy without guilt, without drama, just with intention. Say no without the backstory. You don’t need a five-paragraph explanation. “No, thank you” is enough. The more you practice this, the easier it gets.  Make mini moments of stillness sacred.

Even just five minutes a day. A quiet walk. A deep breath with your hand on your heart. Let it be your daily reset button. Edit your inputs. Unfollow. Mute. Unplug. If it drains you, you don’t need to keep letting it in. Curate your digital space like it’s your sacred home. Use visual tools or rituals. Imagine a golden light around you before walking into tough spaces. Try smudging your home, taking salt baths, or visualizing cords being cut. These small acts shift big energy. Choose soul-nourishing connections. Notice who fills your cup and who pokes holes in it. Prioritize the relationships where you feel seen, safe, and fully yourself.   Why It’s Survival, Not Selfishness Protecting your energy isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about staying well. Chronic stress, emotional overload, and constant boundary breaches don’t just affect your mood; they impact: your nervous system your immune health your sleep your ability to think clearly When you’re always “on,” always absorbing, always giving... your body eventually keeps the score. This is why energy protection isn’t a luxury. It’s not a woo-woo side practice or something you squeeze in when there’s time. It’s a survival tool. A lifeline. A form of emotional and spiritual hygiene, just as essential as brushing your teeth or drinking water. Because when your energy is protected, you show up differently. More grounded. More present. More you. And in a world that’s constantly asking you to perform or prove yourself, staying connected to your own aliveness is revolutionary.   You Are Allowed to Say No If no one has told you lately: you’re allowed to rest. To say no. To not respond right away. To put your phone on silent. To cancel. To change your mind. To need space. To not explain. You’re allowed to protect your energy like your life depends on it, because sometimes, it really does. So take a breath. Come back to yourself. And repeat this like a mantra: My energy is sacred. I don’t have to earn my rest. I protect my peace because I love myself enough to do so. This isn’t selfish. This is survival. And you’re allowed to choose you, over and over again. Photo by Alican Helik

[how2fit]

How often do you feel like there are just never enough hours in the day? No matter how much you plan and time-block, your daily to-do list always seems to spill into tomorrow.  And this can leave you feeling perpetually behind and, well, seriously stuck. That feeling that you can never “get ahead” starts to wear on you: draining your energy clouding your focus making even simple tasks feel overwhelming You’re working hard… but it never feels like enough. But what if the problem isn’t you, but rather the way you’re managing your time? The truth is that traditional time management tactics don’t work for everyone. In fact, merely managing your time can lead to an uphill battle where you’re fighting against your natural rhythms. Inevitably, this doesn’t exactly set the stage for outstanding work or productivity. However, don’t panic here. We’re not saying you should do more. Instead, we want to encourage you to focus on energy management over time management. So, what does this mean exactly?  Well, it doesn’t necessarily mean managing your hours. Rather, this strategy focuses on harnessing your energy and utilizing it in a way that aligns best with your unique rhythms.  At first, this might sound complicated. Yet, it actually makes things way easier and way less stressful. Plus, it can completely transform your productivity and overall well-being.     What Does Traditional Time Management Involve? Traditional time management focuses on scheduling, prioritizing, and optimizing hours.  Common methods include:  Time blocking The Pomodoro technique To-do lists Effective calendar management The above works great for some people, just not everyone. And yes, it sounds straightforward. You have a task that needs to be completed. You plug it into your calendar, block off the time, and you do it. So, what’s the problem? Well, there are numerous factors at play here.   Our Energy Levels Are Not Constant Throughout the Day This traditional time management approach ultimately fails to account for variations in energy and our natural biological rhythms. It assumes our energy is constant throughout the day (it’s not). It ignores the fact that as night approaches, we tend to become more fatigued. The idea of “pushing through” can further lead you straight toward burnout and decreased performance over time.   We Aren't Always Great at Properly Measuring Time It’s no secret that time is valuable, yet it’s not the whole picture.  There are things like the planning fallacy, where people often underestimate how long a task or project will take—even when past experience shows their timelines are usually off.   Distractions Are Always Present There’s also the constant pulls of attention, such as the 2.5 hours per day the average person spends on social media—is that in the calendar? Probably not.   Unrealistic Expectations Social media further creates unrealistic expectations, specifically regarding what we can achieve in a day. We all know how easy it is to compare ourselves to others when scrolling through these apps. However, comparison can lead us to measure our productivity against curated highlights or idealized routines, setting a bar that’s not only unrealistic but unsustainable. This constant pressure can fuel overwhelm, making us feel like we’re always falling behind, even when we’re doing just fine.   Traditional Time Management Doesn't Allow for How We Feel in the Moment Then, of course, there are emotional variances in our lives that impact productivity and time management. Simply put, if we don’t feel our best, we won’t perform at our best. And, as we all know, there are many factors that can impact how we feel.   We Have a Million Decisions to Make in a Day Decision fatigue can also play a role in our energy levels. If you’ve already had to make five or more decisions before you walk out the door, chances are, you’re already feeling cognitively exhausted. And this is going to impact how quickly and attentively you can achieve the rest of the tasks you set out to do.

