Eight Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Holidays

Summer is here, and with it comes the possibility of relaxation, adventure, and a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of life. But often, when we are on holiday time slips away so quickly that we don’t truly feel like we made each moment count! To prevent this from happening to you this summer, try the following eight tips.

One: Identify Your Needs

Before making summer plans, take a moment to assess what you truly need from this time off. Are you looking to relax and unwind? Or do you need an opportunity to focus on personal growth or creativity? Alternatively, are you seeking adventure, connection, or time for introspection? Being able to identify your own needs will help guide you when making decisions about how to spend your free time this summer.

Take a few minutes to reflect on your emotional and physical state. What do you feel your mind and body need the most this summer?

Two: Set an Intention

Once you have identified your needs, you can set a clear intention for your holidays. Having an intention provides a sense of purpose and direction. It will help you feel that your time off has been both productive and fulfilling. This doesn’t mean you need to set grand goals or fill your schedule with many activities. Sometimes, your intention might be to relax and recharge so that you can return from your break with renewed energy.

Write down your intention and revisit it periodically to ensure you’re staying aligned with what you truly want to achieve during this time. You might like to pick one word (such as ‘peace’) and stick that word onto your mirror to remind you each day of your intention.

Three: Maintain a (Flexible) Routine

We often associate summer with a laid-back and spontaneous vibe. However, having some routine can enhance your well-being and create a sense of balance during your holiday. Structure, routines, or small rituals help us stay grounded, reduce decision fatigue, and increase our ability to relax. That said, the key is to maintain a flexible routine that allows for both productivity and downtime without feeling pressured to ‘achieve’ anything!

Plan a loose routine that includes small, healthy habits such as morning stretches, journalling, daily reading, or afternoon walks without overloading yourself. These small routines are often possible without taking away from the leisurely pace of summer.

Four: Prioritise Rest and Recovery

It’s tempting to fill every free moment with activities and social events, but rest is crucial to recharge your mental and emotional batteries. Rest plays a vital role in improving cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The summer holiday presents an opportunity to slow down and engage in restorative activities that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.

Consider scheduling “unstructured time” for rest or light activities like reading (see last year’s summer reading guide here!), napping, or simply being in nature.  If you find it hard to relax on holidays, check out our other blog for managing holiday anxiety.

Five: Practice Being Present (Mindfulness)

The concept of mindfulness, being fully present in the moment, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its proven benefits for mental health. The slower pace of summer offers a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness in everyday activities. Whether you’re savouring an ice cream cone, enjoying a sunset, or simply listening to the sounds of nature, taking the time to be fully immersed in these moments can lead to deeper satisfaction and happiness.

Engage in mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or body scanning, during activities like walking in the park or sitting on the beach. These practices can help you feel more connected to the present moment and make you feel as though you have really savoured each moment of your holiday.

Six: Foster Meaningful Connections

The festive season and summer provide the time to reconnect with friends, family, and loved ones which can feel really nurturing. However, the quality of these connections matters more than the quantity. Spending time with those who uplift you, share common values, and bring positivity to your life can create long-lasting memories and deepen your sense of belonging.

This summer, instead of focusing on filling your schedule with numerous social events, aim for deeper, more meaningful interactions such as a weekend getaway with close friends or a nice family dinner.

It is also important to note that the holiday period can be a really challenging time for those with difficult family relationships. We also have some tips for how to navigate this period if this is your experience with your family members.

Seven: Engage in New Experiences

Summer is the perfect time to step outside your routine and try new activities. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, travelling to a new destination, or simply trying a new restaurant.  Novel experiences are linked to increased happiness, enhanced creativity, and greater life satisfaction. Engaging in unfamiliar activities can also help boost your self-confidence and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Try and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Take up a new outdoor sport, attend a local festival, or sign up for a cooking class. The more you open yourself to new experiences, the more you will enrich your summer.

Eight: Reflect and Re-evaluate Your Goals

Summer provides a natural pause to reflect on the past months and an opportunity to re-evaluate your personal and professional goals. The quiet of the season offers space for introspection, which can lead to valuable insights about where you’ve been and where you want to go. Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about identifying what you truly want to move towards.

Set aside some time during your holidays to journal or meditate on your goals and desires. What have you accomplished this year? What do you hope to achieve in the coming months? Reflection helps you stay aligned with your values and ensures that your actions are intentional. If you want to set New Year’s resolutions, read more about how to make effective resolutions here.

Lastly, the summer holidays are more than just a break from routine, they’re an opportunity to nurture your mind, body, and relationships. By identifying your needs, setting clear intentions, maintaining a balanced routine, and incorporating relaxation and growth into your plans, you can make the most of this summer.