How to reverse engineer your summer fun
This is my absolute favorite time of year.
Granted, I’m pretty skilled at finding things to love about all times of the year, but here’s why now, which is technically late spring, is the specific time that takes the cake:
1. The days are at their longest and still getting longer so I find I more effortlessly wake up earlier with plenty of extra energy to do all that I need and want in a day.
2. It’s my perfect weather. In NYC at least, this time of year often has plenty of sunny days with bright blue skies. It’s often in the 70s or 80s, but the summer humidity hasn’t started yet and therefore there are also no mosquitoes. :-)
3. Unofficial summer has just begun so there is still an abundance of summer days in front of me.
And as an added bonus: all of the springtime flowers have just finished blooming, so my allergies are much better than they were early and mid spring!
I know that late spring will soon turn to early summer, which will turn to mid-summer, which will turn to… And each cycle of season will have its own different energy.
So right now I’m taking advantage of this current energy by planning out all the way I want my summer to unfold.
Intuitively, planning and organizing may seem like the opposite of the free, flowing energy of summer, however…
Boundaries actually create
MORE Freedom.
Not only does the planning increase my sense of excitement and anticipation of the months to come and ensure I make the most out of my summer, these boundaries help me avoid summer burnout because I know exactly what to prioritize that will be the most satisfying, nourishing and life affirming ways to spend my time and energy.
And when summer ends and I reflect back, I know I'll be breathing out a deep, satisfied exhale of contentment.
I’ll be sharing many more details of my summer, like vacations, family visits, books I'm reading and more, so stay tuned and also feel free to follow me on Instagram @allisonlrichard if you don’t already!
And I would love to hear what you're excited about and planning for yourself this summer! Let me know!
Here are Four (more) Tips on How to Avoid Summer Burnout
Say no: we don’t have to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way and for many of us it’s actually part of our life’s journey to recognize what opportunities are aligned for us. When you say no to the things that don’t light you up you then have more time and energy to do the things that do. Plus, it’s all about momentum. When we spend time and energy on things we’re not excited about, it only depletes us further. And when we spend time and energy on things we enjoy, it increases our energy.
Be all in on those things you say yes to: once you’ve prioritized and are saying yes to the things you enjoy and that light you up, be all in. It’s a complete waste of energy to be physically in one place while mentally thinking about something else you “should” be doing or wishing you were somewhere else. And it’s also disrespectful to the people who are choosing to be there and present with you.
Delegate: this is the one I probably need to practice the most. We don’t have to do it all and often when we try we quickly realize something has to give. Protect your health while also allowing yourself to spend your time and energy on the things you WANT to do by delegating those things you don’t NEED to or LIKE to do. This can be to colleagues, family members, or even hiring someone. I like to take advantage of grocery and laundry delivery.
(Most importantly) Incorporate rest and sleep: often all of the things that contribute to burnout also contribute to us getting less sleep or less quality sleep. Just because we’re busier and the days are longer doesn’t mean our bodies have the capacity to go non-stop from sunset to sunrise (and beyond). You may be able to get away with less sleep in the summer, but if you’re feeling tired, try increasing the hours of sleep you’re getting and/or incorporating periods of rest into your days.
Here is to your most fantastic summer yet!
