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Do you long for a simple summer? I have some ideas for how you can make this summer easier than ever!
Ah, summer. That magical time of year when the days seem so long, and the pressure to “do it all” seems to sneak in through every open window. From beach trips and barbecues to projects and productivity goals, it’s easy for summer to start feeling… not so simple.
But what if you decided to make this summer different? What if this season were less about hustle and more about harmony?
Here are some simple, soul-soothing ideas to help you slow down and truly savor your summer.
Create a “bare minimum” summer schedule
It’s time to take your power…and your schedule back! Instead of trying to plan every hour or say yes to every invite, give yourself permission to do less. Choose just a few anchors for your week, maybe a morning walk, a weekend friend date, or an afternoon at the pool. Let that be enough. Simplicity thrives in space. You may have to set boundaries with some people in your life. This can help you to have space to rest and to take time to be present in the moment more often.
Declutter your spaces
Pick one small area of your home each week to tidy. Your porch, a closet, your car, the pantry. A little bit of decluttering can go a long way in lightening the energy of your surroundings. Plus, when your space feels calmer, your mind will follow. Do you get overwhelmed when it comes to organizing your home? Start small. You do not have to do it all today. Even starting with one drawer can make a difference. Do a little like that each day, and you’ll have a decluttered house before you know it!
Say “no” without guilt
Summer invites all kinds of social opportunities, but remember: every “yes” is a “no” to something else. Choose consciously. If a plan doesn’t feel like peace or joy, give yourself full permission to decline. Rest is not a reward; it’s a necessity. And “no” is a complete sentence!
Eat simply and seasonally
Embrace low-effort meals. Think fresh fruit, grilled veggies, pasta salads, sandwiches, and anything that doesn’t require turning on the oven. Keep snacks and meals easy, colorful, and nourishing. Summer food is meant to be a delight, not a chore. And it’s the perfect time to use those fresh veggies from the garden or from your local farmer’s market!
Make space for doing nothing
Yes, literally nothing. Sit in the shade. Watch the clouds. Listen to birdsong. Let your nervous system recalibrate by stepping away from the to-do list and simply being. These little pauses add up to major calm. We have become so unaccustomed to doing nothing that it may feel a little uncomfortable at first. You may find you feel a little guilty…like you should be doing something. But we spend far too much time “doing”. Take time to just “be”.
Unplug more often
Try picking one day (or even just one evening) each week where you put your phone on do-not-disturb, shut the laptop, and live offline. Read a book, go for a walk, play a board game, or watch fireflies. It’s amazing how much space opens up when we disconnect from the digital world. And it’s a great break for your nervous system too!
Keep a “simple summer joys” list
Jot down a list of tiny, happy things that bring you joy in the summer—popsicles on the porch, barefoot mornings, stargazing, hammock naps, beach days, late-night laughter. When life gets busy or stressful, return to this list and choose one small joy to embrace.
Let go of the “shoulds.”
You don’t have to “make the most” of summer by cramming it full of activities. It’s not up to you to meet anyone else’s expectations. You don’t have to be productive every second. Let this be the summer where your own needs and rhythms lead the way.
Final Thoughts
Simplifying your summer isn’t about missing out—it’s about tuning in. It’s about listening to your body, your energy, and your desires. When you let go of the pressure to do more, you open yourself up to experience so much more—presence, peace, and genuine joy.
Let this be your summer of softness, simplicity, and slow living. You deserve it.
