Relax

This coming weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and I’m already noticing a different pace of life.

More “out of office” alerts.

Slower response time.

Shifting schedules.

And every year I think how good this is. To have a season that feels inherently more leisurely and provides opportunities for things like weeknight dinner gatherings, Saturday concerts in the park and Sunday strolls.

For those of you whose work hours change during summer- educators, I’m talking to you!- this can be a bit of a “blessing and a curse.” The slower pace is so essential, but the lack of structure can make you feel like one blink and summer is over.

Heading into these summer months (whether you are working full-time, part-time, not at all, home with kids or any lifestyle), it can be so helpful to impose a bit of structure while staying flexible with your days.

Consider planning time-sensitive activities in a given week or day first (a 12noon lunch with a friend, a 3pm doctor appointment, a play date at the pool), but ALSO plan some of the things that are not time sensitive. This summer you have a mental “want to do” and “need to do” list, right?

Write your lists down and find places on your calendar to schedule them. This includes everything from cleaning out the closet and power washing the deck to learning poker and trying paddleboarding. Put it on your calendar to make a plan.

When your calendar is free- when no activity or demand is scheduled- you will feel so much more FREE to relax. You have done the things you want to do and need to do, and now you can just kick back.

Give it a shot and see if this summer feels a little better than last. Have a safe holiday weekend!