How To Intentionally Add Comfort, Calm, and Connections To Your Summer Routine
If planned correctly, empty nesting can look more like perpetual summer than the season of doom.
One of the best parts of being in the empty nest season is that we can begin to live intentionally around the things we’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have time for. Life moves a little bit slower and there isn’t the mad dash to keep anyone entertained. This newfound time doesn’t have to be filled with boredom and sadness. Memories of lazy summer days can be incorporated into intentional times of rest and relaxation.
I love to read and garden, and take leisurely walks, but here are a few more ways to sneak some soul-care into your summer.
- Laughing with friends – whether through leisure time spent together or a quick call on the phone, make sure you stay connected and find those people who always bring a smile to your face.
- Incorporate Movie Nights or lazy day reruns of some of your old favorites! Stay in your PJs and simply kick back.
- Naps or rocking on the porch simply listening to the birds and watching the clouds – children do this so well
- Day trips – discover some fun local parks, museums, or shops
- Get a library card and visit the different libraries in the area
- Take a course, just for fun! Learn a new language or craft.
- Color – I purchased several scripture and garden books and some wonderful colored pencils to de-stress
- Get a massage or facial
- Write letters to family, friends, or community members who are homebound
- Crochet, knit, or find another new hobby on Pinterest
- Sign up for an Ancestry account and document your family memories
Breaking the cycle of boredom starts with reflecting on what brings you joy and peace. Identify areas of your life where you did something well and had fun doing it. How could you incorporate that skill or gift in your community? Begin by taking small steps toward changing your daily routine. Say yes to something new. This time is a journey of new discoveries. What adventure awaits you?
I really enjoy reading your posts, Linda. They offer a bit of comfort, support or a ray of sunshine! Change isn’t always easy and your writing helps me remember it’s part of God’s plan for me, and I need to embrace it. Knowing others feel the same is a huge gift, so thank you.
Hi Kate! I’m so happy this post blessed you. We are living in a rapidly changing world and learning to adjust to that change can be challenging, for sure. God certainly moves in the midst of that change. I’m always training my ears to hear Him at work. Have a great day.