Sara Holmström is a Holistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist and Reiki Practitioner located in Sweden. She guides individuals on the path to better health, often with a focus to decrease stress and increase energy. Drawing from her personal journey, Sara has taken on a holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and energetic facets when coaching.
Summer vacation is a time we all eagerly look forward to; it's a chance to break away from our daily routine, unwind, and recharge. However, how often have you returned from your break feeling like you didn't quite get the rest you needed? It takes some awareness and planning to truly feel refreshed and ready when summer ends. Here are some effective strategies to energize your summer.
The number one mistake
The biggest mistake many people make at the beginning of summer is not having a clear plan and goals for their vacation. Many believe spontaneity and relaxation without structure lead to a more laid-back break. However, without a clear strategy, days can quickly fill up with unintended activities, stress, and demands, preventing genuine recovery.
Even the lack of a plan can be stressful, as you may feel like the days are slipping by without achieving the things you want to do. Even if you end up having quiet days at home, they may not be as relaxing or restorative. When you set a plan ahead of time, knowing what you want to achieve from your holiday and how to get there, you make conscious decisions.
Planning gives you:
Clear expectations: By setting a plan, you know what you want to accomplish during your vacation to feel good. You can direct your time and energy toward what truly matters to you.
Create balance: A thoughtful plan helps you balance activities and rest, which is key to truly unwinding while still getting things done.
Reduce stress: With a plan, you can avoid last-minute panic about what to do, reducing stress and increasing your enjoyment of the holiday.
To get a good start, reflect on what you truly want from your summer. Has spring been intense, and you, therefore, need extra time to rest? Maybe you’re longing to spend time with family and friends. Or do you have a sedentary job and need to get moving with fun summer activities? By reflecting on your needs and desires, you can create a summer that gives you the recovery and energy you need!
The secret to an energy-filled summer
The key to an energy-filled summer is balancing activity and rest. Plan your activities but also leave time for recovery. Prioritize your body’s and mind’s needs. Listen to your body and give it what it needs. Sometimes, it might be a lively day at the beach, other times a quiet day with a book in the shade. It’s easy to feel pressured to socialize with everyone during summer, and it can be overwhelming. Remember, you don’t have to meet everyone just during the summer; there are other seasons for pleasant gatherings, too.
Create calm with simple means
Having a plan for the summer can help you focus on what’s important to you and avoid feeling overwhelmed, leading to less stress and more energy. Set realistic goals and plan for both fun experiences and moments of recovery. Think about how you want to feel when your vacation is over and plan accordingly.
Tips to consider for your vacation
1. Enjoy summer nutrition
Nutrition plays a big role in how energized you feel. Enjoy the fresh produce of summer – grilled vegetables, fresh berries, and fruits along with good proteins like chicken or fish. Choose organic and local products when possible. Regular meals and mindful eating, where you take the time to taste and enjoy every bite, help you feel more energized. Decide in advance how much and how often you want to indulge in ice cream or wine/beer. This makes it easier to consume them consciously and in moderation.
2. Catch up on sleep
Sleep is the body’s most crucial recovery process. During your vacation, you can sleep in and let your body find its natural sleep rhythm. Let your body wake up by it self without the alarm clock's demands. This may take a few days, but it will help you feel more energized and resilient to stress.
3. Relax & recover
Don’t overbook every minute of your vacation. Plan moments of relaxation and let your mind rest from obligations and screens. Try taking short micro-breaks during the day where you completely let go of everything else and focus on being in the moment. Why not try childhood activities like cloud-watching? Or listen to how summer sounds and smells. Like the rustling of leaves or the scent of freshly cut grass or warm summer forest?
4. Practice gratitude and stay positive
Your mindset influences how you experience your summer. Approach summer with a positive attitude and a clear vision of how you want it to feel. By practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive, you can create a deeper sense of calm and joy. Gratitude exercises and reflecting on what truly matters to you can help you find more presence in the moment and within yourself.
5. Add fun movement and activities
Movement is crucial for both your physical and mental health. But tailor it to fit your holiday – make it fun and easy! Paddle, swim, cycle, or play a game of beach volleyball. Go for a hike in the forest or set a daily exercise routine with 15 minutes of intense HIIT training. Or why not make it a goal to always say yes to playing with kids/grandkids? By integrating fun movement into your daily routine, you can stay active and energized throughout the holiday without it feeling like a burden.
6. Bonus: Plan for rainy days
Rainy days do not have to be dull, they are perfect for doing something different and fun. Have a plan for indoor activities like a home movie marathon, board game tournaments, dress-up, or perhaps a home spa day. Prepare a list of fun things you can do indoors so you always have something to look forward to, even when the weather isn’t at its best.
Conclusion
These strategies will fill your summer with energy and balance. Take care of both your body and mind with a well-balanced plan. When you set the right conditions, you can enjoy a holiday that recharges your batteries and prepares you for the upcoming fall.
Make this summer your best yet, a time of recovery, joy, and new energy!
For additional information and inspiration on reducing stress, increasing energy, and achieving balance and presence, visit my website or follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Sara Holmström, Holistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Sara Holmström is a Holistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist and Reiki Practitioner located in Sweden. She guides individuals on the path to better health, often with a focus to decrease stress and increase energy. Drawing from her personal journey, Sara has taken on a holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and energetic facets when coaching. Through her warm and clear guidance, she assists clients in achieving balanced health, enabling them to harness their energy productively to attain their life goals. She is the founder of LYSTRA HOLISTIC – a health coaching company, where she offers one-on-one health coaching and Reiki sessions both in-person and digitally.
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