4 Tips For Finding Your Summer Zen
The Summer of 2022 is officially on!
Bring on all the fun family vacations, long days at the beach, picnics and pool days! The sun shines is shining brightly and for many, the weight of seasonal depression lifts.
But for some, the Summer season can mean more anxiety,; more stress. A lot of us end up busier than we were during the cooler months.
We’ve planned so many trips and committed to so many get togethers we forget where we’re supposed to be on any given day. Especially when kids are involved!
Today I’m sharing a few of my top tips for beating the Summer grind and maximizing the mental wellbeing of both you and your family.
DON’T OVER COMMIT
First things first: don’t over commit! While Summer can be filled with all of your favorite activities, it can also be a very BUSY time. Do your best to not over-schedule yourself or your family: be open to new experiences but remember it’s okay to say no. Set healthy boundaries and know your limits.
PRIORITIZE DOWNTIME
This tip is for those who love being on the go 24/7. Staying busy can be one way of taking care of your mental wellbeing, but having a regular schedule, especially during the Summer season, can also be draining. Schedule in time for those “easy, breazy” Summer days and nights! You are not less productive for giving yourself time to rest. Remember to give your body time to recharge so you can be more present in your life and the lives of those who rely on you.
GET OUTSIDE
This may seem like a no brainer, but when you’re busy working and/or raising a family, it can be hard to get outside to enjoy yourself. We know the benefits of sunlight for mood: anxiety and depression can lift. And we fuel our bodies with much needed Vitamin D, which is super important for our health. Choose activities that include time outdoors like biking, hiking, going to a festival or your local spray park! If you have young kids, playgrounds are always a fun go-to. The take home message? Give yourself and your family time to soak up all the benefits nature has to offer.
BE MINDFUL
The outdoors, in particular during the Summer months, bring an ideal opportunity to practice mindfulness! Being mindful is all about bringing your attention to the present moment. One of my favorite ways to practice mindfulness in the Summer is to watch the sun set! I look at the setting sun, bring my awareness to the beauty of the colors I see and allow my thoughts to come and go naturally. I take in the sounds of my surroundings while engaging my other scents as well. Whether it’s taking in the evening sunset or strolling the park, the outdoors is, in my opinion, the best (and free!) way to find your Summer zen.
