Here’s how to savor the rest of your summer

It can be tempting during the long days of summer to fill them with more plans and more activity outdoors. And your June and July may have already had little breathing room. But taking time to slow down over the remainder of the season can be beneficial for your health.

Slower routines act as a reset from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the year. This can help reduce burnout and boost your mood. Taking regular breaks can also help lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

“A meaningful summer isn’t measured by how much you squeeze in. It’s often shaped by the moments you’re able to be present for,” says Miles Inhofer, an acupuncturist at Aurora Health Care.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy mindful activities for the rest of summer.

Make a slow list

Think about things you’d like to do more of this summer, such as:

• Reading for fun
• Having a quiet hour without devices
• Spending time outdoors watching the sunrise, eating a meal or taking evening walks

“When your days start to feel full, this list can gently guide you to small practices and help you get back to a slower pace,” says Inhofer.

Leave open time

Sometimes the most restorative part of summer is having open spots on the calendar to do whatever you’d like. Try protecting one evening or one block of weekend time each week with no plans at all. Preserve that time to re-invest in yourself.

Develop simple rituals

Taking a trip can be fun. Meaningful moments can also come from creating simple rituals, such as:

• Going to the pool between work and dinner on a weeknight
• Creating a summer playlist for the car
• Having a Friday “clean out the fridge” picnic in the park

“Over time, these small rituals can turn everyday moments into something you look forward to,” Inhofer says.

Find your balance

A slow summer doesn’t necessarily mean doing less. Rather, it’s creating the right mix of thoughtfully planned moments with simple and spontaneous ones.

“Finding your own balance between planning and simplicity can help summer feel a little lighter and more enjoyable,” says Inhofer.

Are you trying to find a doctor? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.