Summer!
Summertime is beautiful. It is vibrant. It is abundant. But, surprise, surprise… summer break is not truly a break. It’s a season of busy-ness. It is a different combination of responsibilities—a shift in routines and jumbled up schedules. Around here summer is full-on. It’s the season of long days packed with activity. It’s sunshine, it’s social, it’s movement, and momentum. It’s hard work and hard play.
Here in the Pacific Northwest we make the most out of each precious blue-sky day. From sunrise to sunset, the days are long. In three short months we try to squeeze as much sunshine and activity out of the days as we can. Summer is joyful and exuberant. I find myself living in a more outward and extroverted way, open to new opportunities and experiences.
It’s easy to fall out of balance in the summer. With so much going on we can find ourselves on the road toward exhaustion and burnout.
For me, being mindful of replenishing my reserves is essential.
Because my schedule in the summer changes from day to day and week to week, I try to keep some things consistent. Incorporating 4 pillars of wellness into my daily routine during the months of summer helps keep me grounded and focused.
Movement: Each morning I take a long walk or a jog to help calm my mind and get the juices flowing.
Meals: I try to plan meals around fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden or farmstands. Keeping meals nourishing and light prevent me from feeling sluggish and tired.
Herbal Tonics: Throughout each summer day I try to drink a cold glass or two of Summer Tonic Tea. The powerful combination of herbs- Hibiscus, Gingko, Schisandra Berry, Raspberry Leaf, Lemongrass and Lemon Peel is the perfect blend of tart and sweet. It’s refreshing and balancing. Restorative and invigorating at the same time.
Sleep: Despite the long days of summer I do my best to get enough sleep each night. Sleep is powerful and it is one of our greatest allies in staying well.
It’s a simple formula that I weave in and out of the activities of the day. No matter where I am or how complex my summer schedule gets, if I can maintain these four pillars of wellness, I am able to feel strong, balanced, and resilient.
What summer routines keep you energized?
I use the power of the sun to steep the herbs for a full day in a large glass jar. After straining I store the concentrate in the fridge, combining with cold water or seltzer throughout the day to revive and refresh. For a little more sweet, add a bit of honey or stevia leaf. Or try a sprig of mint. Summer Tonic is my go-to beverage to keep hydrated and able to keep up with the demands of the season.
