Ahhh summer time. The season of leisure that conjures up images of lighter schedules, hours spent lounging at the pool, leisurely bike rides and relaxed vacations. Unfortunately, the reality is more often rushing kids to swim team morning after morning, carpools to day camp, summer jobs, copious amounts of yard work and covering for co-workers while they take time off. Summer rarely turns out to be as relaxing as we had hoped, and in our fast-paced culture, we’ve come to accept it as normal. In September, we’re right back to our daily grind of school, meetings, appointments and obligations that often leave us feeling depleted and longing for those few fleeting moments of summer that seemed relaxing by comparison. I’m beginning to feel that we’ve forgotten how to slow down or that we feel guilty when we do. 

Rest is a fundamental part of wellness. Resting reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and increases creativity and productivity. Plus, it just feels good to take a break. Our bodies, minds and spirits need time to restore and replenish so we can go back out there and power through life like we’re so used to doing. 

As this summer begins to wind down, savor these last couple weeks and seek out opportunities for rest and relaxation. Take a nap or an epsom salt bath complete with candles and calming music. Go for a picnic, even if it’s in your own backyard. Read a book. Watch the sunset. Put your feet up for a few minutes in the afternoon and practice deep breathing. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Grab a pen and jot down your favorite ways to unwind and schedule a few of them before the summer has completely slipped by. Give yourself permission to rest,  to slow down, to relax and do next to nothing, even if it’s just for a little while. It’s not too late to carve out a few relaxing moments this summer, guilt-free. Just tell everyone your health coach told you to :)