“Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy”: 3 Tips for Greater Ease & Happiness
I’ve been thinking a lot about summer as an adult. Do you remember what summer was like as a child? I remember the joy and freedom of no school, camp, running through sprinklers, bike riding, swimming, the ice cream truck…. The joy and ease were inevitable with all those fun and carefree activities.
But summer is a little different for us adults, isn’t it? Most of us have to work during the summer, aside from vacation time. This means commuting, which is even less joyful in the heat. There might be fewer opportunities for sprinklers, bikes, and swimming.
I think that as adults we seem to have gotten the message that the carefree summer activities are no longer for us – after all, how many adults do you see racing down the block to catch the ice cream man? (I personally think this needs to change!). Our lives can be so busy that if we’re not careful, summer can easily become just another season.
But I think adults need the joy and carefree fun of summer just as much – if not more – than kids do.
Here are 3 ideas to help you recapture the ease and carefree happiness of summer. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below
.1. Walk slowly. As a New Yorker, I find myself always walking quickly – even when I don’t need to be! Walking slowly is a way to acknowledge that we are not super humans who need to march through heat and humidity, but that we can take a few minutes to saunter on our way to the next appointment or errand. Perhaps you might notice something you never saw before if you walk slowly, as I did recently. Walking slowly is a great and easy way to ease up on some the pressures we feel as adults.
2. Do something you can’t do in any other season. Some things are just meant for summer – the beach, outdoor movies, concerts, and more. Before the summer passes by, make a commitment to yourself to do just one of those things. Don’t let another summer go by without making it to that outdoor concert series you keep meaning to get to every year – commit. Pick a date and put it in your calendar. Let it be a part of your summer self-care plan.
3. Try something new. Let yourself play a bit. Try something new – whether it’s a new fruit, new activity, or new kind of music. I recently tried kayaking on the Hudson, something I’ve wanted to try for a few years. I got completely soaked, couldn’t stop laughing, and had a blast!
Below you’ll find a newer version of “Summertime”, originally written by George Gershwin in 1935. This version is a recording by Norah Jones from 2003. This could be your something new – hope you enjoy!
About the Author
Maya is a music therapist and psychotherapist in NYC and online throughout New York State.
She specializes in helping women with anxiety, childhood/intergenerational trauma and those who are highly sensitive (HSP) feel good enough, learn how to express their feelings without overwhelm, and show up in calm and confident ways in their work and relationships.
If you’re interested in working with Maya, you can learn more here or schedule your free phone consultation here.
You don’t have to stay stuck - it’s time to reclaim your rhythm.