10 tips to get the most from your summer
COMMENTARY
Summer vacations can only be what you make them, but if you don’t take a break at least once a year, you could end up feeling burnt out and like life is passing you by. So it’s important to find a way to get away from it all, even if that means staying home. Here are some tips. 1 Get outside. Summer heat can be brutal. Still, I do my best to get outdoors and take more walks (one in the morning and another in the cool of the evening) and leave the windows open as much as possible (it helps with sleep). And this is barbecue season, so I get to hone my grill skills. 2 Dine al fresco. In summer, we only dine at restaurants that have outdoor seating. Go to your favorites, but be sure to try something different as well. Even if you just go for happy hour, sitting in the balmy summer air will make the food taste better, and most people enjoy the experience more. 3 Get into, by or on the water. The negative ions bouncing off a body of water will make you feel a little better no matter what. If you are not into swimming, just lying on the shore or taking in the view of a lake or the ocean will relax you while lifting your spirits. 4 Practice patience.
Remember that if you travel with the kids, it’s gonna be a little crazy. If you factor in the chaos, it’s much easier to deal with the ups and downs of a real family vacation. I also recommend that parents get away by themselves for a little while. It will strengthen
your connection. 5 Do the new.
Research has shown that couples and families who share new experiences together build strong bonds. These new experiences create a brain chemical called oxytocin, which is also known as the cuddle hormone. We just feel closer when we do new and different things with those we love. 6
Go solo. If you like traveling alone, that’s cool. Some people need to get away by themselves for various reasons. To relax may be the main one, but if you are into meditation or creating individual art (painting, writing, music, etc.), you may want some time to reconnect with that part of your being. 7
Say hello. Meeting new people is one of the best parts of summer. I have started up conversations in a hotel lobby and then gone for a drink at the bar or out to dinner at a restaurant that none of us knew before. These make great vacation memories. You may never see these people again, or who knows? You may all become BFFs and meet somewhere new next year. 8 Unplug. In order to let your entire being truly feel relaxed, you have to disconnect from your phone and social media. Just one upset can make it difficult for you to really enjoy your vacation. I understand the need to check on things, but keep it to a minimum. 9 Don’t stress about money. If you’re on a paid vacation, that’s a real luxury, so allow yourself to enjoy splurging a little. If not, planning and paying ahead really helps, as does sticking to a budget. That way you can feel that the vacation is taken care of, and you can relax. 10 Make memories. One thing that keeps us connected is our shared experiences. If bungee jumping or doing a zip line is too radical for you, there are many other wonderful and new things you can do from anywhere.
If you are planning a staycation this year, all of the above still applies. I am sure that there are many adventures and sights to see within an hour of your home, so go see what’s out there.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist in Westlake Village, California, is the author of “The Happy Couple: How To Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time.”