Well, summer is coming to an end. The days are getting shorter, the weather will soon be getting cooler, and before we know it, we’ll be into the holiday season once again.

As a heart surgeon, I think this is actually a very important time to talk about something simple: your heart doesn’t have an off season.

When the Seasons Change, Our Habits Can Change Too

During the summer, staying active can seem easier. We’re outside more. We walk, swim, play golf, work in the yard, travel, and generally we spend more time moving.

But as the seasons change, our routines often change with them. We may exercise a little less. We may spend more time indoors. The days get shorter. And for some people, the mood and motivation may change as well.

And then comes the holidays: more food, bigger portions, more sweets and snacks, more alcohol for some people, more sodium, more parties, and often, yes, less exercise.

Now, none of these things mean you can’t enjoy the fall or the holidays. You absolutely should.

The key is not to allow a few celebrations to become several months of abandoning your habits that keep you healthy.

You Must Keep Moving

You must keep moving.

If it’s too cold or dark to walk outside, find something that you can do indoors. Go to the gym, walk in the mall, use the stairs, ride a stationary bike, or do some resistance training.

The important thing is to find ways to remain active even when your summer routines aren’t as easy to maintain. You don’t have to do everything perfectly. You just need to keep moving.

Pay Attention to Your Whole Health

And please, pay attention to more than just your physical health.

Notice your mood. Notice your sleep. Notice your eating habits. Stay connected with families and friends. And if you’re struggling emotionally, please talk to someone.

Physical health and emotional health are not separate worlds. They affect each other, and both matter to your heart.

As the days get shorter and we move toward the holidays, it’s worth paying attention to how you’re doing, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Changes in mood, sleep, eating habits, activity, and social connection can all be part of how we experience this time of year.

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

Look, you don’t need to be perfect.

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Have dessert. Celebrate with the people you love.

The goal isn’t to avoid every indulgence or turn the holidays into a test of willpower. The key is not to allow a few celebrations to become several months of abandoning the habits that keep you healthy.

Enjoy the holidays, enjoy your family and friends, and then continue taking care of yourself.

But please don’t wait until January 1st to start thinking about your health again.

As one season ends and another begins, this is a perfect opportunity to take a look at your habits and ask yourself, am I still taking care of myself?

Because the seasons may change, but taking care of your heart should be a year-round commitment.

I’m Dr. Raymond Singer. I’m wishing you a wonderful autumn season, time with your family and friends during the holidays, and I’ll see you next time.

Interested in my book? You can buy it on Amazon!

(𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.)