Summer Break Tips
The warm summer breeze, the crashing of the ocean waves…. Summer time! Summer is a time of relaxation and fun, of sunny days that seem to never end. Summer creates a sense of calm and creates all the good vibes!
On the flip side, for some of us, summer can also be a time that can bring on a different type of stress because there is so much freedom and less structure to the days. Sometimes less structure can create a sense of uncertainty and can increase our anxiety.
It’s helpful to create a summer plan so that you can feel fulfilled in the season, focus on your mindset and enjoy the good parts of all things summer. See below for some tips for this time of year!
Create a Summer Plan
Have you ever wondered why we plan our vacations? Other than having to take time off from work, we want to have something to look forward to. Planning a trip helps create excitement, gives us a sense of purpose and belonging and also helps us facilitate social connection. Creating a summer plan can extend to more than just planning for your summer vacations but planning date nights, family outings, things you will do with your kids on break, and planning dinner with family and friends. Having a summer plan can also keep you on track for when those summer days become overwhelming with endless time and lack of structure so that everyone in your household is optimizing their well-being and reducing those anxiety levels.
Unplug
We know social media and the internet is all around us. But summertime can be a great time to unplug from social media for a little. Put the phone down. Set the computer aside. The emails can wait and so can scrolling through your instagram. Now is the time to live in the moment and enjoy the present. Soak in each moment and memory and stay present. Unplugging each day can help you stay in the moment and you can really begin to enjoy what you have planned for the day.
Try Something New
Summertime is a great time to test out something new. Whether on vacation or in your own backyard, pick something new to try and see if you like it. You can try a new restaurant or new type of food. You can try surfing or a new hike. You can even try a new book or board game. Whatever you choose, trying something new can increase the “feeling happy” part of your brain.
Soak in all the Moments
Summer months are a time to stay mindful and reconnect to yourself and to those around you. Take in all the moments whether on vacation, out to dinner or having a backyard bbq, take it all in. Stay present and try to refocus your attention on the current moment when your mind starts to drift. Focus on what you can see, taste, smell and touch to stay grounded. The more you can
Stay present and connected in the now, the more you will enjoy all those summertime moments!
