Save My Sanity This Summer

My Idaho camping trip was a wonderful way to slip into Summer living.  I've been making an effort to find ways to make the hot weather and busy roads not affect me the way they usually do (meaning - curl up and hide in my home all Summer.)

Some of my Save My Sanity This Summer tips are:

~ eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.  They are at their freshest this time of year, and a trip to the market always yields wonderful finds.  Plus, I feel better after a nice Summer salad, roasted veggies on the BBQ and a dessert of fresh fruit (and whipped cream, of course!)

~ leaving myself an extra 15-20 minutes between appointments or outings.  With the population boom in the Valley each Summer as the tourists roll in, it can get really frustrating trying to get somewhere on the roads, or through all the stores.  Remembering to give myself plenty of time means less road rage and minimal stress when shopping.

~ treating myself.  I bought the bottle of pink champangne.  I also bought the bottle of Mojito mix.  And when I stagger home in the evening, tired and hot - having not run over any bikers on the road, or punched any haute tourist from the big city, I reward myself with a glass of something cold and luscious.  I deserve it.

~ stopping for a breath.  Sometimes you just have to stop what you are doing.  Take a breath.  Find the breeze.  Clear your brain for a moment.  I need these little mini-breaks during the day.  In the middle of work chaos, I can stop and do some breathing exercises.  Craziness on the road?  I pull over at a field or at the lake and just stop for five minutes (see 2nd tip about leaving lots of time to get places!)  Far too hot to breathe?  Find a breeze, or escape to the bathroom and put a cold cloth on your neck.  It's amazing how fitting in a moment or two of rest each day, can get you through even the craziest Summer afternoon.

~ time outside.  Even in the heat, you can find some shade.  There is nothing like being outside in the fresh air.  I sleep better.  I feel better.  And I feel more connected. 

This Summer I'm changing my attitude.  I'm sure some small whisper or whine of complaint may escape my lips on the 100 degree days to come - but I fully intend to make every effort to enjoy this season and not just wish it away like I usually do.