Embracing the Best of Summer

The beautiful weather, gorgeous flowers in bloom, the camps, vacations and hopefully some R+R. Personally, This year is the first time I decided not to put my kid in any camps and zero planned vacations and use the summer to explore and be on the NON scheduled summer. So far, we are really enjoying it and as a working mom it forced me to take off some time that I too really needed.

Living in a time where there seems to be much uncertainty, stress and added unnecessary pressures – I hope this will remind you whether you have a packed summer or a loose one like me – making time for family self-care is always a great idea! In fact, according to Elixr’s modern motherhood survey – 85% of mothers struggle to find person time, highlighting the major pressure of balancing career, motherhood and self care.”

Every mom I’ve ever asked has admitted making time for themselves always seems like the hardest part of their long to-do list. Let’s work towards changing this and one way is through making plans WITH your family for self-care this summer.

I’d like to share some of my favorite tips for Self-Care this summer for mom and dad + the whole family!

It is easy to pack in lots of plans during “free” time in summer and I encourage you to create some sacred space for NOTHING.

Here are my 10 tips for a super self-care refreshing summer for mind, body and soul!

Make a list of all the things that bring you the most joy (have each person in your family help add theirs too) Look over that list and see what you can do throughout the summer – surprise for us, many of the things on the list are usually quality time, outdoor adventures and music/movemnet activities

Start a family self-care routine together- maybe a morning walk for coffee or an evening cruise to see sunset- also a great time time clear and declutter!

Taste the rainbow – so many fruits and veggies in season a fun and nourishing way to enhance wellness this summer is to see how many colors you can eat in a day! Check out one of the local farmers markets or farms.

REST. Allow time to let go of the hustle to get up early and race out of the house or pack in the zillion plans many of us have every other season. Use this time to take a midday nap, read a book, snooze on the beach— nap with baby whatever it looks like for you – allow your family time for quality REST.

Try something new together – maybe Goat Yoga, berry picking, family breathwork or Ukulele’s the weekend in SC or Capitola in the village. Save the date: July 12 for a special paddle out to honor a local surfer and mental health awareness. 9am PST in the village.

Take the opportunity to help someone else – volunteer work or help out at a local animal shelter – there are so many in need and summer is a great time to lend a helping hand

Put the electronics away – what screams vacation for many of us is time off technology – even if its just for a day, see if the whole house can do it and notice how everyone feels.

Join a local group – mom walk co, Circle Family center and some other places have great groups you can join to be a part of something bigger and feel support!

Challenge yourself! The summer many of us may feel “lazy” but this is a great time to read that book you’ve always wanted to, join a fitness challenge (I’m launching one for moms July 15th be sure you get my newsletterjaimemcfaden.com/) or find something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t made time for. You will thank yourself later!

Support LOCAL – check out all the upcoming concerts, events and support the local community however you can.

Cheers to a summer filled with self-care for the whole family. May we come together and disconnect to reconnect in the community – starting at home.