Do you feel the excitement and hot buzz that welcomes in summer?
I certainly do and I’m getting exhilarated about it. In fact, my mantra for this summer is, “I am creating my best summer yet!”
Summer is one of the most thrilling times of the year—BBQs, picnics, bonfires, beach days, outdoor concerts and shows, travels through Europe and other exotic locations, rooftop or backyard parties, swimming, fireworks, cruises, and so much more. And these are just a few of the many adventures ubiquitous with summer.
Sadly though, our love affair with summer is a short-lived one. With a blink of an eye, it’s over. And who wants to be standing at the end of summer saying, “Where did summer go? What did I do with my time?”
So, considering summer’s brevity, how can we be sure to create a summer that’s memorable?
I’ve created seven tips for creating the best summer yet—that I intend to follow—to ensure that my summer is not only fun and exciting, but also productive and accomplished. Hopefully, you too have already begun to plan or at least ruminate on your summer activities.
Here are the seven tips for creating your best summer yet!
1. Be in the moment with summer.
We already mentioned summer’s swiftness, however, if we’re not in the moment with it, that will make it travel that much faster. Let go of thinking and obsessing that summer will end soon and what you will need to do in autumn. Savor every moment of summer—enjoy your time with family and friends, delight in the smell and taste of the ocean’s salt water, or the smells emanating from the BBQ grill. Be mindful and present with the people around you and the activities you engage in. In order to create the best summer yet, we must be fully engaged in it, and full engagement only happens in the present moment.
2. Maintain your meditation and other spiritual practices.
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean we have to let go of our diligent practices. Be stalwart with your daily routine. Keep your travel plans in mind and adjust your practices accordingly. Plan to meditate in the car on the way to the airport, or at the airport—or even on buses and trains. Summer is also a wonderful time to include your family and friends in your spiritual practices. Invite people over for meditation or impromptu yoga on the lawn, or at the beach, or park. Take your journal with you and write on the beach or on the airplane. Summer is no excuse for letting our practices fall by the wayside.
3. Book plans in advance.
Don’t wait until the last minute to make your plans—book your airline, concert, cruise, or retreat tickets now. Everyone else is also thinking about summer so you don’t want to miss out on activities and events being sold out. Plan ahead. Don’t get caught by not having plans for the holidays because you were waiting for an invite from someone else. To ensure a fun and fabulous summer, take matters into your own hands!
4. Eat, drink, and think mindfully.
Let’s be clear, just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that we can lose our “stuff.” Indulge in your favorites in moderation. Drink wisely and responsibly, and keep yourself hydrated while consuming alcohol. If water is your primary libation, like me, try adding a little flavor to your water by infusing it with sliced lemon, oranges, fresh mint or rosemary leaves, or blueberries and strawberries. Think mindfully and make wise, safe choices. When our bodies feel great, we have the energy and vitality to create fun and excitement.
5. Move that body.
Maybe you have the body you wanted for the beach or pool, or perhaps you don’t. Either way, don’t stop now. Keep going with your physical exercise. Summertime often means late nights and more food and alcohol consumption. That means exercise will be that much more important to keep our bodies happy and balanced. Don’t want to be stuck in the gym over summer? Then rent and ride bikes through your city, go for a swim, play a round of golf, or a game of tennis. There are many wonderful physical activities to keep our bodies active throughout the summer.
6. Stay focused on goals and projects.
My clients are continuing to work with me throughout the summer—and if you’re working with a coach or on any specific project or goal, stay committed to it throughout the summer. Maintaining balance with fun and productivity will support you in creating a summer that you enjoy. Don’t neglect important tasks and projects, and find balance and time for work to get done and projects to be completed—you will feel that much better about how you spent your summer.
7. Just say, “Yes.”
Creating a fun and exciting summer means saying yes to new adventures—opening ourselves up to greater and infinite possibilities. When special invites come your way, say, “Yes!” If it will bring you joy and satisfaction, say, “Yes!” Say, “Yes” to everything! Don’t limit yourself. Think outside of the box and try something new this summer. Say, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
I encourage and challenge you to make this an unforgettable summer. What will you do differently? And how?
Memories are created when we share our time with the people that we love and when we make an attempt at the extraordinary. Be courageous. Be bold. Take on new adventures this summer. Step outside of your comfort zone and learn something new. This is an invitation for you to create your best summer yet!
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Author: Angela N. Holton
Image: Tomas Salas/Unsplash
Editor: Taia Butler
Supervising Editor 1: Nicole Cameron
Supervising Editor 2: Catherine Monkman
Supervising Editor 3: Yoli Ramazzina
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