How To Make The Most Of The End Of Summer
By: Lexi Nass, LCSW
As summer comes to an end it can be helpful to take some time to reflect on the past few months and think about how you feel. Are you satisfied with how you spent your summer? Are there things you wish you did that you haven’t done yet? Are there people you wish you spent time with or certain things you wish you prioritized more? Right now is the perfect opportunity to remind yourself that summer is not over yet, and this last week can be used to re-establish certain goals before the fall approaches. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of the end of summer:
Unplug: For some individuals, the transition from summer to fall can feel overwhelming as work schedules get busier or you are preparing for a return to school. It’s important to make sure to take time to unplug from screen time, and especially social media, to be fully present and engaged in the moment. Be present in your conversations and the time you spend with your loved ones. Take a break from social media as a way to refresh and know that you can come back to it when you feel ready.
Create and capture memories: Take photos and videos while spending time with friends and family. While it can feel challenging to come to terms with summer coming to an end, having a place to reflect back on the memories you created can be inspiring and motivating. Be sure to capture the moment!
Spend time outside: Take advantage of the weather and spend time outside. Whether it is going on walks, having dinner outdoors, biking, running, or hanging out in the park, engaging in activities that allow you to be outdoors is something you will not get to experience all year- round. Seek out opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. For example, NYC offers a variety of free outdoor activities such as outdoor concerts, farmers markets, fairs, and sporting events such as pickle ball or kickball. A few great resources to check out are Time Out NY, eventbrite, NYC go, Travel and Leisure, and even community Facebook groups.
Read a book: If you are someone that struggles with finding time to read during the fall/winter months because of your busy schedule, take advantage of having more down time during these last summer weeks. Do some research on different books that may interest you and try to focus on spending more time reading rather than watching a show. You can also look into book clubs and get inspired by other individuals’ recommendations.
Explore your hobbies: Whether it may be cooking, sports, pottery, running, or reading, see if you can use this time to delve deeper into prioritizing interests and activities you are passionate about. Find a friend who may be down to try something new with you!
Prioritize time with friends: Use this time to connect with friends and spend quality time together. With busier schedules it is often difficult to find time to spend time with friends. Plan outdoor activities together or spend time at home catching up on your couch.
Practice self-care: Prioritizing self-care is so important to feel good in other areas of your life. Go on walks, get restful sleep, drink water and eat nutritious meals that fuel you. Self-care may also look like at-home spa nights, treating yourself to a manicure, or establishing a healthy routine that feels good.
Start planning for the fall: To help ease the transition into fall, think about your goals and what can ease the transition for you. Creating a to-do list can be helpful to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Purchase supplies in advance that you may need to return to school, or the office. Think about your goals and create a plan of how you can work towards achieving them.
The summer can be a valuable time to unplug, focus on self-care and have fun with loved ones. It’s important to remember to reflect on the memories you’ve made. While some individuals struggle with the transition period of the end of summer, it provides an opportunity to think about the goals you want to set for yourself in the coming months. If you are someone that is interested in learning more tips on how to make the most of the summer, and work on managing the transition into fall, reach out to hello@upsidertherapy.com to schedule a consultation.