{5} Ways to Have a Simple Summer

1. Simplify Your To-Do List

Give yourself permission to RELAX this summer and completely forget about your mile long to-do list. Set aside time to figure out what projects and tasks you have to complete that can be put on the back-burner until September. If you really want a slow-paced summer, you need to downsize errands, chores, and to-do's so you can simply enjoy time with friends and family.

2. Be Selective

The amount of activities you can enjoy during the summer are endless. To truly slow down and enjoy the view of the fun, pair down the amount of events and activities you do. This requires you to set healthy boundaries and say, "No" to friends or family. Whatever you choose to participate in, just make sure it aligns with your wants and the priorities you've established.

An added benefit to doing fewer activities is saving more money. Summertime fun comes with an expensive price tag, so if saving money is a 2022 resolution for you, consider minimal summertime costs so your savings doesn't take a hit.

3. Connect with Nature

Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature is good for our bodies and minds. Your stress hormone, cortisol, is lower when you're in the woods, near water, or in green spaces. Seek out opportunities where you can enjoy Mother Nature in your community. Outdoor activities to consider:

Go camping {even if it's in your backyard}Go hiking

Spend a day at a local lake or river

Take a scenic drive and stop for a picnic

Enjoy an afternoon at a park

4. Create Simple Family Traditions

Do you have traditions you like to enjoy during the summer with your family? Consider these activities that are sure to create lasting memories, but also don't require a ton of planning and/or money:

Roast smores in the backyard

Set up an outdoor movie

Have a water balloon fight

Set up a lemonade stand with your kids

Enjoy dinner outside

Set up an ice cream bar to celebrate the first official day of Summer

Make tie-dye shirts

Plant a garden

Camp out in the backyard

Set up a backyard obstacle course

Have a watermelon eating contest

Enjoy a late night swim

Invite the grandparents over for dinner

Schedule a weekly game night

Don't forget to schedule in spontaneous fun into your summer! You plan ALL year long. You spend so much time scheduling appointments, kid's events and activities, work commitments, etc. Some of the best memories made are those that are made from moments of spontaneity that didn't require upfront planning.

5. Enjoy Your Summer Free of Guilt

Don't fixate on the things you're NOT doing this summer by choosing to slow down. An unrushed, no-pressure summer won't feel like a waste of time, its a way to reconnect, recharge, and reinforce what you want and need most. This approach is designed to remind you that our days are meant to be lived, not just counted.

Simply shift your mindset and actions to change how you want to engage with your family and friends with more intention.