Summertime is upon us. Just because the days are long and school is out doesn't mean our need for rejuvenation, self-care and rest ceases. For some of us -- hello parents! -- this can be the busiest season of all.
If you're struggling to schedule downtime and self-care between playdates or Zoom calls, here are a batch of ready-made and fresh routes to replenishment. As easy as sun tea.
Walking Meditation in the Cool AM
When the hot days start multiplying, this is a must-have for me. It's more still and peaceful early in the day. Try walking slowly, without kids or dogs along, and feel every step. Aim to quiet the inner noise and focus on what's around you. Deep breathing from the diaphragm can help, too.
For guided meditations, look here.
Wandering Art Festivals
Always vividly colorful and lively--and that's just the people!--summer art festivals can deliver a jolt of inspiration and a delightful immersion in all-things creative. I miss the Ann Arbor's Art Fair, which seemed to span miles. Visiting DC recently, I was able to take in their weekly farmers' market and art fair at Eastern Market. Still a favorite!
Not sure what's heading your way? Search by month and locale here.
Lingering over a Long Workday Lunch
Unless you're in the travel industry, summer usually marks a season of slow-downs. Take advantage of slower days and use them to reconnect with good work friends past and present. I love combining this with a meal outside. You're delighting in a social and screen-free refresh. Double bonus.
Beach Yoga
You don't need an ocean, just a beach and a towel beneath your mat. It can be surprisingly tough balancing on sand, so be prepared to slip, lose grip and laugh. It's part of the joy of accepting where we are.
No perfection here. Just slow, mindful poses. Ahhh.
My go-to studio for yoga (they're online!): Liberation Yoga
Walking Barefoot in the Grass
This refresher requires only a lawn...and that you release your inner child. Kids do this all the time, but when was the last time you did? Kick off your shoes and slow down. Really feel each foot-fall on the cool, solid earth. The way grass gives way, but doesn't break. It's deeply calming. I find it helps me anchor in the moment. Slow down.
Napping Outside
My fav version of this requires an ocean and the best of nature's soundtracks--crashing surf. Really it can be anywhere: In a hammock, in the yard, by the lake. You choose. The key is letting yourself not do anything for a spell. Connect with your heartbeat, your breath and just rest.
Reading for Fun
We're surrounded by content, but how much of it leaves us feeling at peace or renewed? Set aside the cell phone and find some fiction. Make it an activity without an end goal. An opportunity to linger over a story and be whisked away into another world or time.
Looking for ideas? Goodreads is my go-to. And a friend published this terrific read last year. Check it out!
Picnic With Friends & Family
In a recent article, Ajiri Aki the author of Joie and an ex-pat who now resides in France, shared some of the practices that make French life so enriching. Top of the list was sharing meals ... and tv was not part of the scene. Build in more picnics and dinner parties this summer to savor what truly fills us: Food, fellowship and friends.
Want to read more? Aki's full piece is here.
Get Your Hands Dirty
City dwellers note, you don't need 100 acres to play in the dirt, just a willingness to do so. Container gardens, community plots, or a friend's yard can work. One of my neighborhood networks, Hollywood Orchard, sponsors gardening in Beachwood Canyon. They donate all collected produce to nearby charities.
Gardening in the community brings people together and provides a host of other benefits including exercise, exposure to sunlight and Vitamin D. Research shows it may even benefit our brains by reducing the risk of dementia. Wins all around.
Wishing you a summertime that offers plentiful down-time and satisfying refreshment. Happy summer!
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