When it comes down to it, time management answers the question: When should I do this?  But it doesn’t answer: When am I naturally equipped to do this best? And this is where energy management can not only fill the gap but change the game entirely.   What is Energy Management? Energy management is essentially aligning your to-do list with your natural energy cycles. To understand this properly, it’s worth noting that there are four main types of energy, including: Physical energy: This refers to the basic fuel your body needs to function. It includes sleep quality and quantity, how well you nourish your body with food, and the amount of physical activity or exercise you engage in. When your physical energy is depleted—due to lack of rest, poor nutrition, or inactivity—it becomes harder to concentrate, stay motivated, or accomplish tasks efficiently.  Emotional energy: This type of energy includes your mood, motivation, and overall emotional well-being. It reflects how well you manage stress, how supported or connected you feel, and how resilient you are in the face of life’s challenges. High emotional energy helps you stay positive and bounce back from setbacks, but low emotional energy can lead to burnout or emotional fatigue. Mental energy: This is linked to your ability to focus, concentrate, and make decisions. It’s what allows you to stay engaged with complex tasks, solve problems, and process information clearly. Factors, such as multitasking (or trying to multitask since many experts will claim there is no such thing!), too much information, or constant distractions, can drain your mental energy, making it harder to think critically or creatively. Spiritual energy: This ties to your sense of purpose, personal values, and values alignment. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be religious—it’s more about feeling connected to a bigger picture, living authentically, and doing work that feels meaningful to you. Efficient energy management means balancing all of the above and planning tasks at optimal times. Yet, this can greatly vary from person to person, depending on your lifestyle, hobbies, work, life stress, and more. In many ways, it comes back to filling your bucket first before stretching yourself across even more tasks or projects. It also means learning to notice when your energy is low—and giving yourself permission to rest or shift gears instead of pushing through on empty. Just as budgeting your time or money helps you become more intentional with how you spend your resources, managing your energy enables you to be more intentional with where and how you allocate your effort throughout the day. So, how can you do this? Related Article: Procrastination and Productivity: Why You Feel Like You’re Not Getting Anything Done   Your Personal Energy Patterns It’s best to do this step by step. Taking little steps forward is far better than feeling overwhelmed. So, try this: Step 1: Identify your chronotype. Are you a morning lark or night owl? If you’re unsure, take this quiz to determine your unique chronotype and when you have the most energy. Step 2: Track your energy levels. The simplest way to do this is by keeping a daily journal and having regular check-ins throughout your day (such as when you first wake up, mid-morning, mid-day, afternoon, and evening, or doing it every hour). Make a note of the time and date, and rate your energy level on a scale of 1 to 10. Also, be sure to jot down any notes that may be affecting your energy levels, such as meals, tasks, sleep patterns, stressors, and other factors.  Step 3: Recognize energy drains versus energy boosters. Once you’re tracking your energy levels, it’ll be easy to start to spot patterns. Perhaps you’re noticing that certain people or tasks drain your energy. Or maybe you’re noticing your sleep could be better. Identify these areas for improvement and try to reduce energy drains while increasing energy boosters. Step 4: Work with your 90-minute ultradian rhythms.

