How to Make the Most of This Summer Season

This summer may feel a bit weird compared to others past, but here is the key to a joyful season.

Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind How to Maximize This Summer Season     Many areas of the world have begun opening up after a shutdown that lasted far longer than most of us anticipated. Friends are finally getting back together, the arts community is gearing up for real audiences, and plans for backyard BBQs are in full effect.   Still, this summer may feel a bit weird compared to others past. The key to a joyful season is taking time for yourself, moving toward "normalcy" at your own comfort level, and leaning into the activities that make you happy. Take Some Time Off Work (Seriously) Many of us continued working right through quarantine. This summer, prioritize stepping away from the daily grind and taking a vacation. Even if you don't go far, time off is critical to your well-being. Whether it's a long weekend getaway, a screens-free staycation, or a week-long trip, it'll make the summer more enjoyable.     Excessive work without periods of recuperation and opportunities to engage in rewarding activities can lead to burnout or the development of mental health disorders." — SCOTT HYMAN, PH.D.   Get Outdoors  We've spent so much time indoors over the last 15 months; now's the time to venture outdoors and really, truly enjoy nature. Plan a hike, a kayaking trip, a picnic, play with sidewalk chalk, or just sit outside with a good book.       On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body  This week, take about 10 minutes of your day to write down a handful of items you'd like to check off of your summer 2021 bucket list. Aim for a mix of small and big to-dos, prioritizing activities that bring you the most happiness. Feeling beholden to your smart devices? "The Big Activity Book for Digital Detox," written by Jordan Reid, offers some helpful and humorous advice to reduce your screen time. It's one part wisdom, one part coloring book.   Voited's Soul Slipper is an eco-conscious, lightweight slip-on shoe that was made specifically for camping. Think of it like an outdoor slipper—cozy and warm but built to endure the elements. The Monk Manual™ 90-Day Planner is one way to maximize these next few months of summer. Inspired by Monks and backed by science, it helps you focus on the important things so you can live life with more purpose.     Coming Soon on The Verywell Mind Podcast   Want to know how to become even healthier as you grow older? Tune in to tomorrow's show to hear some great tips from John Burns, the CEO of Tom Brady's company TB12. He's sharing with us how to develop the mindset of a champion.    Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next How to Take a Break From Work (and Why You Need It) READ NOW 3 Ways to Cope With Summer Depression READ NOW How to Use Gardening for Stress Relief READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy