Summer mini-challenge

Summertime lends itself perfectly to experimenting with something new. 

Firstly because the summertime has a defined start and finish date, you can choose any period such as the school summer break or a specific month. It provides a hard stop, so it’s clear how long you will pursue this mini-challenge. Secondly, summertime is energising. The long days boost your mood and energy levels.  And lastly, the summer period is quieter for many of us. And perhaps you have more headspace to try other or new things.

Here are a couple of examples of a summer mini-challenge:

1. Try adding a new habit or spicing up your routine.

Enjoy your morning cup of tea/coffee in the sun before you do anything else. 

Get up a little bit earlier than normal. Now you can soak up some sun (great for waking up and stimulating your circadian rhythm (which also benefits your sleep).

Reflect and be with your thoughts for a moment. For example, while being on a walk or with your morning coffee.

Do a couple of breathing exercises. 1 minute can make a difference and calm down your sympathetic nerve system (lowering stress). Here is a free 1-minute meditation exercise: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/breathing-exercises

2. Get (more) movement in.

Start the day with a (brisk) walk for 30 minutes before having breakfast.

Maybe you want to run 5km and start training for this.

Move outside and enjoy the sunshine and temperatures. Roll out that yoga mat on a balcony, in a park, in your garden.

3. Slow down.

Read a book. Something different from what you would read for your work. A nice novel, fiction, fantasy, autobiography etc.

Be present for a set moment a day. Stop, listen, feel, see and hear what’s around you.

4. Have a project.

Learn something new.

Finish something.

Craft, compose, write.

5. Restricting social media 

See if you can challenge yourself in limiting or stopping social media for some time. You gain much happiness and time. Here are some tips on how to successfully detox from social media: https://www.calm.com/blog/social-media-detox

What is your mini-challenge this summer?