5 Ways to Slow Down Summer
5 Ways to Slow Down This Summer
Summer is on the rise.
As we move toward the Summer Solstice, the days grow longer, the energy increases, schedules begin to fill, and invitations seem to multiply overnight. There is excitement in the air—but also pressure. Pressure to make memories, say yes to everything, keep up with everyone else's plans, and squeeze every drop out of the season.
If you're anything like me, a little FOMO can sneak in too.
Here's your reminder:
You have control over your schedule.
You have permission to say no.
You have permission to say, "Not yet."
You have permission to say, "Maybe."
You have permission to wake up that day and decide your energy is asking for something different.
In fact, I recently caught myself doing the exact thing I promised I wouldn't do this summer: over-scheduling my kids' activities and over-committing our family calendar.
As I looked at all the registrations and plans, I realized something important.
I have permission to cancel a registration.
I have permission to skip an event.
I have permission to rest if we need rest.
I have permission to stay longer at the lake, linger at a friend's house, or enjoy a slow morning instead of rushing off to the next thing.
I have the power to shift the trajectory of our summer into something more sacred, spacious, and intentional.
Maybe you do too.
Here are a few ways to create a slower, more present summer.
1. Make an Absolute Yes List and an Absolute No List
Before the season gets away from you, spend a few minutes identifying what truly matters.
What experiences would make this summer feel meaningful?
What activities energize you?
What memories do you want to create?
Then make your "No" list.
What drains you?
What obligations tend to leave you feeling depleted or resentful?
What are you simply doing because you think you should?
Having clarity around your yeses and nos helps create healthy boundaries and makes decision-making much easier when new opportunities arise.
2. Put Some Distance Between Yourself and Your Phone
Summer wasn't meant to be lived through a screen.
Delete apps you don't need.
Turn off notifications.
Set timers for social media.
Create a phone basket and leave devices behind during meals, family time, or outdoor adventures.
Let's bring back a little bit of the 90s.
Let's get bored.
Let's daydream.
Let's sit on the porch.
Let's watch clouds drift by without feeling the need to document them.
Sometimes the best moments happen when we're not looking at our phones.
3. Create a Free Summer Bucket List
A meaningful summer doesn't have to be an expensive one.
In fact, some of the most memorable experiences are free.
Visit a local park.
Watch a sunset.
Go on a picnic.
Attend a community concert.
Visit a farmers market.
Explore a nearby trail.
Catch fireflies.
Invite friends over for a bonfire.
Free activities tend to keep us closer to home, closer to nature, closer to community, and often closer to each other.
Leave plenty of white space on the calendar too. Not every day needs a plan.
4. Create an Anchor for Your Day
When life feels busy, anchors help us stay grounded.
An anchor is a simple ritual that brings you back to yourself.
Maybe it's:
Coffee on the porch before anyone wakes up
Watering your flowers
Walking the dog before the heat of the day
Reading during a midday rest break
An evening shower and skincare routine
Family board games after dinner
A few moments of gratitude before bed
These small, consistent rituals create a sense of steadiness, even when life around us is changing.
5. Move Your Body in Ways That Feel Nourishing and Realistic
Movement doesn't need to be all-or-nothing.
It doesn't need to look the same every day.
Some days it might be a walk.
Some days it might be stretching.
Some days it might be yoga.
Some days it might be gardening, swimming, dancing in the kitchen, or simply lying on the floor and taking a few deep breaths.
The goal isn't perfection.
The goal is consistency and connection.
Ask yourself:
What kind of movement feels supportive for this season?
What can I realistically return to again and again?
Because a little movement practiced consistently will always be more sustainable than an ambitious plan you can't maintain.
Happy Summering
As you move into this season, I invite you to pause and reflect:
What would an intentionally slow summer look like for you?
What needs less of your attention?
What deserves more?
I'd love to hear from you!
Hit reply and tell me how you're creating a slower, more intentional summer. Let’s slow down this summer, together.
With Care,
Kinzie