The kids have been on Summer break for a full week now, and the rainy weather is still with us. My seasonal affective disorder is with me too. I’ve found myself stressed out with all of the extra cooking and cleaning, and kids fighting. I want to turn that around right now…

I’m tired of feeling as if I get through Summer, and I don’t truly enjoy it. I’m tired of over-planning, or under-planning, and having to explain that sometimes it is just best to stay home. I’m also tired of thinking about what August will bring, and the new stresses, and logistics with all three kids in school.

So I’m taking a deep breath, and treating Summer vacation, as if I am actually on vacation.

I’ve found that when I’ve been on vacation, I feel better mentally, and physically too. I don’t stick to a schedule, I nap when I can, I take time for extra walks, and eat better too. I also take the time to appreciate the beauty around me, and enjoy local fare too. I read, craft, relax, and enjoy the little moments.

So let’s make that happen everyday at home…

I’m taking time to craft. I work on little projects here and there whenever I have a minute to myself. Crochet calms my nerves, and keeps my mind positively busy too.

 

 

 

 

 

Spending more time with my family, and extended family too. We don’t have to have a plan, or an event to attend, spend a dime,  or even celebrate an obligated holiday for a visit. This Summer,  I hope to catch up with everyone, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

Gardening from seed, or from help from the local nurseries. I’ve been  spending more time with my hands in the dirt. We have lots of plants indoors, and many outdoors. Time in the gardens is calming for me, and educational for the kids. We also get some fresh fruits and veggies too.

 

 

 

 

 

Appreciating the great outdoors, and all of the little creatures that call our backyard home. The kids have enjoyed taking care, and observing the little animals that share our home, and backyard. Dylan loves reptiles, and Agnes prefers the sweet wild rabbit that is hiding in the north garden. Both of the tiny kids love snuggling with the big kitty, and chasing Miss Mia around the backyard. I love to play fetch with Mia, or take her for a long walk in the evening.  I’m also looking forward to the lightning-bugs and butterflies of Summer.

 

 

 

 

Taking time to rest (when I actually need to). With seasonal affective disorder comes mental exhaustion, and constantly feeling tired… Instead of fighting it, I’m taking a bit of quiet time each day to rest. The kids have time to themselves, the little ones usually crash out for a bit too. The little bit of quiet time helps me regroup, and feel better in the late afternoon.

 

 

 

 

Taking time to get outside. Now I’m really going to sound like a mom… My oldest might not agree with me, but it is really good for the kiddos to get outdoors, and enjoy some free-play. He isn’t too happy when I say it is time to take a break from video-games, you-tube, and consuming the internets in general, but I make him get out there and do it anyway. They run, jump, play catch, or fetch with Mia. They also blow bubbles, draw with Chalk, or take a favorite book to read on the porch. Kids today (mom voice) really need the simple activities of our childhood’s past.

 

 

Baking more treats from scratch. This one might not apply to everyone, but I love to bake. Baking breads, cookies, cakes, pies, you name it, calms me down, and feeds my family too. I love to get my hands into dough, and make something delicious out of it. I’ve already spent a good deal of Summer break baking away in the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

Doing away with the daily to-do’s. When the kids are in school, I stick to my daily list. I pour over what to do, and where to be when. Now that it is Summer I’ve abandoned the to-do chores, and probably get more accomplished because it isn’t on my list.

 

 

 

 

Making weekends actual weekends. During the school year weekends stressed me out completely, they were indeed my work-ends. I was always playing catch-up, cleaning out backpacks, tending to school homework, and just generally being stressed out and waiting for Monday morning to arrive. Now, I’m taking time to relax with my family, catch-up on netflix, and not worry about planning out what comes next.

June is almost here, and I’m looking forward to warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors. I hope that you have a fun, and stress-free Summer too.