Why summer is the best time to build new habits (especially in Montana)

Every year, I watch people wait until winter to finally “get serious” about taking care of themselves.

Because summer? Well, it’s finally time to go play, right?

Or maybe I’ll just push it off until next Spring…

But when it’s cold and gray out, that’s usually the time of year they’re the most exhausted, depleted, stressed, in pain, emotionally overwhelmed—all while trying to drag themselves uphill while the sun disappears at 4pm.

That’s the hardest possible time to build new habits.

Especially here in Montana.

Because why would you, all of a sudden, experience this burst of energy to create something new, when most of us are fighting seasonal depression and holiday burnout??

Summer gives us something winter doesn’t:
energyyy.

The sun is out, we get all that vitamin d, the days are longer, we’re more active, people are out of the house socializing outside of the bars (in Montana, iykyk).

I can literally feel the shift happen in people’s bodies this time of year.

And that’s exactly why summer is the best time to create routines that actually last, so when the cold rolls ‘round, you’re already established in the practices that help you amazing.

Most people think consistency is just about feeling motivated.

I have a bone to pick with that.

Your nervous system has way more influence over your habits than “feeling motivated” does. I mean, where tf do people think motivation even comes from?

People act like it’s just a grind you have to force yourself into and get upset with themselves when it’s not working.
But motivation, desire, habits—this is happening in the brain.
Or, you know, the nervous system.
And the nervous system operates at its highest when it feels safe.
Not when it’s feeling pressured, punished, or under attack.

So when your body is already depleted, and then you start demanding that it suddenly:
drink more water,
stretch more,
hit the gym,
schedule your wellness appointments,
get enough sleep,
meal prep,
heal your inner child,
and become a whole new person overnight…

…while winter is already draining the life out of you here in Montana…

your brain is basically sitting there trying to figure out where tf to funnel the tiny amount of energy it has left.

Which usually is just going to work then downing a glass of wine after.

Then people beat themselves up for “lacking motivation” which honestly just creates more stress inside of the body.

It’s basically kicking someone while they’re already down, and following it up with, “Have you tried having a better attitude about it?”

*Roll eyes to back of head*

Summer is different though. It creates momentum.

You already have more energy available. You have more capacity, drive, and a full battery.

That makes this the ideal time to create supportive habits your body can lean on later, in a way that’s honoring yourself instead of forcing yourself into a brick wall and wondering why you’re not making headway.

Summer is the time to create habits and nervous system patterns that actually stick.

The people who feel the best in winter, are usually the people who started taking care of themselves long before the dark, long days hit.

It’s the same mindset as making sure you’re set up for retirement, or lifting heavy now so your bones stay strong as you age.

A lot of people live in the “now” mindset, only using the “later” mindset for procrastination purposes.

And when the “later” hits, wonder why they’re anxious and unwell.

But the ones who stay more “motivated” or consistent through winter usually aren’t the ones trying to “fix themselves” in January with the same resolutions they repeat every. damn. year.

They’re the people who spent the summer creating consistency. They’re the people who think long-term—understanding that the small habits you build now, the building blocks that might look small on day one, will build to a foundation later that you can lean on forever.

Summer is not the time to abandon yourself because you “feel fine.”

This is not the season to throw caution to the wind, and scramble to pick up the pieces later.

I know you feel better right now.

Which makes sense.

You’re outside more, you’re socializing and traveling.

That’s exactly why staying consistent matters. So you can carry this energy with you, instead of only participating in self-care when it “gets really bad.”

Consistent care works differently than emergency care. And it’s often much less expensive.

Waiting until your body is screaming at you again every winter creates a cycle where you’re constantly starting over from scratch.

But when you continue supporting your body during the seasons where you feel good, you experience a lifestyle that consistently feels better, instead heightened ups and downs that leave you burnt out.

That’s where long-term change actually fucking happens.

Your body responds to consistency more than intensity.

You do not need to totally overhaul your life this summer.

Most lasting change happens through small repeated experiences of support.

Monthly massage, consistently drinking that water (I throw a pinch of salt in mine), getting that great sleep, enjoying that sunshine. getting your exercise in, and letting yourself really enjoy how it feels to feel good, instead of using self-care as a way to treat yourself when you feel bad.

Self-care is a lifestyle—using it as a band-aid to stop the bleeding isn’t thriving. It’s just surviving.

This is the time to build a foundation your future self will thank you for.

Especially in Montana, summer is medicine.

The sun, the movement, the rivers, the mountains, the slower evenings… all of it helps bring people back into connection with themselves.

This is the easiest season to start building habits that can carry you through the darker months ahead.

Because your body deserves support before it’s wrecked.

Perhaps preventing it from ever getting there in the first place.

That’s one of the biggest reasons I encourage people to stay consistent with massage and bodywork during summer instead of disappearing until winter hits.

Your body remembers consistency (this is also the key to building self-trust and confidence, btw).

The habits you create now become the patterns that hold you later.

Enjoy the now. Like, truly fucking enjoy it. And also do so by utilizing it so the hard times don’t kick you down like you’ve been used to.

Much love. <3