In a world that values productivity over everything else, it can be easy to forget to take time to slow down and enjoy life. This summer, why not embrace slowing living and focus on cultivating growth and self-discovery? Sounds nice, but how? Here are some things to focus on this summer to help you do that!
Spend time in nature.
Whether going for a hike, visiting a local park, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine, spending time in nature can help you slow down and connect with the world around you and connect with your goals. Just being surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the natural world can help you gain perspective, clarity, and inspiration. Nature can also help you reduce stress and increase mindfulness, which can help you stay focused and motivated towards achieving your goals. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed try spending time in nature. Here are a few things you can do:
- Take a walk without listening to any music.
- Go for a leisurely hike on an easy trail.
- If you love gardening, spend some time nurturing your plants.
- Head to the beach for some relaxation.
- Bring a blanket and have a picnic at the park.
- Enjoy a scenic drive if possible.
Try a new hobby.
Summer is a great time to explore new interests and hobbies. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or learning a new language, trying something new can help you discover new passions and interests.
For several reasons, summer is the perfect time to try out a new hobby. Firstly, the weather is usually sunny and warm, making engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or gardening easier if it isn’t too hot and humid. Secondly, summer often provides a break from work or school, giving people more free time to dedicate to learning a new skill. Trying a new hobby during the summer can also provide a sense of adventure and excitement, adding to the overall enjoyment of the season. Last but not least, summer is a time for exploration and trying new things, making it the ideal season to step out of one’s comfort zone and discover new passions. Need gentle things to try this summer?
- Take a few minutes each day to write in a journal.
- Expand your culinary skills by trying out new recipes twice a month.
- Learn something new by watching an educational video on YouTube.
- Unleash your creativity by attending a beginner’s class in painting or another craft.
- Make an effort to socialize with a friend at least once a month.
- Challenge your mind by reading an entire book this summer.
Read more.
Reading is a great way to slow down and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it’s a novel, a memoir, or a self-help book, reading can help you connect with yourself.
Summer is a great time to start reading if you have time. Firstly, summer presents an opportunity to unwind and relax, making it an ideal time to catch up on reading for pleasure. If you’re still in school, reading during the summer may help improve (or keep up with your) academic performance, as it helps maintain cognitive skills and prevents learning loss. Summer reading can expand one’s horizons and allow one to explore new genres and authors. Finally, reading outside in the warm sunshine or on a beach is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather while still engaging in a mentally stimulating activity. Do you want to start reading but don’t have time or know where to start?
- Explore on Tiktok using the hashtag #booktok to find trending books.
- Consider joining Reese Witherspoon’s book club. They share monthly reads.
- Read one chapter per day or week.
Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and fully experiencing your surroundings. Try incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into your routine.
Practicing mindfulness is a beneficial habit to incorporate into daily life year-round. However, the summer season offers unique opportunities to enhance mindfulness practice. The long days and warm weather provide ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities that support mindfulness, such as walking in nature, practicing yoga, or simply taking time to sit and observe the environment. Additionally, the summer season often brings a slower pace of life with fewer obligations and commitments, allowing more time to focus on self-care and reflection. By practicing mindfulness during the summer, individuals can cultivate a sense of calm, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. By now, you know I have a few suggestions to share.
- Try taking a chair outside to your patio or balcony and simply enjoy the moment.
- Give yourself a break from technology by having meals without the distraction of TV or phone.
- Consider avoiding social media for the first half hour after waking up.
- If you happen to be in a suburban or rural setting, try driving with the windows down and no radio.
- Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts.
- Search for a beginner-friendly guided meditation video on Youtube.
Connect time with loved ones.
I believe you should connect with your loved ones year-round, but summer is a great time to do it if you have more leisure time. With warmer weather and longer days, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities and quality time together. The memories made during summer family time can last a lifetime and strengthen relationships for years. Here are easy and fun ways to connect with family.
- Attend a family Barbecue.
- Have a family day at the beach.
- Organize a family game or movie night.
- Call a relative once a week or a month.
If you’re new to journaling, learn how to incorporate it into your routine here.
Now that you have some ideas for how to embrace slow living this summer, here are 10 journal prompts to help you on your journey.
- What does slow living mean to me, and how can I incorporate it into my daily life?
- What is one thing I’ve always wanted to try but have been too busy to pursue? How can I make time for it this summer?
- What is one area of my life that needs more attention? How can I prioritize this area and work to improve it?
- What are some of my favorite summer memories from my childhood? How can I recreate those memories as an adult?
- What is one thing I can do each week to connect with nature?
- What are some small ways I can practice mindfulness throughout the day?
- Who brings me the most joy in my life, and how can I make time for them this summer?
- How can I simplify my life and focus on the things that truly matter?
- What are some things I am grateful for in my life, and how can I express that gratitude more often?
- What are some of my biggest fears or anxieties, and how can I work to overcome them this summer?
By embracing slow living and focusing on growth and self-discovery this summer, you can create lasting memories and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
