When you were a kid, summer was probably the stuff of dreams. You could relax, swim, eat candy, play with friends and just enjoy your time off from school. Then came adulthood, and summer lost that magic and just became like every other season, albeit warmer.
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Whether you’re a busy professional or a business owner, summer is now probably part of the parade of weeks and days that run together and turn into months in the blink of an eye. It might even seem as if the daily grind of life and your work doesn’t really leave much time to enjoy all summer has to offer, especially if you can’t take a vacation.
The good news is that with some creativity, you can take summer back without taking time off and recharge your batteries for the rest of the year at the same time. Check out the following eleven avenues you can use to lower stress and get a new lease on life during those sun-drenched months.
1. Work From Home If You Can
When you work from home, you can do things like get some fresh air, take an extra break, get some yard work done or read. Just having new scenery and enjoying a little “me” time can really help you relax, even if you’re still working at the same time.
Speak to your employer if your job currently doesn’t offer any remote work opportunities. They may be willing to work with you and give you a chance to do your job from home occasionally. Before you approach your employer, have a set plan for working at home that includes workarounds for potential hiccups, as that will make them more inclined to allow you to work remotely.
2. Go For A Swim
Even if you can’t jet to an exotic island with shimmering waters, you can still find ways to cool off near or in water when it’s hot outside. If you live by an ocean, you can hit the local beach. If not, look for a river or lake in your area that is safe for swimming or just easy on the eye, since just looking at water can provide relaxation. If all those options are out, look for a local gym or community center that has an indoor pool.
3. Exercise In The Sun
Getting some sunshine isn’t a bad idea at all; in fact, with the proper sunblock, it can be good for you! According to the Vitamin D Council, the human body is designed to take in Vitamin D from the sun. Too little of this vitamin can result in bone problems and other conditions, including depression.
When it’s sunny out, move all or part of your usual exercise routine outdoors for a little vitamin and energy boost. If you’re working when the sun is up, try doing things like taking a brisk walk outside on your break for a midday pick-me-up.
4. Visit A Bookstore
Even with the rise of the e-book, there are still traditional bookstores around. A visit to the bookstore can be a great way to provoke thoughts you may not even know you had. Don’t go right to the business area; the idea here is to break up the monotony of reading what’s on your computer monitor. Try fiction or even a magazine rack to jump-start your mind and explore new ways of thinking.
5. Be Young Again
As an adult, it’s really easy to get caught up in life and forget what used to make you happy as a kid. Switch out of adult mode sometimes and let yourself “play” a little. Take an hour to play a video game you love, play a sport, practice an instrument, throw a football in the park with your friends — do whatever it was that made you happy and relaxed as a child. Whatever it is you decide, remember to let go of any guilt you feel over doing it!
6. Add A Little Meditation
No matter what the season, meditation can help you de-stress and renew. This ancient practice helps to increase your focus and relaxes your mind, and it can also reduce stress and anxiety. The Internet is full of free meditation technique guides and videos, or you can check out local community centers and gyms for classes.
7. Take A Mini-Break
It can be really hard to step back from your work, especially if you’re a business owner or key employee. But you need to disconnect from your job sometimes to fully recharge yourself. Work mini-breaks into your day to give yourself some time away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re traveling to meet new clients, for instance, take a few minutes to enjoy the new scenery. Got time after the meeting? Go ahead and explore a new neighborhood or landmark nearby.
8. Work Out Regularly
Aside from sleeping well, regular exercise is a great way to let off steam both physically and mentally. In addition, as you get into better shape, you’ll also feel better overall.
Make sure regular exercise is a part of your weekly routine, even if it’s just as simple as taking a walk after dinner. By making your workouts a habit, you’ll find that you’re more likely to stick to your new routine. If you’re pressed for time, try carving out a few minutes here and there to allot some time for exercise on a daily basis.
9. Add A Few Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a great way to get knowledge into your day when you otherwise may not have had the time to read. You can listen to audiobooks while driving, running or even when on a plane. Get books in an area of interest to you or ones that you’ve always wanted to read but never had the time to.
10. Go To Different Conferences
If you enjoy learning in a conference setting, don’t confine yourself to ones that are only targeted to your niche. Broaden your scope of topics more to learn new and interesting things outside of your wheelhouse. You just might find that your new knowledge does, in fact, relate back to your business or career in a beneficial way. Make sure you chose things that are of some interest to you so you don’t end up wasting time and money on a conference that doesn’t excite or enrich you.
11. Get An Office Masseuse
If you’re a business owner, one inventive idea you can use in the summer for your employees and to help you relax is a masseuse. Have one work during the summer all week or at certain times, depending on your budget. This service can be a great stress-reliever and will also help people relax more.
This summer, make it a point to enjoy yourself and let some of your stress melt away under the warm rays of the sun. By taking just a little time and being creative, you can learn to love summer just as much as you did when you were a kid!
