We’re all busy. Whether you are busy working long hours, traveling strenuous and exhausting commutes or even just struggling to check all the small things off of your to-do lists, it’s hard to make time for yourself. Our own needs can usually be found at the bottom of our priority list and life often gets in the way of being able to do things truly just for ourselves. Read below to see five challenges that you can do for yourself this summer to help you de-stress and relax.
1. Explore a new place, on your own.
While this challenge may appear extremely daunting (I myself absolutely hate going anywhere by myself), I think it’s an extremely important and telling experience to have. I've found that when I have pushed myself to explore new areas on my own, I have learned and discovered so much about myself. In a world where we are rarely alone, I think it’s important to purposefully set time aside to have these type of experiences.
2. Detox from technology.
Everyone says it, and we all know it. Technology truly dominates our lives. You can’t go anywhere without receiving a text or some sort of notification. It’s nearly impossible to escape the digital world without making a conscious effort. Let’s silence our phones and shut off our computers and take the time that we need to just focus on ourselves, even if just for a moment.
3. Read a book.
This one’s easy, but few of us actually do it. In fact, I could not remember the last time I read a book just for fun. A few weeks ago my mom encouraged me to read "Me Before You" prior to going with her to see the movie. I completely forgot how relaxing and rejuvenating it can be to get lost in a book.
4. Try something you’ve always wanted to do, but “never had the time.”
For me, this was cooking. I always thought that I simply wasn’t good at it and never had the time to learn. Being somewhat of a picky eater, I have always been interested in cooking, but never made the effort to learn how to do so. This summer I’ve made it my goal to learn how to make new dishes! Whether it be cooking or trying a new sport / hobby, this summer could be the perfect time for you to try something you’ve always wanted to do.
5. Cut the negativity from your mind and from your life.
Stop beating yourself up from the workout that you skipped or the piece of work you didn’t get too. Don’t surround yourself with negative things or people that are going to eventually just bring you down and prevent you from feeling positive about yourself. Cutting the negativity from your life could be just what you need to de-stress and to get a breath of fresh air.
