This Summer, Take Time to Relax & Recharge

Do you pay much attention to those unofficial “national holidays” that always seem to pop up on social media? This past Friday (the day after Independence Day) was apparently National Workaholics Day, and that got me thinking about what a great time of year this is to slow down, relax, and recharge. 

Hopefully, given that this blog is publishing right after the Fourth of July weekend, you’re coming off of a long, enjoyable break. Long holiday weekends offer great opportunities to recharge, of course, but what about regular weeks where we don’t have a built-in break? As nice as it is to enjoy occasional vacations and three-day weekends, learning to recharge as part of our regular daily schedules is vital to living a balanced, healthy life.

Fortunately, summertime makes that almost too easy. Between the gorgeous weather, amazing seasonal produce, and generally laid-back vibe of the season, you don’t have to look very far to find opportunities to recharge this time of year. 

My Favorite Ways to Relax and Recharge During Summer

1. Picking Fruits & Veggies

We’ve talked a lot about fruits and veggies over the past couple of weeks, but they’re back again! You might be wondering whether picking produce really counts as a relaxing activity, but I personally love it. Back when I used to work in an office environment, there just so happened to be a Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farm quite near my workplace. I absolutely loved heading there for my lunch break to pick a carton of strawberries, enjoy my lunch on the farm, and take a few moments for quiet contemplation.

2. Swimming

You don’t have to be Michael Phelps to enjoy some pool time! When the dog days hit, jumping into a nice, cold pool is a welcome relief. If you’re in the mood for a workout, swimming laps is an awesome way to check off your cardio and strength workouts. If you’d rather just relax and clear your head, though, that’s totally fine! Floating peacefully, swimming underwater, or even just dipping your feet in a wading pool while you read a book can be great ways to recharge your batteries on a summer afternoon. 

3. Stretching

Are you a parent with kiddos home on summer break? We love our kids, but having them around full-time can put a kink in our typical routines. If you need a quick break but aren’t at liberty to leave the house for a long reprieve, try simply stepping into a separate room for some stretching. You can roll out a yoga mat or sit on the floor; stretch in silence or put on your favorite music. Even if you can only steal away for five minutes, time spent decompressing and loosening up your muscles will leave you feeling 100x better.

What are some of your favorite ways to recharge during the summer months? Share a few of your favorite activities in the comments section!

Until next week, what I wish for you is that you live a life you love without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass of wine with dinner. Looking for some extra accountability between now and then? Check out my free community, Never Diet Again, where we support one another, share tips and recipes, and post regular nutrition and fitness check-ins to keep you on track. See ya there!