As we enter the summer months, there’s a lot to look forward to. The sun shines, the days get longer, and everywhere you look, the world is buzzing with energy and activity. All of this makes summer one of the best times of the year to step up your mindfulness practice!
In this guide, we’re going over a few mindfulness tips to help you channel your inner Winnie the Pooh this summer. Let’s make it a point to slow down, stop and smell the flowers, and enjoy the sweeter things in life.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a holistic process that brings the mind and body together, helping you attune your awareness of yourself and your surroundings in a complete, non-judgmental way.
Put simply, to be mindful means to be engaged and present in the moment, knowing full well of the things you’re doing while stopping yourself from immediately reacting strongly or getting stuck in thought patterns.
As humans, we all have the innate ability to be mindful. However, the stress and stimulation of modern life can mean this skill gets put on the back burner. When you train your mindfulness ‘muscles,’ you may notice certain changes to your focus, attention, and memory, as well as reduced stress, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, deeper insight into yourself, and stronger compassion for yourself and others.
5 Summer Mindfulness Ideas
So, how can you get better at mindfulness while still having lots of summer fun? People practice mindfulness in a number of ways, whether it’s meditation, daily walks, or journalling. What works for one person might not work for another, which is why it’s important to experiment, reflect, and adjust your routines based on what helps you feel your best. Here are a few ideas to help get you started on a new, fun chapter of summer mindfulness:
1. Take a Mindful Sense Walk
One of the best, most accessible ways to improve mindfulness this summer is with a simple exercise called a sense walk. There’s no time like summertime to get outside for a stroll, and incorporating some basic mindfulness concepts can enhance the benefits even more. Any time spent moving, outdoors, and paying attention to the world is a great start.
If you’re looking for a little more guidance, try taking a walk and looking for 5 red things you can see, 7 blue things you can see, and listening for 2 things you can hear. On your walk, go grab yourself whatever treat you’re in the mood for (ice cream is always a summer favourite). As you’re enjoying it, notice the taste, smell, and temperature of the item. This might seem simple or a little silly, but you’d be amazed at how soothing the simple practice of noticing the world around you can be, especially when combined with movement, sunshine, and fresh air.
2. Make a Summer Bucket List
If it ever feels like the summer is just passing you by, this tip is for you. Create a short bucket list of fun, attainable activities you’d like to experience this summer. The more appealing each one is, the more likely you’ll be able to make it happen. So don’t be afraid to put fun, exciting stuff on your list, whether they’re things to do with friends, family, or by yourself.
The best choices will be different for everyone. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Go to a waterpark with your family
- Watch a fireworks display
- Take a class in something you’re interested in, like cooking, woodworking, or pottery
- Roast a marshmallow
- Tie-dye shirts with friends
The sky is the limit with this one! Aim for around ten items, and take a look at your list whenever you notice yourself getting stuck in summertime habits.
3. Do a Digital Detox
The technology we’re surrounded by gives off a lot of stimulation to the brain, making it hard to remain present and engaged. Taking short breaks from your devices can do wonders for regulating the system and boosting mindfulness. While it’s not always possible to take a week off from screens, even just a day without TV or going for a sunshine-y walk without your phone can provide your mind with a great reset.
4. Spend Time Outside
It’s probably no surprise to hear that time in nature has positive effects on stress levels, relaxation, and mindfulness. Did you know that studies have found that even seeing the green colour of growing foliage can help calm our minds? That’s why it’s always a good idea to spend time outside, especially when we’re enjoying summer weather.
Whether you take a quick walk through the park on your lunch break, spend a Saturday at the beach, or take a few days off for a family camping trip, the soothing effects of being in nature can’t be overstated. Bonus points if you work on some of the mindful sense tips from earlier!
5. Try Meditation
Odds are, the word ‘mindfulness’ makes you think of meditation; that’s for a good reason. Meditation is one of the most common ways we access our innate mindfulness skills. While it can take practice to get the most out of meditation, most people find themselves relying on regular meditation once they get into the habit.
There are many ways to meditate, so it’s a good idea to experiment a little and find what works for you. Focus on your breathing, noticing the sensations of the world around you, and acknowledging thoughts as they come, before letting them go. For an even better experience, take advantage of the summer weather and do your meditation outside! Even just 15 minutes a day could transform your state of mind.
How to Stay Mindful All Year Round
With the right approach to mindfulness this summer, you’ll start to feel calmer, more resilient, and more ready to take on life as it comes. With that said, it can take some time to find the mindfulness practices that work best for you. That’s why so many people turn to mindfulness therapy as an additional support, getting personalized guidance that helps them create habits and routines that serve them in summertime and the rest of the year.
If you’re ready to discover the beautifully simple power of mindfulness, feel free to reach out to me today. Book a free 15-minute consultation.