Despite the term "mindfulness" permeating the media, you might not realize how much it can benefit you through transition and change. As we move from season to season, each period has its own challenges and concerns. With that in mind, there may be no better time to practice mindfulness than the warming days of Spring and hazy days of summer.
With no holiday hustle and bustle, short days of winter, or a harried school schedule, it may be the perfect time to check in with yourself and expand your mindfulness moments. Still, our post-pandemic lives still carry concerns as we try to manage family activities, health concerns, and vacation planning. These can all carry stresses too.
In short, it can be hard to keep everything balanced no matter the season. Though, spring and summer offer a few advantages that other seasons don't. Here's how to use this time to help you to be more mindful and less anxious.
1. Take It Outside
Summer is a great time to head outdoors. The sun is closer to our continent and the weather is usually more cooperative for outdoor activities. A great relief after pandemic isolation. Take time to enjoy this season!
Unsurprisingly, nature has unrivaled calming abilities. So, if you struggled with anxiety the rest of the year due to lockdowns and work-at-home requirements, summer is the optimal time to regain your emotional footing. Even if you just feel worn down from the past season of politics and COVID concerns, let nature work its wonders in your life.
Make it a point to spend time outside. Focus on the warmth of the sun on your skin. Listen to the breeze blowing through the trees. Breath in the breeze or the scent of freshly cut grass. Use your sense to take in the world around you.
To some, these actions might seem superfluous. But, give it a try. Let your body and mind soak in the season. See if you don't feel better and more grounded by it.
2. Pay Special Attention to Your Relationships
When you're busy sticking to a hectic schedule, the people in your life often get pushed to the side. This isn't something that happens on purpose. However, running a household presents itself with mounds of distractions, especially as the world strives for normalcy. Be careful to employ warm-weather activities in summer as opportunities to maintain connections. Pay attention to your loved ones and less attention to your to-do list.
Take a moment to evaluate how much quality time you are spending with others. Are you consistently multitasking—checking your phone during conversations or Zoom calls, for example? The pandemic required us to do so much at home, time outside can help you draw clear boundaries for work and family life.
Plenty of people sail through the summer without taking time to enjoy the people who live with them and who are actually around during the summer months. Rather than making a return to pre-pandemic life your priority, make people and your current needs your priority this summer. Stay present.
3. Take a Well-Deserved Break
Plenty of people pack their bags to jet off for a few week's worth of vacation. While this might be a part of the American dream (or anyone's dream), it's not always feasible for every family. Particularly given the shifts in income after a tough financial season, even an in-town staycation at a local hotel isn't possible.
Fortunately, you don't have to go anywhere to take a well-deserved step back. Mindfulness is all about living in the present moment rather than being absorbed in what's already happened or what has yet to happen. This means being able to relax even when you're not on vacation.
Even with some extracurricular activities in your schedule, summer is the optimal time to take a well-earned breath. Intentionally allow yourself some downtime on your own this summer. Do a few more things that you want to do. Connect with simple pleasures and enjoy yourself fully.
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Mindfulness moments can easily be missed but, with practice, you can find ways to be aware, grateful, and joyfully experience life. For more ways to release anxiety and incorporate mindfulness in your life, please contact me today.