Summertime is here and there is no better time to relax and have fun with family and friends. With the difficult year and a half we’ve been having, summer is the much-needed vacation we all need. Additionally, with restrictions easing up here in Ontario, it’s the perfect time to explore and do the things we used to do (while social distancing, of course). So, here are 5 sure-fire ideas that can help you rest and reset this summer, no matter how old you are.

Take charge of your mental and physical health

Our lives have been thrown for a spin over the past year and a half, so you might have found yourself spending most of your time focusing on school, work, and family. It can be hard sometimes to focus on yourself with all these responsibilities. That’s why summer is the perfect time to unwind. Practice self-care and do something for yourself that makes you feel good like reading a comic book, watching your favorite show, or trying a new sport. At the same time, your overall wellbeing depends on your physical health, so make sure to eat nutritious meals throughout the day and stay active.

Pick up a new hobby

During the year, we sometimes get stuck in the same routines and activities, causing us to feel bored or stagnant. The summer months give you time to dive into something new. If you love being on the water, go kayaking or paddle boarding. You can also teach yourself how to knit or pick up some DIY projects.

Sleep more

Sleeping more is an obvious way to take care of ourselves, but many of us do not do it enough (myself included). There is no better time than the summertime to catch up and sleep in even more. Sleep is so important for maintaining optimal health and wellbeing, as getting enough hours each night can combat infections, depression, and boost productivity and concentration, just to name a few.

Spend time with loved ones

Spending time with loved ones during the pandemic might have been easy if you lived with them, but for others, it’s been a challenge. They might have had to rely on virtual calls or driveway visits. With restrictions easing up, hugging family members and friends and doing some fun activities are great ways to recharge.

Travel

If you’re living at a place with restrictions, it might be hard to travel unless you quarantine. However, you can still go on road trips or explore new places in your own city, province, or country. The simplest outings to a new restaurant, provincial park, mini-golf, drive-in movies, etc. are some of the best ways to enjoy your summer to the fullest.

These are just a few ideas that will help you relax after a crazy year, but they’re not the only ones. Do the things that are the most enjoyable to you and make you feel good. They’ll have you relaxing and recharging in no time.