Summer is the time to wind down, to take some time out to relax and recharge for the hustle and bustle September brings. 

During the summer months, routines change; for expats.  We visit our home countries, families take long trips during the six weeks off for the summer school holidays and workplaces tend to slow down. So it’s an opportunity to do something different, learn something new that perhaps you’ve wanted to start but never got around to doing in your day-to-day routine and have some fun!

I like to set a summer goal, something that is out of my usual routine, to broaden my horizons and do things differently. For example, last summer, I chose only to read fiction books (as I hadn’t read a novel for years!) I also signed up for an online course to learn a new skill. The goal is never too taxing as I want to slow down during the summer, and I align it with my intention to BE a better, well-rounded person, which adds purpose and meaning. 

The benefits are that I’m pushing myself to stay curious and open and not get stuck into the same routines and ways of doing things or seeing the world.

Now that June has arrived, I’m starting to consider my summer goals/habits for this year. First, I mindmap ideas and then break them down into what is realistic and what will be most enjoyable to do! 

Here are 7 ways you can enrich your summer (alongside the summer plans you already have) from a coach: 

1. Journal or keep a diary. 

Practice writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This could start a new journaling habit you can bring into your daily routine in September. Benefits include; developing self-awareness; it’s therapeutic and helps cultivate positivity. 

2. Read a book you wouldn’t usually read.

I always lean towards reading non-fiction in my day-to-day life, especially personal development books, so I choose either some fiction in the summer. This year I’m choosing books written by autistic adults to support the neurodiversity movement and unlearn what I think I know about autism to broaden my knowledge and understanding. 

3. Connect more. 

Start a weekly catch-up call with friends and family over a summer cocktail or cup of ice tea! We can’t always physically meet up with everyone we would like to see during the summer, but we can make time to leverage phone calls and Zoom. 

4. Start a daily gratitude practice. 

There are so many things to be grateful for during this time of the year, making it an ideal time to start a gratitude routine. At the end of each day, list 10 things you’re grateful for, focusing on what you experienced that day, from having a lie-in, tasting new foods, and meeting new people. It will enhance your entire experience!

5. Listening to a new podcast show. 

Like swapping up what you read, mix up what you listen to! Invest some time listening to a topic you want to learn more about, or perhaps have a break from ‘learning’ and listen to some comedy or indulge in a true-crime series! 

6. Sign-up for a course and learn something new.

Stepping into our creative side is a great way to bring more joy into our life. Choose something that gets you into your creative flow, that takes your mind out of your thoughts, and allows you to focus more on the moment. Creativity comes in many forms, not only painting or drawing! Here are some ideas to get you thinking: baking, knitting, gardening, mixology, photography, collage, poetry, dressmaking, filming, and digital art.  

7. Visit a new place each week. 

I do love a routine, but there is something great about stepping out of that routine from time to time to explore new environments. Keep your curiosity going by finding out what else is going on in the world (your city or town). Our environments significantly impact our mood, views, and motivation. Check in with the effects going to these new places has on you!

These things are small shifts to integrate into whatever summer plans you already have, some suggestions to help you start your own mind map of ideas, keep an open mind and see what comes up for you!

So, if you’re going to break up your routine and invest in some quality time for yourself this summer, one-to-one coaching is a great way to enrich your life.

Feel recharged, focused, and prepared for September!

Summer is a great time to indulge in some ‘me time’ so please feel free to bring your summer cocktail/mocktail to the sessions too! Click the link below for more details.