Ready, steady, September, go!

I absolutely love September, the post-summer getting back into routine and a new academic year is always a time that I take for sorting out, taking stock and preparing for the busy season. All our family birthdays happen between now and Christmas, so its busy on that front, but I also tend to hit the ground running with the work I do outside of QVC too.

As I mentioned on episode 100 of the QVC podcast recently, every Sunday I plan the week ahead. I buy the same planner every year and it works really well for me. I talk about it a lot on social media and I know many others have now bought the same, it’s so helpful to put things down so you can see what’s buzzing around in your head. You may think that it’s so I don’t forget what I have on, and in many ways it is, however, it’s also so that I can see the space. We have four children between us, aged 10, 12, 16 and  17, so with them and caring for my mum on top of work, there’s always loads going on and the only way I can keep my head is to know where the spaces to relax and rejuvenate are.

You may remember that over the last few years I’ve talked a lot also about my horse Beth? I had to stop riding her just over a year ago, partly because I was struggling to give her all she needed when I started caring for Mum, but also because I was getting severe pain in my hips. To cut a very long story short, the problems I had as a child (again, mentioned in the podcast) have come back to haunt me and I will have to have a double hip replacement within the next 10 years. I’m having lots of physio in the meantime, but no more riding. Instead, the doctor has said plenty of gym, cycling and swimming but no impact. So I joined the gym again for the first time in nearly 20 years, bought a lovely new bicycle and once we are back into routine in September, will be making sure that I’m keeping super active. I’m thrilled with the new Skechers clothing range for fitness as feeling the part definitely helps with getting out there. Being in my late forties, I’ve also noticed my muscle strength decrease significantly, so I’m building those up using free weights. Davina’s products are brilliant and she’s a great example of how it’s possible to be fabulous at fifty and seeing as I’m there next year, I’m more determined than ever!

As for sleep, I can’t function without at least 8 hours and so with planning my days, I’m fiercely protective over getting the hours in. I have noticed the quality of my sleep deteriorate of the last couple of years, it seems that with hormone changes I’ve also become a really light sleeper so routine is important. I’m religious about cleansing with a balm in the evening, it’s the perfect way to psychologically remove the day and start the unwind ahead of sleep. I do believe that preparation is key, whether that’s redecorating or going to bed (I know, a bizarre comparison, but you get my point!) We have various cleansing balms available, I love the fact that they are warm on the skin and dissolve everything away. It’s the start of bedtime for me, that aaaahhh moment.

The other thing that I start doing around now is a bit of a sort out. I’ve done a huge clear-out in my office over the last couple of weeks and have a new desk on it’s way, so that’ll be a good beginning for September. Rather than emptying out the bookcase, I used my Gooloo wheels instead, which sped the process up and definitely saved my back as I’m not super strong – yet!

So with a sorted office, strong body and decent amount of sleep, I’m September-ready and thoroughly looking forward to the new start. I’m hoping and praying that we don’t have to face more lockdowns and we can continue to inch back into life and that come Christmas, we will be able to really let our hair down and have a great time with those we love. After all, that’s what matters most!

Do stay in touch and come and find me on social media so we can be September-ready together!

Love as always,

Pipa x

Please do come and find me on social media on: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Make sure to check out our Feeling Good Together campaign, where we’re regularly updating the page with fitness inspiration, wellbeing top tips and expert interviews to help support and inspire you throughout 2021.