Throughout your day, your body naturally goes through 90-120 minute cycles. And yup, these impact your focus, alertness, energy, and performance. And yes, it’s also very similar to those 90-minute REM/non-REM sleep cycles! Interestingly, it has even been shown that individuals who work in 90-minute cycles experience a 40% boost in productivity compared to those who work in unstructured intervals. Even more compelling—these focused time blocks also resulted in fewer mistakes and higher-quality work! So, how can you work within your ultradian rhythms? Here are a few tips: Plan 90-minute time blocks for tasks (remember, planning your time while managing your energy is still important!). Take breaks between 90-minute blocks. Plan for at least 15 minutes. Pay attention to how you feel after 90 minutes. Sometimes, we can go longer; this really varies person to person! You may find that you can work for two hours without a problem. Plan to do easier, shorter, or more creative/brainstorming-type tasks after your break, then dive into more focused work.   Practical Energy Management Strategies Once you begin tracking your energy highs and lows, as we mentioned above, trends will start to emerge. This allows you to schedule energy-based tasks at a time that works for you and your energy levels.  For instance, high-energy times are ideal for more complex and creative work. Medium energy moments work well for routine tasks and meetings. Meanwhile, low energy times could be best used for more administrative work or planning. And make sure to make time for rest and recovery! To manage your energy effectively, you need to intentionally build in moments of recovery throughout your day and week. But not all rest is created equal. There are two main types: Active Restoration: This type of rest involves low-effort but purposeful activities, such as walking in nature, journaling, meditating, or having a meaningful conversation with a loved one. These types of activities can help you reset while also adding purpose and meaning to your life. Passive Restoration: Passive rest, on the other hand, is more about fully disengaging. This allows time for both your body and mind to rest. It may include napping, resting on the couch, or simply doing nothing. Ultimately, both types of rest matter. And during these restful times, don’t forget about the importance of nutrition and hydration timing for sustained energy. While a whole other topic, many experts recommend eating every three to five hours throughout the day, ensuring you balance your macronutrients correctly, and sipping on plenty of water throughout the day. Unfortunately, this is often a highly underutilized side of energy management, but one of the most important ones! Related Article: When to Push Through and When to Pause: Listening to Your Mental Health   It’s Not Black or White: Here’s Why (And How) You Should Combine Both Approaches Throwing time management into the wind isn’t a good idea. It’s still necessary to manage your day-to-day life using time. For instance, in many cases, you’ll have deadlines, appointments, and time-oriented commitments. You never want to let these fall through the cracks, which is why a combined approach is truly the best approach. The best way to combine time and energy management is by creating a flexible schedule. Once you’re more “energy aware,” you can create flexible time blocks that adapt to your energy states, as well as have more rigid ones that adhere to appointments or deadlines.  A good way to think about it is to use the 80-20 rule: allocate energy management for important work and time management for everything else. And use your common sense on where you can be more flexible versus where you can’t. For example, you can’t be flexible on an appointment time. However, if you have a week until a project deadline and feel low on energy, and you have the time available at a later date, you may want to consider being flexible with when you work on it.

  Common Challenges and Solutions Now, you might be reading this thinking, “This all sounds great, but I don't actually control my schedule.” You may need to show up to work at a specific time, or perhaps you’re assigned to particular shifts by your superior. But even when you’re stuck in a rigid work environment, there are still small wins to be found. Perhaps you can’t reschedule the 9am meeting, but you might be able to tackle your most mentally demanding work during your natural peak hours. Or try using those tiny breaks between tasks to actually reset instead of scrolling your phone. But what about those all-too-common afternoon energy crashes? Well, this might be more about managing your food intake than anything else. When did you last eat? When was the last time you had some water? When did you last stand up or take a break (Remember those 90-minute intervals?!)? Sometimes, it really is that simple. And if you’re someone who just naturally runs on lower energy, try to focus on the basics first: better sleep eating regularly to avoid those blood sugar crashes moving your body in ways that feel good Figure out what genuinely gives you energy (maybe it’s your morning coffee ritual or texting with your best friend) and actually make time for those things. Small moves could give way to impactful changes!   Building Your Personal Energy Management System Let’s round this all up. What should you do next? Follow this plan: Week 1-2: Track and identify your patterns. Week 3-4: Start aligning one major task with peak energy daily. Month 2: Redesign your entire schedule around energy principles. Long-term: Fine-tuning and seasonal adjustments, as needed.   Living in Sync with Yourself Ultimately, sustainable productivity stems from effective energy management, not merely time management. Knowing how to allocate your unique energy at the best times can significantly reduce burnout and improve overall life satisfaction. Your next step: Track your energy starting tomorrow. The sooner you start this, the sooner you gain valuable insights into your unique rhythms and needs. From there, watch your productivity and energy soar! Read Next: 9 Powerful Ways to Increase Self-Discipline & Achieve Your Goals