6 Summer Serenity TipsSo here we are in smack dab in the middle of summer. Summer should bring times of refreshing as vacation season is in full swing.

It’s strange to me how I long for the travels and activities of summer yet, I sometimes struggle to enjoy the journey.

 

I have discovered that when my routine is turned upside down, I have to do a couple of things:
1.)  stay aware of my emotions and the fact that being out-of-routine effects me
2.) stay intentional to incorporate serenity strategies

So, how’s it going? Are you enjoying your summer or are you wondering why you can’t? Below are a few strategies that I have used and found helpful when I stay aware and stay intentional.

 

“Stay aware and stay intentional to enjoy the journey of summer.” Click To Tweet

 

Here are 6 Tips for a “Serenity Based” Summer

 

1. Read Fiction

Find a story that will entertain you and draw you in. Personally, I read LOTS OF BOOKS.

I keep my fiction books for bedtime. I love getting all settled in and picking up my fiction book to help me fall asleep. A good fiction book is also great for taking solitude timeouts during the day.

With fiction, you aren’t thinking about picking up points you want to remember like you would with an educational text. You can just let your mind fall into the story. It’s a truly calming effect!

I read Christian fiction because I know there won’t be offensive language (that would just make me angry) and it won’t scare the delights out of me (that wouldn’t be calming at all!).

An author that I’ve been enjoying lately for Christian fiction is Irene Hannon. Admittedly, one of the things I like, in addition to the storylines, is that her stories take place locally where I live; St. Louis and surrounding areas.

I provide reviews on various fiction, leadership, and personal effectiveness books. To receive my monthly e-newsletter just send me a quick note.

 

2. Enjoy a Sunrise

When you get up early enough to see a sunrise, you take advantage of much needed quiet time. You get to begin your day with a whole new perspective that gets lost when you jump out of bed and into the frenzy of activities.

The quiet time helps you keep things in perspective and consider opportunities you didn’t see before. Experiencing the dawning of a new day has great effects on your mindset.

As the sun brings new light to the world, to your world, you will bring new light into the world of those around you.

 

3. Journal

Most people either hate journaling or they love it during certain times of their life. I firmly believe in the benefits that journaling offers.

I can’t say that I do it regularly these days.  I keep several journals for a variety of things and I pick up the one I want to write in when I have the desire or the need.

For the sake of finding serenity; I suggest making it a priority. You don’t have to journal every day to get the benefits.

If you need some guidance on journaling, contact me for a FREE “8 Step Guide to Journaling.”

 

4. Don’t Complain

When the temperatures rise, patience seems to go down. Even if your summer isn’t going as planned, do everything you can to be thankful for the people in your life and for the many gifts that God provides.

You’ve heard it hundreds of times, “a thankful heart is a happy heart.” There’s is a reason you’ve heard this over and over again – it’s true!

Gratitude takes the focus off your problems.

 

5. Drink Tea

There’s just something soothing about a great cup of hot tea and something refreshing about a great glass of iced tea. Personally, I prefer green teas for the health related benefits.

I did an article on tea a while back. Here is a link if you would like to take a look:  Bet You Didn’t Know:  Tea

Here are a couple of teas that I enjoy; both from Mighty Leaf:
– Ice tea – Sunburst Green
– Hot tea – Green Tea Tropical

 

6. Down Time

Find it and take it. Do not, I must repeat – DO NOT, skip down time.

Pray, give thanks and keep scripture in front of you:
– Pray for yourself and pray for others.
– Give thanks even when you don’t feel like it and ask God for a heart of gratitude.
– Read directly from God’s word or a devotional then, pull out at least one line of scripture to keep in front of you.

Also, use your down time to take a nap, take a drive or simply sit and watch the birds, sky, ocean, mountain views…. (You get the idea!)

 

[stextbox id=”custom” bwidth=”3″ color=”FAFEFF” bcolor=”8C6727″ bgcolor=”50C7C3″ bgcolorto=”50C7C3″]But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. ~ Galatians 5:22 (MSG)[/stextbox]

 

You only have one summer of 2016.
Don’t let it simply pass you by!


How will you bring serenity into your life this summer?
BE INTENTIONAL!

 

Comment below and hold yourself accountable to incorporating summer serenity strategies NOW!

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Debbie Luxton

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