How to Chill Out This Summer
Written By : Grace Wedienhamer
I always view summer as the perfect time to unwind, but then I step back and realize it’s already passed me by. Of course, more free time means saying yes to more plans, which is great, but sometimes, I forget to use that time to actually relax. In between weekend plans, date nights, and family road trips, here are a few easy ways you can practice relaxation when you have a little extra “me time”:
I think I talk about reading in every newsletter, but it truly is the perfect way to relax, especially if you do have limited time. Ideally, I’d set up in the backyard with a book in one hand and a cold drink in the other, but that’s a luxury I don’t always have. I am always travelling with my Kindle for the times when I’m waiting for my coffee order, standing in the grocery store check-out line, or in a waiting room. For those quiet moments, bring along a book, a Kindle, or download one onto your phone. Those minutes waiting really add up, so instead of scrolling on social media, try scrolling through a book.
Self-care has always been a form of relaxation for me. Kicking back at a salon, getting pampered, and drifting off into a daydream may be the ultimate form of relaxation. If you don’t have the time or the funds to go to the nail salon or your favorite facialist every week, try doing it at home. It sounds like a lot of work, but I think taking a few minutes to put in a little effort into something that makes you feel good is well worth the hassle. Turn on some music or a podcast and paint your nails (or press-ons like me), give yourself a facial before bed, or just put on that expensive body oil you never use. A little change in your normal self-care routine will relax you and refresh you.
Try out a creative hobby. Having hobbies seems like the thing to do these days, but it can feel overwhelming when everyone else seems to be good at their hobbies! You don’t have to be Picasso to sit down and paint a landscape. Your scrapbook doesn’t have to be super aesthetic, and you don’t have to be a sourdough master to just start creating. I’m not the best cook, but I find that chopping veggies and peeling potatoes is satisfying, and watching your creation come to life is therapeutic.
Find a comfortable third space. Whether it’s a local coffee shop, bakery, library, or even a bar, having a space to go to and just sit around is honestly super relaxing. You don’t have to go there to read either, although that’s what I enjoy doing. Sip on a drink and people watch, take a crossword puzzle or a word search, or brain dump in a journal. The beauty of third spaces is that everyone is there to do their own thing. Sometimes it’s refreshing to get out in public by yourself when you start to feel claustrophobic or uninspired in your own space.
When in doubt, sweat it out. I am obsessed with heated workouts, from Sunday night yoga, to Friday morning pilates. I find that even if the workout is hard, and you couldn’t possibly sweat any more, you leave feeling lighter. Try a drop-in class if you’ve never been (a lot of them are free, too). Physical activity helps release tension you’ve been storing, leading to a more relaxed, happier, and healthier you!
Romantizise your relaxation, but don’t put too much pressure on it. You don’t need to go buy a new lounge set, expensive face mask, or boujee mocktail ingredients. Sometimes I get
overwhelmed trying to create the perfect chill evening, but don’t overthink it. Take the small, quiet moments, and make them feel good, whatever that looks like for you.