Needed: A Summer of Rejuvenation

Dear Friends,

It's been reported in The New York Times that "In a survey of thousands of adults last summer, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 20 percent of Americans said they had trouble sleeping because of the pandemic."

That makes sense, right?

But when they repeated the survey 10 months later, in March, "those numbers rose dramatically. Roughly 60 percent of people said they struggled with pandemic-related insomnia, and nearly half reported that the quality of their sleep had diminished — even though infection rates have fallen and the country is opening back up." So if you're still having trouble sleeping you're not alone. The pandemic took a toll on all of us, and there's still many struggling. Rejuvenation is in order.

This is a photo from my first swim in the Hudson River last week; it was so cold and refreshing, and best of all, it felt like the cool water washed away a year of pandemic gunk. I know I'm craving a rejuvenating break this summer, and the friends and clients I've been talking with have been saying the same.

If your body, mind and heart could use some extra TLC this summer, plan now to put the focus on ease and rejuvenation. Here's the guidelines I'm using make my dream of a long, relaxing, rejuvenating summer actually happen:

1. Remember Less is More:

Good self-care might not mean more yoga, more organic food, or more running. It might mean focusing on giving loving, gentle attention to yourself moment to moment. Adding in more compassion, self-acceptance, and maybe a deep breath or two is all that's needed.

2. Design Your Relaxing Summer:

What are the experiences you'd like to have this summer? What rejuvenates you? Your list won't look like anyone else's. Reflect on what's fun for you, and what's doable. Is it a number of epic hikes? Activities that involve water? Picking berries and making homemade jam, or a day dedicated to reading with no interruptions or chores? What sounds yummy? Maybe it's building in a regular "home retreat" once a week with restorative yoga and meditation. Think fun, easy, and map it out.

My challenge to you: When you have your list of experiences schedule them, and write them on the calendar.

3. Get Outside

This is the season to be outside. Soak up extra light by getting up early. All of us have better endurance at this time of year, so long walks, and hikes are fantastic. Be careful about over heating and make sure you get lots of fluids on hot days. Inflammation is a major concern in the summer months. (If you find yourself tired, irritated, or developing any kind of nagging pain opt for low-impact movement and stretching, and chill out for a few days.)

4. Ask Yourself "How Can I Add Kindness, Comfort, or Beauty to this Activity Right Now?"

Summer is a time for more pleasure and we don't need to take an exotic vacation to experience more of it. There are easy and realistic ways to add pleasure into your day, just ask yourself the above question and listen to the answer that arises.

I'm planning a more rejuvenating summer for myself, and I hope these guidelines help you create yours.

Question: How much easier would it be if you had support to make this summer extra rejuvenating? Send me an email and let's find some time to chat.