Is the summer heat getting to you yet? Are you feeling lazy? Do you just want to lay around all day? When I give myself "permission" to unwind and relax, I love it!!! Taking a break isn’t a bad thing. And summertime is perfect to take the time for ourselves to unwind and recharge. That doesn’t mean that you should be a “slug”. No, quite the opposite.
Here are some ideas to help you sneak in “me-time” and reenergize this month.
- Relieve your stress by doing something physical. Go for a run, a walk, a bike ride, a swim, a yoga class, pilates, or a kickboxing class. Establishing an exercise routine is what you need for a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
- Go “green”. Spend time outdoors and it will clear your head and reset your natural rhythm. Go for a walk, lay in the grass and watch the sky pass by, sit by the water and take in the beautiful landscape that is around you. We don’t do this enough. We are always caught up in doing something- I know that I always have a list of things that “have to get done” but you know what, these “things”, well, they can wait. I need to breathe in the air and be in the moment.
- Go phone/internet free. I am guilty of always checking my emails, my text messages, my facebook, instagram, twitter, pintrest- omg, the list is endless! I really I have a hard time letting go of my phone. Ok, so maybe let’s not go cold turkey, rather let’s leave the phone in the other room for an hour or so (ringer and all notifications turned off) and go read a book, a magazine or watch a movie or go out with a friend. You will find that you probably haven’t missed much by not being available. And I bet your level of stress may drop and being phone-free will allow the time spent alone or 1:1 with your friend to be more enjoyable!
- Go to the movies. Summer has both its rainy days and hot sticky days. What’s better than escaping into the theater. I actually love escaping to the movies (and regretfully don’t do it enough) but a good thriller or a funny comedy is usually just what I need to get back some “me” time.
- Spend time doing what you love, not what you think you should be doing. Maybe you have always wanted to take a pottery class or learn how to make pastries. Go sign up! Maybe you really love being outdoors and want to explore the backroads of your city or town by bike. Summer is the perfect time to go biking on your own or with friends or join a group and meet new people who share your interests.
Taking time for yourself helps you live a happier healthier life. How will you take time for yourself this summer and be a better you?
PS- After I finished writing this piece, I “unplugged” myself and took myself for a walk thru Central Park on a beautiful day to enjoy some “me” time! I bought myself a smoothie as I walked. Click on the link for a great recipe!