Simply Summer

Summertime and the living is easy, or is it?  Many of us maintain a busy lifestyle, which can be exciting, enriching and exhausting.  We all have some of the same routine life requirements, but how we approach them can be key to creating less stress and more time this summer.  Consider any or all of the following to simplify your routine:

Cook up a BIG batch.  Once a week grill a bunch of chicken and veggies, cook some extra whole grains or make a big batch of soup or chili.  Enjoy some that day and then store the rest in containers for easy meals in a matter of minutes the rest of the week.

Clear Clutter.  Piles of papers and “stuff” scattered around can be an energy zapper.  Take 5 minutes everyday, crank some music and tackle a pile.  You will have the satisfaction of completing a task and soon you will have the comfort of more space.

To Don’t List.  Start a to don’t list and check it regularly.  Reminding yourself to not do something can be one of the best ways to give permission to ourselves to do the things we really want to do.

Be Repetitive.  Find a place for your keys and always put them there.  Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Walk your dog after dinner every night. By repeating certain actions they eventually become second nature and become part of your daily flow.

Get Socially Active.  Redefine how you spend time with friends.  Instead of always going out for dinner or to a bar, get people together and try something new!  Go for a walk, try a class, sign-up for a race and train together, explore a new neighborhood, star gaze or have a water balloon fight.

This summer, simplify your routine and the living will be easier!