Don’t Let Summer Sunshine wilt Your Blooming Habits!

Remember those incredible habits you started cultivating back in May, as the world burst into bloom? You’ve been nurturing them, watching them grow, and feeling the positive impact they’ve had on your life. But now, as June rolls in with its promise of long, sun-drenched days, vacations, and a general shift in rhythm, you might be feeling a familiar pang of anxiety: how do you keep those good habits thriving when your schedule is about to get delightfully disrupted?

The good news is, you don’t have to choose between a fun-filled summer and maintaining your personal growth. It’s entirely possible to embrace the spontaneity of the season and keep your blooming habits from wilting. Here’s how:

1. Prioritize ruthlessly (and realistically).

You’ve likely built up a handful of beneficial habits. As your schedule loosens, it’s a great time to evaluate which ones are truly non-negotiable for your well-being. Is daily meditation your anchor? Does that morning walk set the tone for your day? Identify the 1-2 habits that provide the most significant return on your investment in terms of your physical and mental health. These are your non-negotiables, the ones you’ll actively fight to keep. For the others, be flexible. Maybe that hour-long workout becomes 30 minutes, or that new recipe you wanted to try gets pushed to a less hectic week.

2. Embrace flexibility and adapt, don’t abandon.

Summer is the season of “plan B.” Instead of striving for perfection, aim for consistency. If your usual 6 AM workout isn’t possible because you’re traveling, can you squeeze in 20 minutes of bodyweight exercises in your hotel room? If your quiet morning journaling time is interrupted by kids home from school, can you shift it to after they go to bed, or even break it into smaller chunks throughout the day? The key is to adapt your habits to your changing circumstances rather than abandoning them altogether. A little bit of something is always better than a whole lot of nothing.

3. Integrate habits into your summer fun.

Who says habits have to be rigid and separate from your enjoyment? Get creative!

• Active Habits: Instead of a gym, go for a swim, bike ride, or hike. Explore new walking trails on vacation. Play active games with your family.
• Mindfulness/Wellness Habits: Practice mindfulness while lounging by the pool or enjoying a sunset. Read a book in a hammock. Journal about your summer adventures.
• Nutrition Habits: Plan healthy picnics. Explore farmer’s markets for fresh, seasonal produce. Make healthy eating a part of your vacation culinary experience.

4. Be kind to yourself (and ready to restart).

Let’s be honest, there will be days – or even weeks – where your habits take a backseat. That’s perfectly normal! Don’t let a missed day turn into a missed month. The moment you realize you’ve strayed, simply acknowledge it and gently guide yourself back. There’s no need for self-blame or guilt. Each new day is a fresh opportunity to pick up where you left off. Think of it like tending to a garden – sometimes a plant needs a little extra water or pruning after a hot spell.

5. Communicate your needs.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, communicate your commitment to your habits. Let them know, “I’m going to take 20 minutes for my morning walk,” or “I’d love to join you for dinner, but I’m going to do my workout beforehand.” Most people will be supportive, especially if they understand that these habits contribute to your well-being and happiness.

Summer is a time for rejuvenation, adventure, and making wonderful memories. By being intentional, flexible, and kind to yourself, you can ensure that the healthy habits you’ve so carefully cultivated continue to bloom right alongside your summer fun. So go ahead, embrace the sunshine, and let your good habits shine too!