Welcome to the simple summer slowdown, where every moment feels like an amazing, relaxing vacation. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of summer, so let’s pause and talk about how to make the summer go by slower.
Do you feel like summer always goes by way too fast? Like you can barely catch your breath before another week is over? I know the feeling. It’s like we wait all year for the summer to come and then it’s over in the blink of an eye. If you’re craving a slow summer, I’m right there with you!
The thing is, it really is possible to slow down and savor every moment of the glorious summer season, making it feel like we’re stretching time and really living an intentional life. And the best part? It’s actually simple. No complicated rituals or expensive gadgets required. A few tweaks to your mindset and habits can make all the difference.
Are you ready to slow down and soak up the slow summer vibes? Then grab a cold drink and get ready to learn how to make this summer feel like it’s lasting forever — in a good way — without feeling rushed or overwhelmed…
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Preparing For A Summer Slowdown
Savor the sweet nectar of summertime, my friend. You see, the simple secret to making the summer go slower is all about intention.
You want to be intentional with your time AND be intentional with your actions. And while I did say it’s simple, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always easy.
Mindset Shift
If you want to make the most of your summer and make it feel like it’s lasting longer, a mindset shift can make a huge difference. Instead of focusing on how quickly time is passing, try to focus on being present and grateful for each moment.
- Try to be present and focus on what’s happening right now. When you’re fully present, time seems to slow down and you’ll feel more connected to the world around you.
- Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for — even if it’s just a sunny day or hearing your favorite song.
By shifting your mindset and focusing on gratitude and presence, you can make your summer feel longer and more fulfilling. Try incorporating these practices into your daily routine and see how it changes your perspective.
Time Perception
It’s also important to understand how time perception works. It’s subjective, and it can be affected by a variety of factors, such as attention, emotion, and novelty.
When we’re engaged in new and interesting activities, time seems to slow down because our brain is processing more information than usual.
On the other hand, when everything in our life is repetitive, time seems to speed up because our brain is processing less information. Scientists have theorized that this is also why time seems to pass more quickly as we age — because we’ve ‘seen it all before.’
Trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone can help you experience time in a more expansive way. For example, taking a new route to work or trying a new hobby can make time seem to slow down.
But does that mean we should fill our summer with a constant flow of new experiences?
I really don’t think so! I mean, there’s definitely something to be said for the feeling of time lasting forever when we’re bored. 😉
With that in mind, let’s talk about some specific ideas for changing our perception of time and how to make the summer go by slower…
15 Tips For Slowing Down Time This Summer
Summer can feel like it goes by too quickly, leaving you wishing you had more time to enjoy the warm weather and long days. However, with these simple summer slowdown tips, you can slowly savor every moment of the season.
1. Embrace the power of mindfulness.
Be present in the moment. Practice not letting your mind wander to what’s next or what’s already happened. In other words, reduce your overthinking by engaging your senses.
Smell the flowers, taste the summer produce, feel the sand between your toes, really pay attention to what’s around you. It’s about fully experiencing the moment.
By being fully engaged in what you are doing, you can savor each moment and make it seem longer. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the present moment, or as complex as practicing mindfulness meditation.
2. Start your day with a refreshing routine.
This can be any kind of routine that energizes and motivates you, which might include morning creative writing or any of these ideas for a perfect morning routine.
On summer mornings, I do my best to spend time sitting outside for a while. I’m not really an outdoorsy person at all, so this is definitely one of those things that makes summer feel different and more intentional to me.
3. Keep things simple.
Sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy. Take a walk, enjoy books from your summer reading list, experience a sunset in a beautiful place, prepare simple meals.
It’s about the little moments that add up to a bigger picture. Don’t crowd them out with a massive daily to-do list or endless commitments away from home.
It’s also important to give yourself permission to say no. Saying yes to all of the ‘fun’ summer things may seem like the right thing to do, but it can quickly lead to burnout. Learn to set boundaries and prioritize your time.
