Summer stress relief
Ah… summer! A time to kick back and relax with family, enjoy the sun, and take a vacation. But wait! You’re slammed at work, the kids are all home, and that dreamy vacation was just as stressful as it was relaxing.You may have found yourself a little more wound up than down this summer. If so, take some time to regroup and implement some of these ideas to help you enjoy the blue skies and time together without getting too overwhelmed.
Do Your Thing… Outside
We all have that “thing” that makes us tick and really relieves stress for us. Be it reading or running, yoga or yarn, move your favorite activity outdoors. Find a shady spot to knit, read or journal during kids’ naptime, or ditch the gym to opt for an outdoor workout after a long day at the office. Doing your favorite activity at the park while kids enjoy the playground can be a great way to build in some stress relief during a long day of parenting. Mom or Dad can do push-ups or puzzles on the park bench while the little ones burn energy outdoors.
Chill Out!
A little indulgence can be good for the soul, and there is just something about sharing frozen treats with loved ones on a blistering hot day that brings joy and laughter. If you have little ones, put on a swimsuit and set up a sprinkler to rinse off after that sticky popsicle. Ice cold drinks are another creative way to cool down. Add some summer herbs from the garden (mint, lavender, basil) to your favorite tea, lemonade, or cocktail to give an extra dimension of flavor, and enjoy with friends!
Quiet Time for Kids
Build in quiet time for your kids each summer weekday. For little ones – naps! For older ones – books! This could also be a prime opportunity for bonding with older children while the younger child naps. Doing a calming activity together like coloring, puzzles, or a simple craft can be just as refreshing as alone time.
Patio Meals & Date Nights
Eating as a family outdoors is an excellent way to unwind together and enjoy the coolness of evening, not to mention it helps you forget about that messy kitchen for a bit and be more present with those you love. After a long day, enjoy some time together with your spouse outdoors while big kids play on their own or little kids go down to bed. This is a prime time to step away from the television, debrief your day, and recharge together.
Laid-Back Lavender Lemonade
Ingredients
1 Cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons)
1 Cup granulated sugar
5 Cups water, divided
1 Tablespoon fresh lavender blossoms
For the Simple Syrup
- Combine 1 Cup water, sugar, and lavender blossoms in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let steep for about 30 minutes.
For the Lemonade
- Squeeze lemons and add 1 Cup fresh lemon juice to pitcher.
- Pour in the simple syrup through a mesh strainer to remove blossoms.
- Add remaining 4 Cups of water, and stir well.
- ENJOY!
Optional
- For tangier lemonade, add up to 2 Cups of lemon juice.
- For a sparkling lemonade, add a splash of sparkling water or prosecco.
- Add your favorite liquor to turn this into a cocktail!
about the author...Anna Rogers is a transplant from the Carolinas with a background in marketing and graphic communications. She is a wife and mother who loves to garden, cook, and practice yoga. Anna is passionate about travel, which at its core is really a passion for people, as she believes people and community are what truly bring life and beauty into a place.