If you’ve been stretching yourself thin and feel like you need to pause, catch your breath, and give your life a reset, the summer season might be your best opportunity. Take advantage of the extended hours of sunlight and the season’s inherent optimism as you unplug, reassess, refresh, and begin anew. Here are seven steps you might consider in your summer reset.
Sleep and Nutrition
If you’re able to enjoy a slightly slower pace and reduction of obligations and hustle, begin your summer by catching up on sleep and reviving your daily nutrition. Set a bedtime alarm each night to ensure you go to sleep on time. Start each day with a glass of water. Clear out your kitchen of processed foods and sugar and double down on fresh veggies and clean protein options.Declutter
The state of your outer space is a reflection of your inner state. Take the time to go through your junk drawer, clean out your closets, tackle that garage or attic, and clear the clutter from your living space. Keep only what you love and need, and rid yourself of the burden of managing things that no longer fall into either of those categories. Starting off with a clean slate can help clear your mind and invigorate your drive to move forward.Set Goals
Carve out some quiet time for yourself to reflect on your life. Utilize a journal to capture your thoughts and ask yourself questions like: Who am I when I’m at my best? In what ways am I living up to my full potential? In what ways do I want to improve? Where do I want to be by September… by the end of the year… in five years? What’s holding me back? Define the goals you want to focus on, the habits you want to improve, and the overall vision you have for your life.Move Outside
Incorporate physical movement and time outdoors into your daily routine. Summer beckons us into the great wide open. Enjoy the sunshine, go for a walk, appreciate nature, and allow yourself to reap the rewards of what consistent time in nature and exercise can do for you.Embrace Routine
Though summer may feel like a time to fly by the seat of your pants, adding structure to your days can actually enhance your sense of freedom by reducing decision fatigue and supporting the actions you wish to take. Schedule time each week that you’ll dedicate to making progress toward your goals.Let Go
If there are things or habits that you’d like to let go of, make this summer the time to say goodbye. If you’re spending too much time on your phone, eating too much sugar, procrastinating—whatever they may be, kick those habits that don’t support your best life and emerge in the fall a reformed person.Reconnect
Summertime is also a great time to reconnect with friends and family. If you’ve been neglecting relationships, rekindle those connections this summer. Throw a party, meet a friend for coffee, call a relative, or send someone a surprise in the mail—generously reach out to those near and far and invite more connection back into your life.Summertime is a great opportunity to take a look at your life and, while everyone else is lounging on the beach, make progress toward the things that matter most to you. Happy summer!
