As summertime gains full speed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost in the fast pace of the season. In a quick blink, the kids are back in school and the holidays are looming in the near future. We ask ourselves, where did the summer go? That long list of activities and goals remains unchecked, and we feel a hint of disappointment.

Speed makes us feel more productive. We push and push until we inevitably burn out, and we often realize too late that doing more isn’t always for the best. As this season begins, let’s plan to purposely slow down and savor summertime. There are simple ways to beat the daytime heat, like watching a movie in an air-conditioned theater, spending time at the pool, or sipping freshly squeezed lemonade. If you can’t handle being outside when the temperature rises, wake up early to visit the local farmers market or go for a walk outdoors in the cooler morning climate.

Bluntly put, don’t sacrifice your self-care time for your hectic schedule. Let’s make time to enjoy the next few months and allow ourselves to relax. Here’s a list we put together highlighting 40 simple ways to embrace this season and share it with others. We hope you try a couple and feel the stress melt away.

40 Ways to Slow Down and Savor Summertime

1.Visit the farmers market.

2.Practice yoga in the sunshine.

3.Detox from social media.

4.Spend time journaling.

5.Take an afternoon nap.

6.Swim after dark.

7.Go on a morning hike.

8.Host a spontaneous barbecue.

9.Run through the sprinklers.

10.Make freshly squeezed lemonade.

11.Spend the day concocting sugar scrub recipes.

12.Read a book.

13.Explore your city like a tourist.

14.Apply a face mask.

15.Take yourself to the movies.

16.Wake up early to watch the sunrise.

17.Go stargazing.

18.Make whipped body butter.

19.Watch a movie under the stars.

20.Camp in your backyard.

21.Plant and tend to a garden.

22.Host wine night for your gal pals.

23.Plan a picnic.

24.Create something with your hands.

25.Enjoy a bonfire.

26.Make s’mores.

27.Exercise with friends.

28.Do absolutely nothing for an entire day.

29.Enroll in a summer class.

30.Adopt a beauty ritual.

31.Organize your pantry and spice cabinet.

32.Donate unwanted items to thrift stores.

33.Take a ceramics class.

34.Relax at the local park.

35.Put together a care package.

36.Call a loved one.

37.Learn a new hobby.

38.Bake cookies from scratch.

39.Diffuse your favorite essential oil blend.

40.Remember to invest in “me time.”

Pick up your copy of Willow and Sage Summer 2019 on newsstands and at: https://stampington.com/Willow-and-Sage-Summer-2019