It’s summertime and the living is easy, but how can we keep it that way? Here are 5 ways to feel better this summer.
Summertime can be easy and relaxing with a real sense of escape from everyday life. The schedules loosen, along with some of the monotonous responsibilities like making school lunches and carpooling to after school activities. The warm breezes and barefoot walks on the beach can almost make us feel like we’re kids again. Add a few boozy drinks to the day and suddenly we can feel carefree and in love with everything the world has to offer...sipping frosty drinks in the afternoon on a patio, spontaneous BBQs with neighbours and heading to the 19th hole after a game of golf.
Why is it, then, that so many of us see September as the real “New Year” and can actually look forward to the reset that tends to happen after Labour Day weekend? In fact, some of us have been known to start the reset as early as August because we simply need to “get things under control”. Could it be as simple as too much of a good thing gets boring or as complicated as "loosey goosey" days makes us feel unhinged and adrift from our true values about health and wellness?
Only you can answer these questions for yourself. I’ve lived many summers of my life needing a reboot by August due to over indulgence in both food and drink. Eight years ago I shifted my perspective on summer, first by eliminating alcohol and then by enjoying the wellness benefits that come with gorgeous outdoor weather, extra time for exercise and more time to really enjoy my family and friends.
If you are interested in ending the summer without feeling like you might need a reset at bootcamp, here are few suggestions for keeping yourself feeling energetic and well:
- Keep your sleep schedule the same (even better if you can do that with your kids as well)
- Learn something new that isn’t offered in the winter.. paddle boarding, yoga in the park or hiking a new trail
- Set a summer goal that needs a little bit of attention every day. Increasing your fitness level, meditating, decreasing your scrolling time, or reading some new books
- Hydrate often. Alcohol is very dehydrating, particularly in the summer heat. Enjoy all of the local fruits and vegetables in your area. It’s the easiest time to eat really well!
- Most of all, be kind to yourself this summer. Self-care can be easier at this time of the year if we set some intentions, but keep things light and flexible.
What are your intentions for feeling better this summer?
- Margaret
Margaret is a Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Professional Recovery Coach and a Certified She Recovers Coach. She holds a B.A in Psychology, a Masters Degree in Education and has worked in the field of Education for over 30 years.