Summer is often associated with carefree days. However, when not carefully thought out, summertime can be stressful: Where will you spend the holidays? What do you need to pack and what will you eat on a trip? Which programs or camps should you choose? When confronted with these and other concerns, consider these tips on maintaining a stress-free summer:
Take time to organize
While everyone wants to have a relaxed, fun-filled summer, it pays to plan ahead. Consider planning where to go and which side trips to take ahead of time. Planning in advance will not only make the travel memorable, but cost-effective as well—package deals are priced lower when booked in advance. In addition, when planning ahead, consult other family members or friends taking the trip with you. Keeping everyone in the loop on what to expect can save unnecessary stops along the way.
Take time to prioritize
When operating on a tight summer budget, consider making in-state or in-region local trips. While the whole gang may yearn for exotic summer destinations, going local can take the stress out of paying for a trip that breaks the bank. Perusing the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) summer travel guide is worth the time when prioritizing travels. From local day trips to out-of-state destinations, AAA can give helpful insights on where to go for a quick escape.
Take time to read
Aside from bringing a paperback or e-book on the road, spend some time reading food labels and save yourself the stressful aftermath of needing to shed vacation-gained pounds. When the barometer is up, it’s easy to indulge in food and drinks that can readily satisfy some cravings. But before taking that pint of ice cream from the weekly sale, read the label. Is it fat free? Does it offer a heart-healthy, half-the-fat concoction or is it friendly frozen yogurt?
Take time to cover
Take cover from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly suggests seeking sun protection between 10 am to 4 pm daylight saving time (9 am to 3 pm standard time). The harmful UV radiation is at its maximum at midday. UV rays can reach you under any atmospheric condition, so seek shade even on cloudy or hazy days. It is prudent to wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. And, the CDC highly recommends using a sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) higher than 15.
Take a time-out
Before going anywhere, take a time-out for yourself. Doing so can help you recover from the stress and tension in the workplace. Everybody needs time away from home stressors, too. While we need to continuously care for family members, partners or pets, taking a brief moment to care for ourselves is essential. A person’s ability to care and nurture definitely benefits from taking time to pause and reflect. The perfect time to do that is on a summer time-out.
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