Upcoming: Low Maintenance Summer

Last week in the US we celebrated Memorial Day, marking the unofficial start of summer. It was rainy and generally not very nice for most of the day where I live, but still: the lure of carefree days are now calling…

This year I’m wanting to adopt a low maintenance summer protocol. With limited time at home, my weekends often look like a chore marathon. I like to sprinkle in relaxing moments, but I often feel like I have to be productive to earn those moments. Then while I’m doing something for fun, I’m mentally kicking myself in the booty for not DOING something. This summer is about letting that go.

As with everything I write, I can only come at it from my point of view, my experience. I recognize all of my tips may not be actionable advice for everyone, but if you can take a nugget, I hope it helps you approach this season in a low maintenance, relaxing way.

Plan One Something

I’ve read/heard from multiple sources over the years that anticipation is a big part of the fun, and I agree with this wholeheartedly. You may not be a planner type, but setting something up in advance and penciling in a few details can really add to the hype and extend the experience so much (and then the memories you revisit after the fact can extend it further into the future).

But we’re going for low key here, so maybe plan one bigger something for each month of summer— a day trip, a sporting event, concert or carnival; even your annual vacation can count as one of your big events. And then one smaller something each week: an outing to the park or pool, taking refuge from the heat and humidity with a movie matinee, going out for ice cream or water ice, etc.

Picking something to do in advance will add to the excitement and give you something to look forward to so another summer doesn’t just pass you by in a slog of normal life stuff and more of the work grind for weeks on end.

But Go With The Flow

That said, go with the flow. Expect that life will life. Last week I shared about my recent experience with that HERE. Being aware in advance that something could come up that will derail those plans, and that it isn’t the end of the world (unless that something is much more serious and life altering—unfortunately, these things don’t avoid the summer months) can help keep the summer vibes strong. Remember, low maintenance! Aim for being carefree!

Something like your vacation that was probably pre-planned up to a year (or more) in advance is not as easy to reschedule should something more serious come up. But some of the other non-dated, non-ticketed happenings can be moved around as needed. I know, sometimes that’s easier said than done, right? Keep a list of backup adventures in your pocket for these occasions, something that is totally within reach when life gets in the way, however small it may be.

Maybe it’s not so much an outside force derailing your plans, but your own feelings of burnout. Listen to your body, and mind, rest and relax when you need to. Go with the whims of the weather. Or dance in the rain and then veg out on a sunny day! Whatever you need! Rearrange what you can to allow yourself enough time to recharge.

Playful Productivity

We all have monster to do lists, right? And just because it’s summer doesn’t mean they’re going away. But can you make the tasks more enjoyable by pairing them with something you look forward to? This is useful advice all year round, by the way.

Listen to a podcast, an audio book or an album while you clean or do other non-negotiable chores
Turn your to do list into a game or challenge, with a time limit and/or points for each item to claim rewards
Add a stop for a fun treat to the end of your errands as a reward, or
Make errands a social event and do your tasks in tandem, or tag team, with a friend or partner
Outsource something, to a friend or partner or paid professional, and take that found time for something fun!

Also sprinkle in an extra credit “project” you’re looking forward to, like watching a summer-themed movie or show, or creating a summer-themed reading list (or make it a book club vibe and read with a friend or few). This year I have a couple of shows, a big epic movie outing, and my usual Summer Vibes reading list, including: