Intentional Living: Summer Edition.

Summer is busy. That is just a fact. There is so much to do, lots of fun to be had, and tons of work to get done, and through all of that, we also have to take care of our minds and bodies. I feel like sometimes finding a balance can be challenging, taking care of yourself while also trying to take care of everything else.

This summer, I have felt busy, but I have also decided to create systems and rituals that allow me to slow down and take care of myself. Both the mind and the body. Here's what I have either implemented into my routine or just kept up with. Remember, not all of these will work for you; everyone is different. I am just sharing what I have found to help me out this summer!

Morning Routine

How I start my day is arguably the most important part of my day, week, month, or year! Starting on the wrong foot really puts a damper on my mood. So, I make it a point to have time to drink my coffee, read my book, and do the Wordle. It is less about the activities and more about having time to decompress and relax before I really start my day.

Morning routines all look different based on the person, but I do believe in giving yourself a little time to just be. Even if it is for 5 minutes of you sitting there, truly enjoying a cup of coffee, or doing a short meditation. This uninterrupted time to have nothing to do helps regulate before you have to grind all day!

Daily Movement

Along with my morning routine, I love to get a quick workout, walk, or yoga session in. I do this in the morning, but getting any type of movement in throughout your day is awesome! Everyone's schedule is different; move when you want.

Moving the body improves circulation, helps with mood, and sleep at the end of the day. It doesn't have to be crazy; you don't need to run a marathon. You can simply decide to stand for some of your workday if you work at a desk. Or, if you are unable to do much physical activity, you can try moving one area of your body, for example, doing some arm circles or opening and closing your fingers.

Small is okay; just get moving in the best way you can. It will help your body feel better, and your mind feel more focused and ready for whatever lies ahead.

Mindfulness

Another area that I have tried to implement this Summer is staying mindful and practicing mindfulness. Now, my daily goal is to really notice my breathing and live in the present at least once a day. This looks like pausing, taking a deep breath, noticing the sounds, feelings, and sights around me. Noticing how I feel, without judgment. Then moving forward. It's like a mini check-in, "Hey, you're here right now. Pay attention."

Daily practice is the goal; however, that is often not the case. If you struggle to find time to truly practice being mindful, pick one day a week to do a check-in. Listen to a meditation, journal, or simply notice your breath. Don't make it too complicated, but be intentional about how you practice mindfulness, and do it without judgment.

Mindful practices are good for calming your mind, regulating your nervous system, and reducing stress. Most importantly, approach it with kindness, not pressure.

Getting Outside

This one is the most important! Being outside, in fresh air, is incredibly good for you. Not only is Vitamin D a beautiful, nourishing nutrient that each of us needs to keep our mood steady, but it also just feels good! During the summer, it's warmer and easier to spend some time outside every day; take advantage of that.

For me, this looks like doing work on my deck, hiking, biking, camping, and other mountain activities. But everyone is different, so for you, this could look like a short walk around the neighborhood, opening your door and standing outside for a breath, or just opening your window all the way and feeling the fresh air. Whatever you do, try to get some fresh air every day, and if not daily, just get close.

Food, Meals, and Cooking

When I am busy, I find that food and meals sometimes take the hit. It is hard to find time to try to cook a beautiful meal, make leftovers for the week, and then do it again the next day. I love cooking, so the first thing that I do is slowly change my mindset around meals. Food is not a check on a to-do list; food is our livelihood, it is how we thrive, and how we live our daily lives. Let's work on treating it that way.

When it comes to meals and planning, I like to plan out a rough outline of my week: what I want to make, what ingredients I will need, and how many leftovers I may have. Then I grocery shop during the weekend to set myself up for success during the week. I shop for high-quality organic ingredients that are nutrient-dense and make my body feel strong and happy.

Just remember that you don't have to overcomplicate it! Meals can be simple; not everything you make or eat has to be elaborate. Also, treat yourself and your body with kindness; if you do fall off your routine, that's okay. Acknowledge it and move forward; stressing about food is not worth a mental spiral.

Approaching Life With Intention

In closing this blog, I want to mention the theme throughout all of these tips, which is intention. Living with intention, being intentional with how you treat yourself, mind, and body. So many people that I know live on autopilot and don't seem to realize that life is going by. They just go through the motions.

I have learned recently that living with intention and treating yourself with kindness is more uncommon than we think. Do things for yourself, stay true to you, and build a routine that fits into your lifestyle.

Most importantly, treat yourself with kindness; I cannot stress this enough :)

Written by Ruby Laemmel, Marketing and Client Relations Manager, Certified in Mindful Eating.