Summer is almost here…finally! It’s the favorite season for this Florida native because it is a time to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy the fruits of your labor. As individuals, we sure have labored; and, as a nation, we have shown our resiliency. For all, it has been a long time, persevering through the unknown added inconveniences and threats to our mental and physical health during the season of COVID-19. In the last few months, we have been handed some “lemons” for sure. As reopening begins, we now have something new to contemplate: how to turn those lemons into lemonade, ie, how to return to ‘normal’. It has caused many of us to re-evaluate if we even want to return to the way life used to be. Maybe, this time, we want to create a different recipe for a new lemonade. Here are some tips for creating your own new ‘normal,’ one that quenches, satisfies, and nourishes you.
Choose Sweet
Being intentional with how you spend your time, with whom you spend it, and on what you focus can make all the difference in your glass being full, and tasty. This summer leave the dull lemons behind and make time for sweet memories with those you love. Design your new normal full of only what you want to bring into this season of your life. You do NOT have to bring with it what you didn’t love before. Did you learn some new things about yourself while staying at home? Did you discover what really refreshes your soul and brings you rest? Have your priorities changed? Throw those bright lemons into your pitcher.
Add lots of Sugar
With a positive perspective, look at the opportunities you have in front of you. Look for the lowest ‘hanging fruits’ as they are the ripest and easiest to enjoy. What appeared at first to be disappointments, cancellations, or freed-up calendars can actually open doors to what has been ignored or postponed for too long. The time you spent waiting can bring out the flavor and re-awakening of the rebel inside you. What creative juices are flowing? What new ventures are waiting? What new ways can you play?
Stir slowly
Slowing down is the new self-care. The beauty of the ‘slow-down’ is how much more actually gets done, and gets done better. When you do things slowly, there is no hustle, there is no rush, there is no stress. The unimportant things aren’t added into the recipe, and just the good stuff gets mixed in. Slowing down brings balance back in and combines the flavors. Don’t let the good stuff sink to the bottom and disappear; keep stirring, slowly.
Enjoy your new normal and what you created for yourself. Now that is a summer drink to say “Cheers” too!
Submitted by: Lauren Ross Kamm, LMHC
National Center for Performance Health is a unique organization designed with one goal in mind – to help you become your best you. We use advanced medical research and technology to achieve proven results.
If you’ve ever thought about taking your game to the next level - we can help.
Contact us at info@nationalcph.com or (866)684-2007) to learn more.