A Summer of Wellbeing
You might be surprised to learn that summer can be a tough time to stay on track with wellbeing goals. For some, it may feel too muggy to keep up a running routine; for others, a family vacation can disrupt a daily meditation practice. New Year’s resolutions that seemed so urgent in January may feel like a distant memory. It’s okay if you get off track when the summer months hit: this halfway point in the year is the perfect time to reassess your goals and find balance again.
But first, let’s get one thing straight. When we talk about summer wellbeing, we’re not talking about craving a “beach body”—instead, we focus on a happy body and mind. In general, this means paying attention to five things: what you eat, how you move your body, how much you sleep, how you relate to others, and how you deal with stress.
Explore new foods
Expand your palate by trying new recipes that include seasonal foods you can’t get year-round. You can visit local farmer’s markets for fresh ingredients, or harvest your own veggies at home. Take advantage of the long sunny evenings while they're here and grill healthy options outside.
Exercise outdoors
If the weather is pleasant and you have the ability to get outside, do it. If you’re tired of going for a jog, think outside the box of a traditional workout. Mowing the lawn with a push mower, gardening, or swimming at a local pool are all great ways to move your body while soaking up some sunshine.
Get better rest
Long, sunny days may mean you stay up later than usual, and hot, sticky weather can also prevent you from falling into a deep slumber. Make your bedroom summer-friendly by keeping it cool with a fan or open window (experts recommend about 68 degrees Fahrenheit), hanging light-blocking curtains, and relaxing before bed by putting away your phone and reading a few pages of a new novel.
Catch up with loved ones
This summer, double your wellbeing by spending time with the people you care about while doing nature-based activities you can't do during colder months, such as visiting a beach or eating dinner outside. Funnel your energy toward staying connected even when your schedules don't match up—if you go out of town, send handwritten postcards to let friends know you are thinking of them.
Ease stress with mindfulness
Even if you go on vacation to a tropical destination, even if you plan on summer to be completely relaxing, there will undoubtedly be situations that cause stress. But that’s not a problem. Rather than putting an expectation on the season to bring a sense of calm, cultivate it yourself.
Being in nature is one of the best ways to unwind from stress. Take a few minutes each day—maybe right when you wake up in the morning—to step outside and simply enjoy the outdoors as a child would. Drop thoughts of any plans for the day and simply notice the green of the grass and trees, the feeling of a breeze on your skin, and the sound of birds and other animals.
Want more specific tips? Check out our 6-part series on turning this summer into a season of wellbeing by starting with the first step: moving your body.
