How to Connect with Yourself this Summer
Summer can be very nostalgic and can bring back a feeling of a slower pace in life where there is more room for fun and lightheartedness. That shift in energy makes it a great time to take advantage of the summer vibe and make headway on your self-improvement goals. Being intentional and mindful with how you are spending your time can be the difference in using summer activities to escape from daily stressors to actually letting go/releasing stress that is holding you back. I’ve narrowed down a few tips and activities for you that are enjoyable and can help you connect with yourself if done intentionally.
Escapism versus Intentionality: What’s the Difference?
One of the great things about summer vacations is the ability to “get away” from the usual routine. The opportunity to break away from the work stress or personal life stressors even if it is only for an extended weekend vacay can be refreshing. A vacation can be a form of escaping from the stressors of everyday life. However, the effect is short lived and coming back to reality can hit like a ton of bricks.
This is where being mindful and intentional with your time away can help you come back refreshed and with clarity instead of feeling ready to plan your next “escape” from reality. If you are feeling particularly overwhelmed before a big trip, take a moment to do a braindump. Take all your worries or stressors and put them down on paper and literally set them aside to come back to later. On a separate piece of paper write down what you want to get out of the vacation or activity you have planned.
Go for a Walk
Finding gentle movement in walking can help release excess energy and help bring a different pace to your body by exposing yourself to nature. Going for a walk is a great way to slow down your inner pace. It gives you the opportunity to tune into your body and be mindful of your scenes as you take in sights, sounds, and smells. With this natural slow down, you have an opportunity to find clarity and connection with your inner voice.
Make the Most out of a Trip to the Beach
The beach is a great place to find balance and clarity when you are feeling disconnected from yourself or out of alignment with yourself. At the beach you have the added benefit of the water and the sound of the ocean to contribute to your experience. We use water quite literally to cleanse ourselves on a regular basis and throughout history water has had a cleansing reputation. As a mind-body therapist, I am big on visualizations. At the beach, I love using the visualization of letting the ocean wash away all fears and worries so that I may come back refreshed and renewed. Additionally, taking advantage of grounding yourself in the sand with your bare feet can help you reconnect with yourself in a simple but powerful way.
