By: Katelyn Owen
General
Between work and wanting to make the most of the warm weather and vacations, summer can feel more draining than it is restful. But it doesn’t have to be that way! As busy as we are, it’s important that we find a sense of balance amidst all our plans.
Here are five tips to help you make the most of this summer.
- Create goals for what you’d like to achieve.
If you haven’t done so already, spend some time thinking about what you’re hoping to do over the summer. Is there a new hobby you’ve been wanting to try or somewhere you’ve been wanting to go (even if just for a day trip)? Are there any major projects you’re hoping to get done at work within the next 6 to 8 weeks? Setting your intentions ahead of time can help you stay focused and ensure your goals won’t fall by the wayside.
- Block out time for leisure in your calendar.
While summer is a great time to slow down and recharge, it’s not something that will happen automatically. The open space in our calendars can quickly become filled with commitments. Take some time at the beginning of every week and carve out time just for you. It can help to use different colors for activity types so you can get a clear picture of how much time you’re spending in the different areas of your life.
- Use your phone’s app blockers to prevent overworking.
It can be difficult to fully disconnect from work when emails and notifications are accessible at all times. Most smartphones have built-in features, like “Digital Wellbeing” or “Screen Time”, that let you set limits around what apps you can use during different hours of the day. Creating boundaries around when you can access workrelated apps can help you separate work from leisure time. You can also block leisure apps during working hours to help improve focus and productivity.
- Communicate expectations when traveling with others.
Going on vacation with family or friends can be great, but sometimes people have different ideas of what they’re hoping to get out of the trip. One person might be envisioning spending all of their time by the pool, while others are hoping to do as much sightseeing as possible. By talking about this before traveling, everyone can figure out a way for their individual and collective needs to be met—resulting in an enjoyable vacation for the whole group.
- Build routines into your day.
Summer schedules can sometimes feel unpredictable, and it’s easy to forget about the small habits that help us feel grounded. Maintaining a few consistent routines, or creating new ones, can help us feel a sense of balance. Incorporating habits like keeping a regular sleep schedule, following a morning routine or setting consistent mealtimes can help create a sense of predictability even on the busiest of days.
By setting clear priorities and creating space for both productivity and rest, it’s possible to enjoy a summer that feels balanced, fulfilling and refreshing. Sometimes the most meaningful summers are the ones that leave room for both achievement and relaxation.
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Katelyn Owen, MSW, is a copywriter with roots in social work and mental health care. She draws on her field experience to craft meaningful content that supports helping professionals and impact-driven businesses.