4. Unplug from technology.
This one is really hard for me since I rely on technology for my work and many of the things I do every day. But when I do take a break from my phone and laptop, it’s such a relief! It’s all too easy to lose hours and hours to browser tabs and social media. 🙁
Related: Why Unplugging From Technology Will Make Your Life Better
5. Connect with nature.
Really want to make the summer go by slower? Get yourself out of the city or suburbs and into nature!
Scientists have shown the time-slowing effects of spending time in nature. Whether it’s a hike or a day at the beach, there’s something about being outdoors that brings a sense of peace and tranquility.
6. Savor the flavors of the season.
Take care of your body and mind. Mindfully preparing and eating plenty of fresh, healthy foods will help you feel good inside and out.
By tuning in to your body’s needs, you can stay energized without relying on unhealthy crash-and-burn foods. You might even consider growing some of your own produce for even more of that summer experience!
7. Take time for self-care and recharge your batteries.
Picture this: You’re sitting outside on a warm summer evening, sipping on a refreshing drink, and feeling completely relaxed. The sun is slowly setting and the sky is painted with vibrant hues of orange and pink. You take a deep breath and feel a sense of peace wash over you.
This is what summer is all about — slowing down. However, we often forget to take care of ourselves. We neglect our own needs and before we know it, summer is over and we’re left feeling drained and unfulfilled.
But, by taking the time to recharge your personal batteries, you can make summer feel longer and more enjoyable. It’s as simple as carving out some time each day to do something that brings you joy.
Whatever it is, make it a priority. And don’t forget to have fun! Play a game, dance in the rain, let your inner child out. Life’s too short to not enjoy all.the.things.
8. Try something new.
As I mentioned earlier when discussing time perception, stepping out of your comfort zone and doing new things can make it feel like time is passing more slowly. And when those things turn out to be enjoyable… well, that’s fantastic!
Some things you might try:
- Get creative. Paint, write, sing, whatever speaks to you. Express yourself and let your imagination run wild.
- Embrace adventure. Take a road trip or try a new sport. Live life to the fullest.
- Be innovative. Try new things, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to live your best life.
Related: Why You MUST Discover & Develop A Creative Outlet
9. Connect with positive people and good vibes.
Spend time with loved ones, make new friends, and cherish those connections. When you surround yourself with uplifting and inspiring individuals, time seems to slow down.
You’ll find yourself savoring every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s like hitting the pause button on everyday life and embracing the simple summer slowdown.
So, whether it’s a picnic in the park with your best friend or a beach day with your family, make sure to surround yourself with positivity and watch as your summer stretches out before you.
10. Take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Ah, the sweet sound of nothingness and the amazing freedom of a very short to-do list.
This summer, take as much off your list as you possibly can. Here in the United States, our workaholic, busy lifestyles make it difficult for us to comprehend just how slow and laid-back summer in other countries really is.
That constant hustle can keep us from fully enjoying what summer has to offer and can even lead to physical ailments like headaches, loss of appetite, and insomnia.
So don’t let stress take over your life this summer. Instead, give yourself permission to take a break and just relax! Your mind and body will thank you.
11. Be bored.
Boredom may seem like a negative experience, but it can actually have some benefits, especially during the summer season. It can help us feel like time is passing more slowly, allowing us to fully savor the season.
Being bored can give us the space and time we need to reflect on our priorities, explore new interests, or simply relax and recharge.
Of course, the word ‘boredom’ can have negative connotations, especially in a culture that values productivity and busyness. Instead of thinking of it as boredom, let’s reframe it as ‘unstructured time’ or ‘creative space.’
By giving ourselves permission to take a break and engage in activities that don’t necessarily have a specific goal or purpose — even an activity like sitting and doing absolutely nothing — we can tap into our natural curiosity, creativity, and imagination.
12. Allow for spontaneity and inspiration
Embrace the freedom of summer. Take a day off work, sleep in, do something spontaneous. Even if it doesn’t turn out how you planned, the moments of spontaneity can turn out to be some of the most memorable and storied times of your summer.
Allow yourself to explore things that bring you joy, without expectations of certain outcomes. Try something new, or revisit an old hobby — you never know when inspiration will strike and give you a creative boost! Whether it’s a beautiful sunset or a kind gesture from a stranger, there’s inspiration everywhere.
