Five Ways to Make the Most of Summer as an Adult
As kids, it’s easy for summer breaks to be memorable and relaxing. The natural responsibilities fade out of our lives. For adults, many of whom don’t have a natural break in their schedule, summer can go by quickly without us barely noticing how fast it’s moving. Making the most of summer as an adult requires us to be intentional in our planning, scheduling, and mindset towards the warmer months.
Setting your intention
Something I talk about with my clients often is setting their mindset with a specific word related to the way that they would like to feel. For example, you may choose a word like relax, adventure, learn, or wellness to describe the summer you would like to have. Getting clear on your vision for the upcoming months can help you pick a word and work with the framework of that word for the summer. When we work with a framework instead of a list of specific goals, it makes it easier to make intentional decisions.
For example, if you chose the word adventure, you may prioritize getting outside, going to events, or traveling. Working with a specific word can help direct your decisions to fulfill your goals.
Prioritize your time outdoors
Another way to make the most of your summer is to prioritize the amount of time you spend outdoors. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter, making time for sunlight will be extremely important. Prioritizing time outside can also help you make decisions on the activities you’ll choose to engage in. Outdoor activities include hiking, swimming, going to farmer’s markets or seeing an outdoor concert. Using your time outdoors wisely can help you have experiences that just aren’t possible in the colder months. It will also give you a summer’s worth of memories to look back on.
Challenge yourself to something new
Another way to use your summer is to challenge yourself to do something new. Setting your mind to self-improvement is an excellent use of time and energy. The relaxed nature of the summer months make it easier to take on something you haven’t had much time for. You could use your time away from work to learn a new language. Or take on a new project or consider taking classes. Keeping yourself accountable to consistent self-improvement is a great way to use time off. Bettering yourself in any way will serve you in all of the months to come when the temps drop and the sun goes away.
Set your mind to resting
If relaxing is more your speed, setting your mind on rest and rejuvenation may be a great way to spend your summer. If things have been hectic or stressful lately, you might choose to spend your summer taking it easy. For you, taking it easy might mean going to the beach, spending time reading or connecting with friends. A hard reset during the summer months can help you return to busier months with more energy and a new perspective. It will also help alleviate any burnout symptoms.
Be spontaneous
Making the most of summer doesn’t have to have a plan. You might choose to be spontaneous! Say yes to events you might not have. Book last minute lunches or weekend trips. Or go to events as you find out about them. Letting yourself prioritize your happiness can be a meaningful way to spend your summer. It certainly will create memories that will last for months and years to come. If you normally stick to a structured schedule, being spontaneous might help to shake things up and get out of your comfort zone.
About Samantha Nolan, MA, LPC, ATR- Barnum Counseling
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