As we gear up for the Summer, it’s time to be prepared. Summer is all about being light and freeing. However if you aren’t careful you could find yourself in situations that you definitely want to avoid. As mentally freeing as Summer can be, remember to be aware of the things that you need as you take care of you on all levels.
Summer and Mental Releases
We let our guards down the most in the Summer. People tend to take off of work the most. They take trips and allow for downtime. All of this is great. The mental release is necessary. Keep in mind that freeing yourself like this on a regular basis is great beyond the Summer months. Working hard or being “booked and busy” is beautiful until it takes over all that you do. Not recognizing that you are experiencing a burnout is not okay. Investing in the culture of “getting the bag” without adding in days off or taking care of your mental health care isn’t great either.
Mental Clarity with Me Time
As much as we crave being around others. Do not discount your me time this Summer or any other day. You need time to learn your likes and dislikes. You are worthy of knowing that before and while you are engaging with others. Not being able to simple date you is problematic. Do you know that even if and once you couple up with another individual that having alone time strengthens you? It is true. One of the things that goes away when you are either people pleasing or focused on someone other than yourself is the essence of you. You are a dope individual. The parts of you that likes walks, going to museums, or simply resting are things that you don’t want to lose. As we enter the Summer months the desire to do it all increases too.
Make A Summer Plan
You can’t do it all. Instead of stressing over being somewhere every Summer weekend develop a plan. For instance what are your non negotiables. This is for the things that if you don’t do it, won’t feel like Summer. For some it’s as simple as going to a beach. For others, it may be a Summer trip to visit loved ones. Add that to the top. Slowly add the “nice to go” to that list.
This way you learn how to prioritize you and the things that matter to you most. If there are things you don’t get to enjoy, they can be added to the top of the list for next year. Budget around the list too. This will help to eliminate the need to say yes to every invitation this Summer. Anything that takes time or budget of the non negotiables is easier to recognize and given a hearty NO.
Use your NO this Summer
It’s like having children and they ask you a million one times for an answer they know the answer to. Get comfortable in saying NO to a few things. If your time and budget can handle it, do it. However let’s not go broke in giving our time and money away this Summer. This is the Summer that all things are becoming costly. Flights, trains, events, and more are costing more to explore. Saying NO this Summer will help you say YES to a lot moe. Don’t go broke in your time for people this Summer that wouldn’t do the same for you. An example of this is attending an event for others who when it’s time to say YES to an item you desire comes with a lot of backpaddling.
Do more Solo Trips
It’s fun to do things in a group. However the many people who live alone or don’t have friends nearby allows them to simply say NO to the desires of their heart. With a safety plan and accountability you can do things as a solo traveler this Summer. Take a day trip, staycation, or simply explore a new state until you are ready to take an out of country trip is necessary. Do you know how many people simply wait year after year to get up and do? A lot of folks do this. They want to plan something that many say they are interested. When it’s time to book, people drop out. Don’t let this Summer pass you by hoping for crowd participation. Go without others. Do for you. Enjoy your time.
As we allow our time to be used in what makes us happy, enjoy that mental release. Use the fun of the Summer sun and add that flare to your life beyond the Summer months. Take some time off. Add in down time after you do travel for work purposes. Say YES to travel and enjoyment. Budget for what and where you want to be. If two is a crowd, invest in you by taking the journey alone. No more waiting on the group to sync their calendars all the time. We taking advantage and moving smarter. “We outside” for our mental renewal.
What are you looking forward most for the Summer? Be safe and make sure you are safe always.
