Seizing the Summer

There's an iconic line in The Great Gatsby in which one of the characters muses, "Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it." I think about this line every year at the start of summer. On the surface, it seems silly, a bit of a throw away line, but I think about it often in how people approach the new season. At the end of summer, I hear a lot of people complain that the summer went too quickly and they wasted their time not enjoying it. This sense of regret can be challenging to grapple with. So, with the solstice approaching, let's talk about how to appreciate this season and balancing taking time for self-care.

Make a Bucket List

One of my favorite things to do is to make a summer bucket list. Turn making the list into a fun activity- have friends over and create them together. Making a bucket list allows you space to think intentionally about what you'd like to do with the upcoming good weather. You can even make a combined bucket list with friends or a partner and then work on completing it together. Use this time to think about what you'd like to do or any adventures you'd like to get into.

Go Outside

There has been countless research on the benefits of going outside on mental health. It increases mental well-being, improves mood and concnetration, and reduces stress. When the weather is excellent in the summer, it is a great time to cash in on those outdoor benefits.

There are many ways to go outside and there is no wrong way to do it. I often hear people describe themselves as "not outdoorsy," but you don't need to be hiking up a mountain to get the benefits of being outside (though hiking up a mountain is a great way to spend a day). Take a short walk in your neighborhood, bring a picnic blaket to your local park, or even just sit on your front step as you drink your morning coffee. Spending time in nature, disconnected from technology, is a great way to both relish the summer and get great mental health benefits.

Embrace Your Inner Child

Childhood summertime is such a nostalgic and lovely memory for many. As an adult, we often lose our sense of playfulness. Lean into that childhood delight of summer. Build a sandcastle. Have an ice cream cone. See if you remember how to hula hoop. Have an analog day where you leave your phone behind and bike around your neighborhood. Give your inner child a chance to plan your day.

Make Plans AND Leave Some Empty Time

As a PNW'er, this is one of the most challenging balances to strike. Since we are often cooped up all winter, there is a sense of urgency to enjoy every moment of sun, which can sometimes lead to overplanning and summertime burnout. Take time to make plans- after all, campsites do fill up and festivals require some advanced planning. But, also plan for a weekend where you can decide on the fly what you want to do. Allowing yourself to restfully enjoy summer, like spending a relaxing day sitting on the beach, will fill your cup and help prevent summer burnout.

Have fun, be safe, and don't forget sunscreen! (She says, as she currently is sporting a less than cute sunburn from last week... if you see me around town, remind me of my own advice)

Sunset on the Coast