Finding Your Summer Balance
Isn’t it funny how we spend all winter looking forward to summer… then it arrives in a whirlwind of school holidays, family days out, holidays, barbecues, sports clubs and trying to keep everyone entertained? Before we know it, we’re running on empty, wondering why we feel more exhausted than refreshed!
At Tip the Balance, we talk about the importance of balance, and summer is probably the season that tests it the most. We want to make memories with the people we love, but somewhere amongst everyone else’s plans and priorities, it’s easy to forget about our own wellbeing.
Remember, you matter too.
Looking after yourself isn’t something to squeeze in once everything else is done (that moment rarely arrives!). It’s about finding little pockets of time throughout the day that help you feel more like you again.
One of my favourite resets is simply stepping outside. Fresh air has an incredible way of putting life back into perspective. Whether it’s your first cup of tea in the garden before the house wakes up, hanging the washing out instead of using the tumble dryer, or taking a ten-minute stroll after dinner, being outdoors helps us slow down and breathe a little deeper. We often think we need hours to recharge, but sometimes ten mindful minutes is enough.
Summer is also the perfect excuse to move your body in ways that don’t feel like exercise. Forget punishing workouts if they’re not your thing. Walk with a friend. Play football with the children. Explore a new woodland trail. Try paddleboarding or something else new. Dance around the kitchen while dinner’s cooking! Movement should leave us feeling energised, not depleted, and when we enjoy it, we’re much more likely to keep doing it. That’s exactly what our Elemental Approach to Wellbeing reminds us – find movement that works with your life, not against it.
Mindfulness can sound like another thing to add to an already overflowing to-do list, but it really doesn’t have to be. It can be as simple as noticing the warmth of the sun on your face, listening to birdsong while you’re hanging out the washing, or taking five slow breaths before the family descends asking, “What’s for tea?” Those tiny pauses help calm a busy mind and remind us to stay present instead of rushing onto the next task.
And can I let you in on a little secret? Your children won’t remember whether every day was perfectly planned. They probably won’t remember whether the house was spotless either. What they’ll remember is laughing together, splashing through puddles after a summer shower, impromptu picnics, eating strawberries straight from the punnet and feeling that you were with them.
So, here’s my challenge for you this summer.
Each morning, ask yourself one simple question: “What do I need today?”
Maybe it’s twenty minutes with a book. Maybe it’s an early night. Maybe it’s a walk on your own, a coffee with a friend or simply sitting quietly in the garden before the day begins. Whatever the answer, give yourself permission to make it happen. When you take care of yourself, you have so much more to give the people around you.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, pop over to the Tip the Balance website where you’ll find blogs packed with practical ideas on building healthy habits, (www.tipthebalance.life), there’s all sorts of nuggets to support you. Think of it as your wellbeing toolkit, full of realistic ideas to help you feel healthier, happier and more balanced this summer.
With love till next time