I’m calling this season SummerSoul, because I want to be more soulful this summer. A SummerSoul means you are refocusing on yourself and your needs and what makes you fully happy.

Summertime is often thought of as a carefree and relaxed season, but for many of us, it can be anything but those things. The warmer weather, school break, and family vacations and expectations can make it challenging to balance everything.

It’s easy to get caught up in the summer frenzy and forget about taking care of yourself and setting boundaries.

SummerSoul meants we are prioritizing self-care and boundaries during the summer months, which is crucial for maintaining your mental and physical well-being.

Let’s talk about HOW you can prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries during the SummerSoul.

First, schedule “Me Time” regularly this SummerSoul

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to schedule regular “me time.” It can be a walk by yourself, a relaxing bubble bath, or a night out with friends. SummerSoul means you are carving out time for yourself.

It can be easy to let your self-care fall by the wayside. You may feel guilty for taking time away from your obligations. However, caring for yourself should never be viewed as a selfish act. It’s essential to prioritize your mental and emotional health. Find a time that works for you AND schedule it on your calendar, just like you would with any other important obligation.

I have been using my Summer Bucket List to help me focus on what I want to prioritize this summer. I have been on my Stand-Up Paddle Board, going on a Ferry ride AND getting to the beach. *Get your Summer Bucket List here.

Second, establish boundaries with others.

Boundaries are crucial for maintaining your physical and emotional well-being. It’s easy to take on too much and neglect your boundaries. You may find yourself saying yes to everything, whether it’s a work obligation or a social event. While it’s great to be involved and active, saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and resentment.

Try to establish clear boundaries. Be honest with yourself and those around you about what you can and cannot handle. SummerSoul means you are saying yes to what you want and no to everything else.

I have been focusing on saying no when something does not fit for me. It is difficult, but I have been more satisfied with how I spend my time.

Third, plan ahead for YOUR SummerSoul.

Planning ahead can be a game-changer when it comes to balancing everything over the summer.  Whether it’s meal planning, organizing your work schedule, or planning family activities, having a plan in place can alleviate stress and make things run more smoothly.

During the summer months, it’s crucial to plan ahead for childcare, work obligations, and family vacations. Take some time to set goals and create a plan that works for you and your family.

I have been putting in all of mine and my family’s activities on the calendar to make sure we get all the SummerSoul in that we can. I know what gets scheduled gets done!

Fourth, delegate responsibilities to others.

Recognize that you can’t do everything yourself. It’s okay to ask for help and delegate responsibilities like:

• Asking your partner or kids to take on more household chores.
• Requesting your boss to delegate work tasks to others.
• Seeing if another parent can take over a volunteer task.

Freeing up some time and energy can make a world of difference. Delegation doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable; it means you’re a responsible and proactive individual who recognizes the importance of balance.

I asked my daughter to do more around the house, since she is out of school. This frees me up to do more for myself.

Fifth, stay present in the moment.

Finally, it’s crucial to stay present and enjoy the little moments during SummerSoul. While it’s essential to take care of yourself and set boundaries, it’s also important to enjoy the time with your family and friends.

Focus on being present and engaged in the moment, whether it’s watching your child’s baseball game or enjoying a family vacation. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking a step back and appreciating the small moments is key to a happy and fulfilling summer.

Truly experiencing a SummerSoul can be challenging. However, prioritizing self-care and setting healthy boundaries are crucial for maintaining your physical and emotional well-being. Scheduling “me time,” establishing boundaries, planning ahead, delegating responsibilities, and staying present are all essential to achieve balance and reduce stress.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, but necessary for a happy and fulfilling life. By prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, you can enjoy all that the SummerSoul season has to offer.

We talk even more about SummerSoul on the Feed Your Soul with Kim Podcast. Have a listen to this episode here.

Kim McLaughlin, MA is a Psychotherapist, Speaker, Author, and Coach who specializes in working with people who suffer from binge eating and emotional eating. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the author of the best-selling book Feed Your Soul Nourish Your Life! A Six Step System to Peace with Food and the Amazon #1 Best Selling book Discovery Your Inspiration.

You can find Kim on her podcast Feed Your Soul with Kim and you can find it on all podcast platforms.

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