A Slow Down Summer
I feel like I’ve been going full speed and am watching the days fly by. Another month passes, seasons shift and I’m wondering when things will slow down. I fantasize about slow mornings, mindful strolls, reading, crafting and watching my kids play without the never ending to do list running through my brain. The more I fantasize, the further I get. So this year I am going to choose A Slow Down Summer.
What is A Slow Down Summer? I’m glad you asked.
It’s choosing to move more slowly through the days of summer.
It’s noticing the urge to rush and opting out in favor of a paced approach.
It’s being aware of the tendency to add more to an already busy schedule and choosing your priority in the moment rather than attempting to do it all.
It’s micro-moments of pause, connection and stillness.
Nothing around me changes, life continues wanting more and more from me. But this summer, I will find moments for slowness, choose my (singular) priority in moments of chaos and practice saying no to the things that pull me further away from myself and my values.
So far this has looked like:
-Putting my phone down and picking up my book or creative project instead (I’m currently obsessed with lifelines dot by letter!)
-Literally slowing my body movements, walking more slowly as I move through my day or sipping coffee while it’s still hot as if that is the singular most important thing in the moment
-Easy meal preps/convenience foods so I don’t spend more of my precious time in the kitchen and can feel less overwhelmed with the mental and physical load (rotisserie chicken = endless meal options, wraps/salads/quesadillas/bbq/tacos/rice bowl and smoothies for the win!)
-Opting out of events where stress > fulfillment
-Playing barbies mindfully with my kids for 15 minutes, letting go of other to dos and actually playing (we had quite the barbie drama going)
-Rethinking walks, less distance allows a slower pace despite a busy schedule (down the street and back or around the perimeter of the backyard is a nice reset, especially as temps rise, no need to over-exert)
And my values behind it:
-Connection
-Fun
-Creativity
-Presence
Slowing down needn’t be stressful. It’s finding the ways in which it fulfills and nourishes you. Because if you have a strong why that really means something valuable, behavior change is less forceful and shame based and more flexible and worthwhile. I invite you to choose just a few ways to embrace A Slow Down Summer this season.
**This content was written for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as individual guidance or recommendation. Please consult with your individual health and/or mental health professional if you have any questions or concerns and for specific and individualized guidance as needed.
All of my content is self-written, without use of AI, and from my own experiences as a therapist of over 10 years, mom of 3 and ever evolving human balancing work, parenting, adulting and connecting compassionately through it all <3.