What’s Your Summer Mindset?
Mindful ways to relax, restore and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul this summer!
What are your plans this summer? Even if your daily schedule doesn’t change much during July and August, it’s time to create a summer mindset that includes time to relax, restore and rejuvenate.
Summer days invite us to slow down and let go. With longer days and warmer weather, there are more opportunities to ease into a gentler routine and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. It’s also a perfect time to focus on creating new daily habits of self-care.
In addition to your usual self-care routine, (meditation, mindful journaling, movement) here are few summer wellness ideas to try:
Relax outdoors: Get off your indoor couch and find a lawn chair or blanket and set yourself up outside instead. Add a good summer book to read and a cup of iced tea for a perfect afternoon.
Go for a walk/hike: Walking in green space is good for us at any time of the year. If it’s hot outside, then why not try early morning or dusk in the evening? Don’t let the weather be an excuse for not exercising.
Eat/Picnic outside: Taking a picnic lunch with you on a walk is delightful or you can eat in your own backyard. The idea is to move your meal outside to enjoy the fresh air and a change of scenery.
Go to the beach: Some people find being near water to be very soothing. Why not make a day trip to a local beach? If there isn’t one near you, is there a lake or pond you could visit? Or do a visualization and use your imagination to take you there!
Home or community gardening: Gardening is a wonderful way to engage in mindfulness. If you don’t have a garden at home, is there a community garden you could spend time in? Take a gardening class!
Start a new home exercise or mindful yoga practice: We typically have more time and energy in the summer and it’s a perfect time to try a new form of exercise or add something new to your current routine. Check out local community programs or go on YouTube and explore exercises that are appropriate for you. Exercise always gets the endorphins flowing through your body and helps you de-stress and calm your nervous system. It’s good for mind, body and soul!
At-home spa day: Get out your candles, essential oils and relaxing music. Run yourself a bubble bath. Give yourself a pedicure. Pretend you’re at the spa!
Get creative: Summer is a perfect time to start a new hobby. Write, draw, paint, sculpt, quilt, etc. Learn a musical instrument or new language. Take a course - there are thousands of online courses to choose from if you can’t find anything local. Get out your camera and take pictures. Try a new craft. There is no limit to what you can create!
Don’t forget to connect with your breath, take your body through some slow mindful yoga, and continue your mindful journaling practice.
Finally, remember to take time to be still and do nothing at all. Lie in the grass and look at the sky. Stargaze. Or just sit with your breath and do absolutely nothing.
Happy summer everyone!
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