Sometimes, the lure of warmer weather brings on bucket lists of must-do activities that might seem wonderful on the surface, but they truly belong to someone else. You might do things because everyone else is doing them. Or something pops up over and over again in your social media feed, and it becomes ingrained in your mind…and you think you have to take part. You, in fact, do not. Make your summer right for you. Be intentional with your actions and activities, and enjoy the things you would like to take part in. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Photo: Pexels
Take a Dip in the Pool
If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you are one of the lucky ones. You can walk a few feet from your home and experience refreshing bliss any time you wish. That is, of course, once you have cleaned it. Instead of taking on this task yourself and piling more work into your already busy life, you can hire a pool maintenance service to do it for you. After the pool is ready to go, dive in and swim a few laps to get your heart beating every morning before your day becomes too busy. Dip your toes in and sit on the side while meditating in the morning sun. Make your swimming pool a place of joy, relaxation, and fitness whenever you like.
Rethink Your To-Do Lists
When spring arrives, everyone has to-do lists that pop up. You feel pressured to complete them quickly. Instead of falling victim to your own busy nature, take a step back. Look at your list and decide what you should do now and what can wait. Avoid procrastination by approaching your tasks differently. Frame them as an opportunity to make your home better by fixing a window screen instead of a tedious chore. Think of yard work as a chance to reconnect with the earth after a long winter, as opposed to physical labor. Simply being alive requires that to-do lists be made and must be accomplished so things get done. That is an unavoidable fact. How you choose to deal with the work is up to you.
Focus on Nature
Warm weather brings people outside. Regardless of where you live, you can connect with nature every day, and it is much easier when the temperature cooperates. Instead of riding mass transit all the way to work each day, get off one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way. You might still be in the midst of a concrete jungle, but if you pay attention to your surroundings, you will see the green buds emerging on nearby trees lining the boulevard. The birds and bugs are coming out to welcome the fresh air. You can, too. Find other opportunities in your daily life to be outside more. Go for a walk with your dog, partner, family, or friends after a good meal together. Move your meals outside. Anything you can do inside, you can probably do outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
Connect with the People Around You
It is very easy to become almost myopic in your daily life. You move from one thing to the next with your face firmly squared toward your smartphone. While everyone does it, of course, something is missing. Connections. Connecting with people in big and small ways has diminished significantly since the introduction of smartphones. It is understandable because everything you need is in that tiny device. Banking, entertainment, communications, research – it is all right there in the palm of your hand. Be intentional with your time. That post of your friends’ latest exploits can wait. It will be there later. Forever. Instead, put your phone away. Make eye contact with the person in line next to you and say hello. Notice the elderly woman standing on the subway and give her your seat. Ask her about her story. Most people might overlook her. Make a connection and see what springs forth.
Create Boundaries at Work
In this always-on culture and with expectations for employees to be ever available when the boss calls, texts, messages, or emails, it can be frustratingly difficult to safeguard your personal time. The difference between working yourself to the point of exhaustion and enjoying your life lies in your ability to create realistic and intentional boundaries between your work life and your personal life. It starts with you assessing your work schedule. Ask yourself if you are spending more time than you should in the office beyond the agreed-upon schedule. If so, it is time to readjust your work hours. Next, assess how much time you spend outside of those work hours checking and responding to messages and completing projects. You may need to have an open and honest conversation with your supervisor and co-workers about your availability going forward. From there, set your OOO (out of office) message with clear details regarding when you will be available. You work hard and put in your time at the office, but the weather is too nice right now to ignore.
Go Outside and Learn Something New
While it is wonderful (and recommended) that you step outside and relax, there are so many things you can do in the great outdoors. If you are not a runner, you can dig deep and begin your journey toward endurance running goals. Perhaps you have always wanted to connect more with the earth. Summer is the perfect time to begin a garden of your own. Learn how to work with the soil to produce your own fruits and vegetables. Or maybe you would like to take a tour in the fresh air and sunshine. Look for local wineries or heritage sites that offer tours where you can learn about the history and culture, and soak in nature. Attend a cultural event, such as a powwow or drum circle. Appreciate what came before you and what is right in front of you.
Photo: Pexels
There is so much noise in the world. Shut it out when warm weather calls to you. Participate in life and the world around you by being intentional in your decisions. Make small changes starting today.
