Summer Discipline
What happens when a Pisces and a Capricorn go on a playdate? You get ~ Summer Discipline~ a balance of play, creativity, and time by the water integrated with work, discipline, and responsibility.
If you are anything like me, summer is a coveted time when I crave doing less, relaxing, and treating myself. But the truth is that we still have work, responsibilities, and other things to tend to. So how do we find the balance? We embrace summer discipline! Let's get into it.
Here are a few key elements I am using to feel grounded and productive this summer... so that I can also feel free and creative!
#1 ~ Morning Routine or a Daily Act of Mindfulness
- Starting the day with a dose of mindfulness goes such a long way! You have been hearing it from me for many years but I cannot stress enough how the simplicity of a few moments each day in meditation, journaling, or in silent reflection can help regulate your nervous system and ground you. And change your LIFE!
- Right now I am loving using the Insight Timer app, I am obsessed with this future visualization meditation from Dr. Joe, and don't forget about my simple Mindful Morning Magic course!
- If the morning is not the best time for you, you can always make a habit of taking a mindful walk after work, maybe even meditating after your lunch break, or a little something to ground you another time in your time.
#2 ~ Protein + Hydration
- Protein is all the buzz these days! At least it's all over my feed... and I have to tell you, I am buying into it! Working on increasing my protein does not mean I am all of a sudden keto or full-on carnivore mode... It just means that at every meal I try hard to get 20-30 grams of protein in so that I stay full and energized. And I have to tell you... it works!
- In the morning I get my protein from either Greek yogurt, eggs (at least 3), or perhaps a protein smoothie (I like using Be Well By Kelly protein powder. It is expensive but I think it is the cleanest on the market).
- If you are looking for the perfect summer meal... look no further. This Orzo Salad with Veggies is PERFECT to pair with your protein of choice.
- Protein SNACKS! Let's face it, sometimes I can't wait for my next meal especially if it's over 4 hours away! Prioritizing protein in my snacks too has been a game changer. Yes, this can look like hummus + chips or apples + peanut butter... but have you ever tried eating a leftover burger with a couple of pieces of broccoli or a piece of chicken as a snack? Might be my new thing...
- And hydration!! We all hear it but I am going to remind us all - drink your water! I struggle to get enough water each day but carrying a water bottle around with me filled with LMNT helps me. Sometimes I opt for just plain lemon water and a sprinkle of salt. That can hit the spot, too.
#3 ~ Movement + Vitamin D
- Sometimes in the summer I feel so motivated to move and other times the hot sun makes me not want to move at all! However, I know the importance of daily movement. At a minimum, I will do a short yoga flow (I have probably done my 5 Days of Yoga Course 10x) or 5 minutes of stretches at some point in my day. Ideally I will also at least go for a short walk.
- Then about 3-4 times a week I try to hit the gym or do more structured workouts. I use the Peloton App and I just recently joined Evlo and I am so excited about it!
- The goal is simply - move every day! And if possible, get some time in the sun! Taking a walk hits both buckets - sunshine and movement. However, perhaps there is a way to stack some time outside with your morning routine. Can you pop outside for a few minutes with your coffee?
#4 BONUS ~ creative project
- If you are like me, then you might save quite a few projects for summer. The problem with this, at least for me, is that projects begin to stack up and you don't know where to start!
- Think realistic. Is it realistic to organize my entire home, clean my garage, plant a new garden, start and finish two new needlepoint projects... hmmm... maybe for you... but not for me! I believe in the importance of setting attainable goals. For me, that simply looks like working on a herb garden on my porch. I think I can do that!
I hope the start of your summer feels exciting and full of possibilities. I can't wait to hear how you are adding healthy habits and discipline into your days so that you can fully enjoy your summer days.
XOXO
Care
