After a busy couple of months this Spring / Summer, I’m finally able to take a moment and breathe. Let me tell you….it feels great! If you’re feeling burnt out from the back to back weddings, bachelorette parties, family vacations, travels, etc., keep reading the five ways I like to slow down this summer.
1. Reconnect with my routines
This may sound counter intuitive to what you think “slowing down” is, however, getting back to my routine is one of the best ways for me to feel at ease. After many weeks of travel, it feels so nice to have a steady workout schedule, blog schedule, work schedule and many more things. The list could go on! Can you tell I’m a list person?! When I know my life is organized, I can do all other summer activities with a clear mind.
2. Cook my own food
After many weeks of eating out and indulging, it’s so nice to eat a home cooked meal. Not to mention, the process of cooking fresh vegetables with a soothing playlist in the background is quite relaxing. When I get back into cooking, I’ll use my fresh herbs or buy from the local farmers market. It allows me to get back in touch with the season and to enjoy what summer has to offer. I’ve mentioned this before, but I highly recommend buying Eat Pretty This books walks you through each season and guides you on what to eat for fall, winter, spring and summer. Additionally, she breaks down how each food is good for you internally and externally. Whenever it’s a new season, I always go back to this book to get a refresher
3. Less TV, more reading
You all know it. There’s so many articles and studies out there about screen time and how it’s bad for us. Everything in moderation is my motto, so after a lot of screen time between work and blogging, I love to read. And when I say read, that means reading an actual book (no tablet!). I mention this in my about me page. When I get lost in a book midday, it feels like such a luxury. I also love to wake up early on the weekends, sip on my hot lemon water and sift through my coffee table books. When I give myself this quiet time to take in inspiration, it recharges me for the day or even week.
4. Spend time by the water
This goes with out saying, but I am very fortunate to live right by the water. Especially where I live right now, I’m walking distance to the beach. I remind myself to enjoy every minute of it because it won’t last forever! Being near the water truly calms me and allows me to stop in my tracks to take a minute. Whether its on a run, walk or just sitting in my beach chair, I always take a moment to look out. It’s such a visualization that there’s so much more out there and whatever issue or worry I have – it’s nothing compared to the rest of the world.
5. Add fresh flowers to the apartment
Even when it’s hot outside, I want to make our apartment feel cozy to keep the hygge feeling going, When I buy fresh flowers or add summer touches to the apartment, I appreciate the season that much more. My favorite essential oils to use right now is a combination of lemon eucalyptus and orange. The citrusy smell instantly gets me in the summer mood.
Now, a lot of these ways can be done in other seasons by tweaking the activities here and there. It always goes back to what makes me feel my best self and with these task, it forces me to reconnect with myself. Try them out!
xx
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