Simple Ways to Find Calm at Home this Summer
Escape to your personal oasis of tranquility, at home!
Serenity now? With the constant news cycle this summer, finding peace in the commonplace is necessary. With work, to-do lists, and summer social demands, self care tends to be forgotten until about ten minutes before falling into bed. Who can relate? *sigh* Here is a lovely little list (no check marks required) to meander down in those quiet moments.
Here are 11 simple ways to find calm at home this summer…
Add windchimes to a favorite window. That tinkly and sparkly sound! It’s like a little bit of magic coming right in your window. Add a chilled glass of something, a fun, light book, and you’re transported by the sound to easy and breezy summer evenings on the porch. Remember those? Close your eyes. Oh yeah…
Go stargazing. Spread a blanket out in the yard or go up to the rooftop. Find the darkest spot. Be adventurous. Be a little romantic! Grab your dearest and pop out to take in the universe. Best times to see an abundance of stars are the days before and after a new moon when the sky is absent of moonlight. Become an astrophile and start a new meditation trend.
Look at the moon. Want to take stargazing a step further? Follow that moon! Watching and tracking the phases of the moon can be both an educational and serene practice in the evenings. Setting intentions during a new moon can be a lovely way to bring calm to your routine. It is also a chance to slow down and look forward. Don’t forget to charge those crystals in the full moonlight!
Listen to birdsong. Is there anything nicer than waking up to the sound of birds? A natural alarm clock… Taking note of when the birds sing can be a soothing way to start and end the day. Birds tend to wake with the sun (and sometimes before!) and end their day at dusk. Noticing their patterns and hearing familiar songs is a wonderful way to slow down the day. Download an app to learn more! You can take photos and record the songs to know exactly which birds are lulling you awake each morning.
Create an outdoor oasis on your patio or balcony. Set up a simple table and chairs with an assortment of candles and tea lights. Bring out an ice bucket and a bottle of your favorite beverage. Hang fairy lights for dreamy ambiance and add a pile of soft cushions and blankets to settle into…or even put up a swing for maximum comfort. Don’t have any outdoor space? Tap into your inner hygge and get creative and cozy! Add a few large cushions to a fire escape and bring the fairy lights out the window to take in the evening.
Start a summer veggie garden. Oh la la! Look at you now. Tending to a garden is a peaceful and therapeutic way to spend the afternoon. And such a wonderful way to get kids involved in their food choices. If you don’t have access to a yard or live in a city, try growing fresh herbs in window boxes. Even a basil plant on a windowsill will elevate any meal and make you look quite fancy when you tear a few leaves for your spaghetti!
Create a simple morning routine. Just a few small efforts can make it feel like you’re on a spa vacation. Gradually wake to a favorite song, drink water, take supplements, stretch, make tea, meditate, read your favorite blogger, or write in a journal. Do it before the business of the day begins…feeding children and pets? Not just yet! Mix it up so you wake with a smile knowing all the lovely things that await you. Now that’s a gooood morning!
Design a meditation station. Having a dedicated spot can make the difference between meditating and wishing you meditated. Honor yourself by choosing a place that will allow you to feel peace and make you want to set that time aside. Pick soothing colors and pillows, and add windchimes and crystals. All the goodies! Oh! And make sure it’s someplace where a wild bunch of kids or pets won’t disturb you! Nuzzling kitties are always welcome. Om…
Get an essential oil diffuser. Want to pretend you’re somewhere else? Add a few drops of jasmine, lavender, and rose to wander through the garden. Prefer a trip to the spa? Eucalyptus and lavender will soothe away the day. Cedarwood, bergamot, and lemon smell like an afternoon by the beach. You decide where you’re going for the afternoon… Mmmmm.
Make a playlist. When you really don’t have time! We need to remember to take advantage of the tiny moments. Waiting in line at the store? Waiting for the kids to finish soccer, dance, what have you. On hold with dreaded customer service? Take back those stolen moments and put together a list of some of your favorite tunes. That next time you find yourself running an errand or cleaning the house, pop on your “Zen” playlist and take in the calm vibes amidst the chaos.
Put together a tea station. Morning, afternoon, night. Tea people! You are seen. Tea (or coffee) is a great way to break up the day and give yourself that needed pause. Setting up pretty cups and tins in a row will make that break even more dear. How lovely to wake to a cuppa that’s almost ready with the flip of a switch! Or wind down the night with a mug of something soothing. Yum!
Just taking a few minutes to escape the everyday disorder can make a difference in our mental health. Simple breath work, a gentle stretch or short meditation, a cup of tea, a glass of water while counting to ten, a sweet song in our ears, a serenading bird as we wake, a bright sky filled with stars and moonlight, fairy lights overhead, fresh air all around. There are all kinds of quiet moments we can create to find calm for ourselves at home this summer, or anytime. Enjoy!