5 Ways to End the Summer Well

theendAlthough we still have a few weeks left, summer is quickly coming to a close.  There is no doubt plenty left to do, like shopping for back to school supplies, purchasing dorm room essentials, and making sure the kids that have that perfect outfit for the first day of school.  But aside from those important tasks, there are things we can do to ensure that as the summer comes to a close, we end on a good note and wrap up this summer season well:

1. Don’t procrastinate.  Although it may seem like we have plenty of time to get all those last minute things done, time goes by way too fast to waste time procrastinating. To avoid the stress of running around trying to get everything in record time, make a list of tasks or obligations that you need to get done before school starts back and set a goal for what date you want to have them completed by. Commit to staying on track with your goals.  If you prepare well now, you won’t feel as overwhelmed later on when life gets busy.

2. Finish what you started. When summer kicks off in June, it seems we have all the time in the world to get those special projects done around the house. But as the calendar ticks off the days, our free time gets crunched and we tell ourselves we can do it later, but later never comes. Whether it was a project that involved gardening, cleaning out closets, straightening up a garage or washing windows, set a day and time that you can make working on these projects a priority.

3. Recharge your batteries.  For most of us, vacations have come and gone, and although the memories are sweet, it may seem like that vacation was a thousand days ago and our internal batteries may already feel drained again.  Make a point to do something either once a day, or a once a week, to help you recharge and gear up for the busy fall season.  Set aside time to read a good book, relax outdoors, or spend some time in prayer or meditation. Consider taking a day trip to the lake, mountains, ocean or anywhere that will help rejuvenate your spirit and help you feel refreshed.

4. Spend time wisely during the remaining summer days. Whatever makes you the most happy in life, arrange to make that happen before summer ends. For example, if spending quality time with your kids is what brings you the most joy, pick a day on the calendar where you can put aside everything else and focus solely on your family without distractions.  If you want to go to the beach one last time, try to figure out how to make that happen.  If you need a day to yourself, take a day off work and focus on something you’d like to.  Think about what is most important to you and arrange for time to enjoy that past time in the next few weeks.

5. Keep the 3 R’s in mind:  Relax, Rewind and Renew.  

RELAX: The end of summer is always busy, but it’s important to take time to relax.  Whether it’s a long hot bath or a walk in the part, remember to take care of you, not only everyone else.

REWIND: Jot down all the things that you enjoyed about summer and some of the fun moments you experienced with friends, children, family, co-workers, etc.  Take time to thank God for those blessings, and to discuss them with your children so they will also remember to be thankful for the good times.

RENEW: While summer is winding down, we can wind up our faith so that we’re ready to face the challenges and busyness that lie ahead. Get up each morning and enjoy some quiet time with God, asking Him to keep your soul quiet when life gets loud.

It’s hard to believe that the 7 week Stress Less Summer Survival series has come to an end! I hope it has helped you in some small way to stay a little less stressed this summer, and I’ve so enjoyed all the comments and feedback that so many of you have shared.  If you want to take your stress-less journey to the next level and prepare your heart for the busy season of fall, you can consider purchasing by book Stressed-Less Living: Finding God’s Peace In Your Chaotic World. 

Even though the series is over, there are still some fun new things to come in the next few weeks here on my blog!  So stay tuned!

Mark your calendar for August 21st to join me and my friend Suzie Eller over at the Moms Together Facebook page as we talk about the stress of parenting all day long!  

Join in on the chat starting at 9:00am CT (10am ET) and ending at 3:00pm CT (4pm ET).  You can ask questions, offer advice, get advice from me and other moms, etc. So I hope to see you over there and involved in the discussion! 

Happy summer!

 

1 Comment

  1. Jennifer@Godstellations.com on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Ask “Him to keep your soul quiet when life gets loud.” I love that!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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