Inside: Want to enjoy a calm and slow summer this season? Here are ten easy ways to embrace slow summer living that you can start today.
Embracing slow living can be practiced at any time of year. It involves being more intentional with your time, staying present, and doing less of what you do not enjoy while engaging more in what brings you joy.
For me, it’s about savoring a cup of coffee in the morning as I gaze out the window or taking a leisurely evening walk.
Why embrace a slow summer living this season
Summer brings longer days and warmer weather, and it is also mid-year. This makes it the perfect time to slow down and reflect on the past few months and how you want to enjoy the rest of the year.
Instead of filling your calendar with events you probably don’t want to attend, take it day by day and fill it with activities that truly matter to you.
Remember, when you say no to one thing, you are saying yes to a new hobby, quality alone time, or some much-needed rest.
This is why embracing slow summer living should be important to you.
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Ten slow summer living ways to slow down and enjoy the season
- Sleep in a few days a week
Waking up at least thirty minutes earlier than when you need to start your day can reduce chaos. I love waking up early and enjoying my slow morning routine, but I’m considering indulging in a little more sleep this summer.
Even an extra fifteen minutes can provide valuable rest. Take this season a bit slower by allowing yourself more minutes of sleep.
You could sleep in only on weekends or a few days during the week, whatever works best for you.
- Slow Summer mornings
Take the time to enjoy a slow morning. Wake up and stretch your body for a few minutes. Open the window blinds to let in some daylight. Drink a glass of water. Take care of your oral hygiene and skincare. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea by the window while reflecting on everything you’re thankful for.
This doesn’t take long and can be done in less than fifteen minutes.
Prepare a healthy, quick breakfast, sit at the dining table, enjoy it with family, and avoid screen time. You can also meal prep some breakfast muffins to save time cooking.
A slow morning will help you be ready for whatever the day brings.
- Work less
It may be difficult for some to take time off or reduce their work hours, but this season, make the most of any time you can from work and embrace slow summer living.
Instead of taking an hour for lunch, consider taking a thirty-minute lunch and leaving thirty minutes early. Use your PTO or vacation day on a Friday or Monday to create a three-day weekend.
Review your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can cut back. Reducing your monthly expenses during the summer can allow you to work fewer hours. If self-employed or working from home, aim to enter a daily focus mode.
Write down at least three things you must accomplish and work for 60-90 minutes without distractions.
Doing this will help you finish your workload quicker, allowing you to enjoy your afternoons.
- Spend more quality family time
Rather than trying to spend more time with family and friends this season, aim for quality time with them.
Setting aside time once a month to meet with a family member or friend and focus on meaningful interactions without distractions is preferable. Avoid getting sidetracked by your phone and engage in heartfelt conversations.
To save time on travel, consider video chatting or making a phone call, again without distractions.
Additionally, make time to enjoy cherished moments with your immediate family members.
This doesn’t have to involve a large gathering or preparing food; something as simple as enjoying ice cream or having a glass of lemonade can be wonderful.
- Read more books
If you’ve always wanted to find time for reading, now is the ideal opportunity to begin. With temperatures rising in certain areas, staying indoors during the heat is important.
Visit the library and borrow a book to save money and avoid waiting for delivery. Even better, consider spending some time at the library to read the book.
If you aim to make reading a habit, read at least five pages daily.
I highly recommend the books below to help you live more intentionally by prioritizing experiences over material possessions.
Things that Matter: Overcoming Distractions to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker.
Love People, Use Things Because the Opposite Never Works by The Minimalist Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
- Reduced screen time
We all experience it! When boredom strikes, we might mindlessly scroll through our phones or start a series on Netflix, losing track of time and binge-watching for hours.
Embrace slow summer living without relying on screens. There are plenty of other activities to consider when boredom sets in. You could call a loved one, take some time to rest, reflect on the past few months, or plan for what lies ahead.
If you enjoy watching or listening to YouTube videos like I do, try doing it ONLY while walking or tackling household chores.
This way, you can get your steps in and be productive while enjoying a YouTube video. Another tip is to set a specific time limit for screen use each day and stick to it.
- Spend some time outdoors
Depending on where you are, summer often brings hot weather. While I don’t recommend spending too much time outdoors, being outside for a while is important.
Step out for a few minutes after having a glass of water, preferably lemon water, before your coffee. You can take a short walk, water your lawn or plants, or sit outside and soak up some sun.
Also, include outdoor time in your evenings, especially if you have children. Take them to a nearby splash pad or engage in fun water activities in the yard, ensuring everyone stays hydrated.
- Plan a staycation
Avoid the summer crowds and traffic with a staycation. Rent a room at a nearby hotel and enjoy their amenities, including a complimentary continental breakfast, coffee, a workout room, and a pool.
Renting a room nearby will also help you escape daily tasks at home, like washing dishes, doing laundry, and tidying up. P
Planning a staycation is a great way to slow down, unwind, and save time and money on travel.
- Mid-year review
We are at the mid-year point, and this is the perfect time to reflect on your progress towards your goals.
What goals did you set, and how far along are you in achieving them? What changes do you need to implement to reach those goals?
If you have accomplished some goals, consider setting a new one for the remainder of the year. A mid-year review will help you prepare more effectively in various areas of your life and enable you to concentrate on what you want to achieve before the year ends.
- Small decluttering sessions
Here, I discuss minimalism and decluttering extensively. Tidying up your home will make cleaning easier. Additionally, a clutter-free home offers numerous benefits, so you should strive to maintain that environment.
While embracing a slow summer lifestyle, set aside a day each week for a brief decluttering session.
Begin with something manageable, such as your kitchen. Tackle one drawer at a time. You can achieve a clutter-free home in no time by consistently engaging in small decluttering sessions and adjusting some of your spending habits.
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Final thoughts
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to slow down and appreciate the little things. Be more intentional with your time by engaging in activities that matter to you.
Start with a few of these slow summer living tips and gradually incorporate more. These tips are simple to follow and will have a lasting impact on your daily life.
Which slow summer living tip are you most excited to start? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Let’s inspire each other to embrace a slower, more intentional summer.