Summer is upon us in Southern Ontario. Hot, humid, and some would say fierce. We wait all year long for the long glorious days of summer. What are you doing with your summer? Are you making the most of it? Below are some ideas to reduce stress:
- Take time to smell the flowers – literally. Get out in nature. Walk the dog. Hey, walk the cat too if need be! Look at the clouds. Look at the moon.
- Breathe. In and out. And again. Have you ever noticed how good the air smells first thing in the morning before the noise, heat, and activity of the day? Can you be in the moment? Can you let your worries and cares fall away and just be?
- Plan to do nothing for a day. We all fill our days and nights with activities, with stuff. Cottages, dinners, activities, vacations, road trips and so on. Sit on your deck. Watch the squirrels. Read a book. Skip electronics and go unplugged. Just be.
- Be compassionate. Realize people who may be aggravating are simply expressing needs. It really isn’t about you. Letting the aggravation go frees up energy to put towards the things you love to do.
- Do something that fills you with joy. Simple joy. When was the last time you felt joyful?
- Have fun with the kids. Go to the beach. Build sand castles. Play in the water. Be in the moment.
The possibilities are endless. Don’t wait for the summer to be over and wish that you had done something different. Seize the moment. Live in the moment. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Wishing all of you a happy, healthy summer filled with moments of joy. Be well.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.