13. Work toward your goals — but differently
Even though ‘slow and relaxed’ might be the theme for a simple summer, I don’t want you to arrive at the end of August and feel like you wasted a summer by doing ‘nothing.’
Try some of these summer goals that are perfect for overthinkers or these productive things to do over the summer.
Or… do your own thing, but in a more relaxed way with fewer deadlines. 😉
14. Start journaling
Writing about our experiences, thoughts, and feelings is an amazing way to feel like we’re expanding time. It’s kind of like we get to relive those good things all over again as we write about them.
Try these summer journal prompts to get started. Or, look through my ideas for creative ways to journal for incorporating images and other tips to expand your journaling.
15. End each day with gratitude and reflect on all the amazing memories you’ve made.
Take a moment to appreciate all the good things in your life. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not going well, but focusing on the positive can make all the difference.
Take time to reflect on your day, your life, and your goals. Try these nightly journal prompts to bring an intentional end to your day. You can also use this time to plan for the future and make the most of your time.
I love simple summers! Here’s a free printable you might like for 10 ways to begin your simple summer. Sign up below to have it sent right to your inbox…
5 Misconceptions About A Slow Summer
A slow summer is often associated with relaxation, reflection, and meaningful experiences. However, there can be misconceptions about what a slow summer actually entails. Here are some things that a slow summer is NOT:
1. A completely empty calendar.
While making the summer go by slower may involve fewer obligations and more unstructured time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your calendar is completely empty. A slow summer can still include social engagements, meaningful projects, and new experiences.
2. An excuse for procrastination.
A slow summer doesn’t mean that you should put off important tasks or responsibilities. Rather, it’s an opportunity to approach them in a more relaxed and deliberate way, with a focus on quality rather than quantity.
3. A time to avoid personal growth or self-improvement.
A slow summer may involve less goal work, but it doesn’t mean that you should avoid personal growth or self-improvement. In fact, a slow summer can be an ideal time to reflect on and adjust your goals, values, and aspirations, and to take steps to cultivate positive habits and behaviors.
4. A time to isolate yourself from others.
Allowing yourself more downtime and relaxation doesn’t mean that you should isolate yourself from others. Instead, think of a slower summer as an opportunity to more deeply connect with loved ones, build new relationships, and engage in meaningful social activities that nourish your spirit and soul.
5. A period of mindless indulgence or excess.
Even though a slow summer should be relaxing and enjoyable, that doesn’t give you a pass to engage in mindless indulgence or excess. As we discussed earlier, it’s an opportunity to savor the SIMPLE pleasures of life, cultivate mindfulness, and live in the present moment.
By avoiding excess and indulgence, you can fully embrace the benefits of a slow summer and make lasting memories.
More Inspiration For A Slow And Simple Summer
10 Ways to Begin Your Simple Summer
The Joy of Missing Out: Live More by Doing Less by Tanya Dalton
12 Summer Slow Down Quotes for Your Best Season Ever
Concluding Thoughts On Making The Summer Go By Slower
So there you have it, your simple summer slowdown. Take a deep breath and embrace the power of simplicity, summer, slowness, positivity, self-care, change, and connection. You’ll be amazed at how much slower your summer will go by when you intentionally focus on the simple things in life.
By following these tips, you really can make your summer go by slower and enjoy it to the fullest. Remember to stay present in the moment and appreciate the little things in life.
Don’t forget to take breaks from your daily routine and try new things. You can explore new hobbies, travel to new places, or simply spend more time in nature and with friends or family. These experiences can help you create lasting memories and make your summer feel more meaningful.
Finally, don’t feel pressured to fill your summer with constant activities or events. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy your summer is by simply taking a step back and enjoying the beauty of NOW.
You’ve got this!
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Funny–#1 in both your lists are the ones that jumped out to me. I need to get better at mindfulness, and I DO think I have an empty calendar in the summer (I’m a teacher), but that’s REALLY not the case! These are great thoughts and encouragement. Pinning! Visiting from Senior Salon Pit Stop linkup.