School’s Out for Summer
“The sun is up, the weather is warm, schools are closed and holiday destinations are beaming with life. Summer represents the peak of the year, characterized by warmth and abundant life. It is a time when nature is most active and vibrant. This season symbolizes growth and the high points in life, underscoring the significance of appreciating moments before they pass.” – Symbolsage
As I wrote last week, the season of summer is coming. As of today, school is out for most of us, and summer is here! While summer should be a season of rest, resetting, relaxing, and hopefully some fun, family, and friends, it is also a season of growth. So, it is still helpful to have some sort of routine or schedule daily and weekly so that you don’t totally get out of a consistent routine. This helps us maintain progress and makes the transition back to the structed schedule of the school or fall season easier.
One thing you can maintain is your morning routine. Your summer schedule may look different some days or weeks depending on your plans but keeping up with your morning routine – or at least a modified morning routine – helps you stay consistent and still starting your days with a foundation of focus, preparation, and self-care.
Experts say that not deviating too much from your normal morning routine on the weekends can make a huge difference in staying on track, meeting your goals, and maintaining consistency in your overall health and well-being. Modify it when needed but try to maintain some consistency throughout your summer – even fitting in some of your routine and healthy habits on vacation.
Other than maintaining a morning routine or modified morning routine, be sure to include time to move your body and fit in fun throughout your scheduled days. This is the season for rest, so relax! This is the season for fun, so focus on the things that bring you joy! This is the season to reset, so take some time to reflect on the past season and do some preparation for the next. This is the season of growth, so create time to focus on you. But, mostly, be present. Breathe. Be here. Find the joy and embrace the peace of this slower season.
Perhaps you can make a bucket list. Depending on the season your family is in, you can create a family bucket list including your kids and whatever plans you already have scheduled for the summer and the extra things you want to make time for.
Even if your kids are older and the season for actually participating in a bucket list is over, make one with your partner – or for just yourself. Get back to a passion project or hobby that you enjoy, make a list of books you want to read, take a class, learn a new skill, make a list of local spots for date nights, or new places you want to try. Don’t lose yourself. This could be a season of finding yourself again – of coming back home to yourself.
Rember: something is better than nothing, focus on the small steps and the overall goal, be sure to include self-care and maintain some routine. It’s all about a bit of grace and a bit of grit; a bit of compassion and a bit of consistency.