Summer is the best time of the year. Cookouts, bare feet, beaches, yard games, pool parties; the list goes on and on. But by the time summer gets here it seems like it's over! We tend to get caught up in our routines and we're always wishing away the current moments. That can all change though, and it can change this year. Make this summer one of the best yet by eliminating unnecessary stressors.
Here are 5 steps to eliminating stress in your life this summer:
1. Take time for yourself
You have worked hard for months on end. You're always taking care of the kids, significant other, and the pets. There's nothing wrong with that, but you're forgetting one very important person; yourself! Designate a time each week to spend on your own doing something that pleases you. Do you love bubble baths but haven't had one since your got that promotion last September? There's no better time than right now to hop in that tub and have bubbles floating to the ceiling. Taking time for yourself helps you recharge and reenergize for what's up ahead in your life.
2. Eliminate negative relationships from your life.
I'm sure there's at least one person in your life right now that just seems to put you down more often than they lift you up. Why is that person still a part of your life? If you don't have an answer to that question, then you can rid yourself of their negative energies. Once you surround yourself with nothing but positive beings then that positivity will radiate throughout you as well.
3. Create a routine.
If you get yourself on a routine of going to bed and waking up around the times each day your world will change in drastic ways. You'll get more sleep and find that you have more time to do other things that make you feel productive and happy. Once you get a sleep schedule set then you might be able to work on adding things to your routine. Perhaps a workout or even reading a book or writing a story?
4. Spend time outside.
I know that you might have a sink full of dirty dishes right now or your closet needs cleaned out. But that's okay, it'll be there tonight, or on the next rainy day, or even this fall. Get outside. Smell the fresh air and look around. Admire everything that you see. Never let a sunny day go to waste. You'll be wishing for that in the middle on January.
5. Smile and breathe.
This is the only step you really need. No matter what, these are the only two things that you need to do. Whatever has you stressed out at the moment will be fixed in time. Nothing is worth missing out on quality time spent with friends and family this summer. If you want to have a great summer, you can. Just smile and breathe. Even when things get tough those are two of the things that will get you through it and do it with a significant decrease of stress.
Follow these 5 easy steps to a stress free summer. Don't let things that won't matter by September worry you today. Get out there and live. Create memories and laugh along with the ones who make you the happiest.