Embracing the Spirit of Summer: How to Extend the Season's Joys All Year Long
As September 22nd nears, many of us are taking last minute vacations, soaking up the extra sunshine, refusing to acknowledge the Christmas displays already dominating the stores (Seriously.) and are in denial about needing our jeans and jackets. If bidding farewell to summer has you bummed out–we get it.
For me, summer involves so many of our favorite things in life. With school out, we all get more moments with our families and young kids. We get to spend more time in Northern Michigan on the beach or on vacations to places that demand a two-week window that school schedules just don’t allow. Gardens are buzzing and flowers areblooming. The warmth lures all of us into spending as much time outside as possible–whether it’s on the porch with a laptop or in the morning with our coffee. And even though time isn’t extended, it DOES feel like the days last forever.
Summer just feels like one big sigh of relief. But this year instead of dreading the fall, we’re leaning into ways that it doesn’t have to end. I mean, okay, there is a thing called Daylight Savings Time, so yes, the skies will darken before dinner is even served. Many outside joys will go dormant for a while and priorities shift when there’s snow on the ground (read: zero motivation to leave the house-anyone else?) BUT, there are a few ways we can extend our favorite time of year a little longer.
Take the Vacation
We know summer is the most ideal time to jet set, especially if you have children, but if you are able, try booking a fall retreat, a winter escape, or a spring soiree. Going on vacation has proven to have so many physical health and mental health benefits. If you can’t justify taking the time off work, try finding a conference or event you can attend where you can merge the two. If funds are tight, try a low-cost little outdoor adventure where you and nature can become BFF’s. A little sweet escape during the off-season can make all the difference.
Prioritize You-Time
We are still researching the science behind why, but for some reason, people seem to give themselves more permission to relax in the summer. Think long walks at dusk and lounging poolside. But relaxation doesn’t need to stop when October nears. Find ways during the other seasons to prioritize time for yourself and resting. Focus on amping up the coziness factor wherever you are–a surefire antidote to the winter blahs.
Keep it Simple
Most of all, when we think about summer, it’s the simple things that come to mind like how much easier it is to linger, how carefree things seem, and how much more at ease we feel. Why does this simplicity get overshadowed during the other seasons? One of the best way to feel “summer” all year round is to try to keep life simple. Doing so will free up space for you to notice the simple pleasures that are still right in front of us for each and every season.
What are some of your favorite things about summer? What are some ways you plan to make keep that summer feeling all year long in your life and business? We’re all about this year being the year of see ya later, instead of goodbye to the season.
