the plan - august 2025

how I'm taking care of myself this month

July lived up to its ‘blissfully boring’ intention. I was basically a hobbit, only venturing out for walks and my weekly tennis lessons.

I liked it. And I probably should’ve ventured out more.

August is a transition month. We head back to New York in the middle of the month to settle back into city life and to reconnect with friends. I’ve settled on ‘flexible’ as my theme—I want to stay committed to my habits, and be adaptable to fit them in wherever I can.

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Hobby Stacking

You’ve probably heard of habit stacking from Atomic Habits. Hobby stacking in my spin on it: it’s how I combine two of the things I want to do. Here are some of the hobby stacks that I’ve been enjoying:

• Stitching my needlepoint canvas while listening to an audiobook (I inhaled Rush Week and Magic Bites, and am starting Ninetailed next)

• A long walk and an audiobook is a hobby stack I’m prioritizing this month, in an effort to get my step count up from the low thousands.

• Playing Tetris while watching an easy, eye candy show (I’m juggling The Gilded Age and The Buccaneers right now). There’s a fascinating journal article that shows how Tetris has reduced PTSD symptoms (not that I needed an excuse to play it).

Do you have a hobby stack that brings you joy and some level of peace? I’d love to know.

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August’s workout plan

I’m maintaining the same split schedule as last month, and changed up the workouts

August’s strength split (and starting weights)

• Selena’s 10 minute arms & shoulders (12 lbs)

• Katie’s 10 minute glutes & legs (18 & 20 lbs)

• Adrian’s 10 minute chest & back (12 lbs)

• Jess’ Flash 15 (7 & 12 lbs)

• Aditi’s 20 minute Bollywood pilates

• I’ll alternate between Emma’s 5 minute core and Selena’s 5 minute core on lift days

August’s cardio plan

My daily step count was pathetic last month (averaging around 4,000, some days I barely hit 2,500). I’m recommitting to 7,000 steps a day, and plan to start my workout with a 1 mile walk (either outside or on the treadmill).

I’m playing tennis twice a week while I’m still in Pennsylvania, and plan to take a weekly HITT classes with Tennis Innovators once I’m back in the city. I also signed up for weekly lessons starting in September.

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Meals

Here’s a quick refresher on my meal prep:

I rotate between the following three breakfasts:

1. A Chobani less sugar yogurt cup + a bowl of Rice Krispies with 2% milk

2. 2 hard boiled eggs with chili crisp and furikake + 1 slice of Dave’s Killer Bread, toasted and topped with whatever I’m craving

3. A savory yogurt bowl: 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 AFAR bar crumbled up, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds

Lunch is a Splendid Spoon meal, or leftovers from the night before.

We keep the same general menu for dinner:

• Monday: Indian (khichidi or plant-based chicken tikka masala with vegetables)

• Tuesday: Mexican (taco bar, loaded quesadillas, enchiladas)

• Wednesday: Pizza (Banza pizza, naan pizza, or order in)

• Thursday: Throw Something Together (dumplings with edamame and rice, cottage cheese broccoli pancakes, or I arrange a tray of vegetables/crackers/cheese/mini sandwiches

• Friday: Burgers

• Saturday: we usually go out to eat

• Sunday: pasta (a loaded veggie pasta for us, and mac & cheese for the boys)

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How are you taking care of yourself this month? I’d love to know what you’re cooking, how you’re moving, and what’s bringing you joy right now.