Can You Overdo Summertime Mode? Yes you can!

Ahhh, Summertime!

Summertime is one of my favorite seasons of the year. I think it goes back to my childhood, as I grew up in New York with cold winters.

When summer came, it was no school time, no cares, and lots of playtime with my long life friend, Cheryl, who lived next door and other friends in the neighborhood.

We rode bikes, walked around without worries (we lived on Long Island, not the city!), and stared at the sky on our backs watching the clouds…or at night watching the stars and the fireflies!

Such a life, eh?

So, now, as I live in the Pacific Northwest, winters are somewhat similar to New York’s, although certainly not as cold, but we get rain, sometimes snow and lots of cloudy days.

Springtime is nice with all the new growth showing up…yet the weather can be iffy.

But summertime, wow! We have amazing summers here!

No rain-generally for all of July and August. Temperatures are moderate-most of the time even when we get some heat spells-we know it won’t last too long, so it’s quite enjoyable.

My husband and I love to hike even more in the summer and be outside as much as possible.

We also love to have our friends and family over for some “deck time” on our wonderful deck that invites us to admire the lush vegetation, and the container plantings that I have such fun creating every year…and enjoy the relationships we have.

What’s not to love about summertime? I’ve referred to this more carefree time for years in my e-news as “Summertime Mode,” as it truly is a “mode” or maybe more aptly named “mood,” eh?

Yet, I’ve noticed something over the last few years… pre and post-pandemic…that my “balance” has shifted.

It seems now my “Summertime Mode” has been on overdrive!

What?

Yikes! Not me! How could that happen?

I’m the first one to say how important it is to play, take time out, slow down, relax, etc…yet…maybe for myself, and I’m thinking I’m not alone here, there may be too much emphasis on getting in as much play as possible while it’s summer, type of thinking.

This naturally is contrary to carefree, isn’t it?

It seems there is too much pressure attached to needing to be in the “Summertime Mode.”

Whenever there is mental pressure about anything, it is not conducive to relaxation, fun, and enjoyment.

Re-Assess Time!

So, I’ve discovered that I need to reassess and get back into being in “balance” in all aspects of life.

There are other areas of my life that need my attention and I’m wanting to also feel accomplished as well as relaxed and playful.

Can you relate?

Or maybe, it’s the opposite for you—maybe you’re still trying to figure out how to get more play and less work in your life?

Either way, I think it’s important that we examine what a balanced life looks like for each of us.

And, why not do it in the summertime, when perhaps there is less on our plates and we can give ourselves the self-care time to prioritize what is really important to us in order to live a healthy balanced life.

The article below is simply a guide on using 5 Ways to Add More Balance to Your Life.

I encourage you to start by asking yourself: “What do I need to feel like I have more balance in my life?”

When we ask ourselves open-ended questions, it gives us the opportunity to listen to our innate wisdom and allow it to guide us to the best inspired actions.

I look forward to hearing how you can add more balance to your life.

And, if you are feeling stuck on how to stop overdoing whatever it is you’re overdoing which is keeping you on the treadmill of pressure and overwhelm, let’s have a phone conversation and get you back in the saddle of living your life in joy and balance.