Summer Fun

Seeking Balance
http://www.seekingbalance.ca

As the school year comes to an end, I find this month a very busy
time.  With the summer vacation coming, many of us are looking
forward to a less hectic schedule and more down time.  This all seems
like a great summer plan, yet the summer seems to pass us by so
furiously and in September we are asking ourselves, where has the
summer gone??? We may end up feeling just as stressed and exhausted
when school starts as when it ended.

So, how can we begin to slow down and ensure a memorable and
rejuvenating few months?

Consider first the reasons why you may be demanding so much of
yourself.  What is the rush?  Does everything need to be done at this
moment?  Can you take small steps towards achieving big goals instead
of feeling the need to accomplish it all at once?  The summer flies
by so pick your projects sparingly so you can have time to enjoy the
kids and still have down time for Mom as well.

To be more productive and efficient in reaching our goals, we need to
take time for renewal.  How do you fit some relief into your busy
life?

Start by making a habit of deep breathing several times throughout
the day.  It triggers an automatic relaxation response and can be
done anywhere.  It keeps you focused in the present moment and
reduces stress immediately. For more ways to reduce stress where the
kids are concerned, check out my FREE e-course on How to Prevent a
MumME Meltdown at www.seekingbalance.ca under Free Resources.

Take frequent small breaks whether you are home or at work.  Coffee
breaks were designed for a reason, so use them effectively.  Do not
pass on your break thinking you will accomplish more.  We need this
down time for maximum efficiency.  Be aware however, of how you spend
your break, because a healthy snack, short walk, and stretch are more
energy producing than a coffee and doughnut.  If you are home, take
time to relax outdoors with a cool drink and revel in the beauty of
the sights and sounds of the summer season.

Do what you love on a regular basis.  If you have a favorite sport or
activity, make sure you participate in it often.  An hour or two a
week of doing what you love can have many positive benefits, mentally
and physically.  Having time for yourself during the summer gives you
the stamina and energy to enjoy more fully, your time with the kids.

Ask the kids at the beginning of the summer, what are some of their
favorite past times.  This way you can plan ahead and your children
get to feel valued by being asked.  It also ensures that they get to
enjoy what they really love to do.  Be aware though of over
scheduling your summer.  Strike a balance of fun activities for all
family members involved. 

Make your holidays a priority.  Vacations are a luxury no longer–
they are a necessity.  You need time to recharge and rejuvenate from
the daily stressors.  If you are having a difficult time taking
vacation due to job demands, consider taking a day of down time when
you can squeeze it in.  Remember; nurture yourself first and everyone
else will also benefit.

Make exercise, sleep, and good nutrition part of a healthy, rewarding
summer for the whole family.  There is nothing harder than reaching
September and having those extra pounds to lose and having to get
back into an exercise routine.  With less of a regular routine for
many families it is easy to get away from established healthy
routines regarding meals and sleep.  There is opportunity for many
late nights, yummy barbequed hot dogs and huge ice creams cones to
cool down on a hot day.  A summer certainly wouldn’t be a summer
without all these things.  Keep in mind, however, more isn’t better
in this case.  Enjoy and savor them all when you have the opportunity
but balance it out with days of early nights, corn on the cob and a
frozen yogurt!!!

The most important thing to remember about the upcoming summer months
is to make them memorable. You do that by being present and taking
the time to stop and smell the roses.  As most of you realize, life
passes us by very quickly and we don’t appreciate the time we do have
together as a family.  Often we are so busy with schedules, yard work
and disciplining that the real memories pass us by… a bike ride
through a beautiful trail, the marshmallow roast on a moonlit night,
the camping trip when the tent fell down and the water fight when Mom
got soaked from a water balloon gone wrong.

So, this summer make sure at the top of your to do list it says…
Enjoy!!! And not just the special occasions but every occasion
because life really is just one big special occasion, isn’t it?

So when you are kicking up your heels in delight and someone asks you
what you are celebrating you can say… Life!!!!

——————————————————–
) 2006 Peggy Porter
Peggy Porter is a nurse, Wellness Coach, and author of YumME
MumME Makeover-How to Balance Womanhood and Motherhood by
Nurturing the Me in MumMe. If you are a Mom and want to
start creating a healthier balance in your life, go to
www.seekingbalance.ca and register for Peggy’s free monthly
teleclass and Ecourse!  For more info you can also email
peggy@seekingbalance.ca or call 506-651-4550.

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Ray Burton is a personal training business owner, online writer and growing net entrepreneur. He is also the author of the controversial workout e-book, The Fat 2 Fit Program which is also part of his passive income sources along with the membership site FitterFast.com.

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