Written by Megan Uchacz
Sometimes when the sun is out there becomes a pressure to do all things available; go here, do that, see everyone. That pressure can be overwhelming and also, unattainable. We often hear the phrase “make the most of it”, which holds an uplifting sentiment; however, this phrase can also bring up self-doubt, negative self-talk about being enough, and diminish one’s feeling of fulfillment in comparison to the “summer joy” others engage in. With the sunshine and summer upon us, exploring a new sense of what productivity can mean may help the next few months feel more fulfilling and less draining.
Where does the summer pressure come from?
Social media presence and comparison
Seeing others have a big summer list of activities, trips, and tasks may make someone else feel small. It is easy to feel like you are falling behind if your days look different than the bright shiny ones on your screen. Take a break from social media if you need, your days are just as valid as anyone else’s.
Internal expectations to do it all
Alberta summer weather has always been slightly unpredictable, and the urge to enjoy every minute of that in the most maximal way possible drives one’s expectation for these few months. Does “making the most of it” need to mean spending money or planning grand trips each day? Perhaps challenging our internal narratives of a meaningful summer can also bring us to a place of joy and gratitude.
The culture of productivity
Many folks often feel a looming mindset that their value comes from how much they get done in a day; whether that is personally or professionally. While this energy can ignite motivation to strive for important things, it can also create an overemphasis on what productive looks like instead of finding how it fuels us for the better.
While summer is a beautiful time to be outside, to reset and recharge, and to enjoy the sun, how can this time truly feel enriching and gratuitous for you?
Find what fuels you
An empty fuel tank on even the brightest of days won’t get very far. Take a look at the pieces of your day that fill you up without taking from you; this is different for everyone and there is no right way to recharge. There are only so many hours in the day but the good news is, the next day there are more hours; find what fills your soul and sparks your energy.
Choose activities, big or small, that bring true joy for you. That may mean planning a day trip on a sunny day, but it also may be reading a book curled up in your home. Both of these are valid when they reflect something meaningful to you.
Set boundaries
Without fail, boundaries need to come up in the conversation. Everyone wants to experience their summer differently and with that comes overwhelming options and ideas of what you could be doing. But what if you do not want to do all those things all the time? It is okay to explore limits and boundaries that fit for you, whether the weather is nice or not. Protecting your own energy happens all year around.
How many out of home activities can you manage in a week? How much money do you feel comfortable spending? How can you share time with others while finding time for yourself as well? These are questions to reflect on as we dive into the summer months so you can feel content in how you spend your time.
Connect with the outdoors in ways that work for you
Being in nature and open air feeds our brains and bodies in important ways. It can foster feelings of connection, gratitude, and comfort if you are engaging with nature in personal and meaningful ways. Some people like the sunniest and hottest of days to be their outside time, for others that combination can be challenging and physically uncomfortable. The pressure of constantly being out in the warm weather does not drive everyone in a positive way, so find the ways you can connect with the outdoors that fits you.
Hiking, walking, and moving your body in nature can be fulfilling. So can laying on a hill looking at clouds, watching ducks in a pond, connecting with friends on a patio, feeling the rain on your skin, taking in the beauty of the greenery and trees on a cool day. Nature is neat, how do you feel best within it?
The unique summer weather of Alberta holds an unintentional pressure to be on the go, all the time. Allow yourself space and permission to slow down this summer. Little moments are productive too, find the glimmers in your days whether the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. Your summer is yours, your time is yours and the way you spend it deserves to mean something to you.