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In one short week summer officially begins for our family. I’m looking forward to the change of pace and lack of schedule during the summer months. The transition from spring to summer isn’t always an easy shift for me, but I’m determined this summer to try a few new things that will keep me motivated and focused on enjoying every moment.
My Ultimate Summer Bucket List
Try something new. I’m thinking a new hiking trail or running route could work for this one. Or maybe something more extreme like kneeboarding or wakeboarding.
Do paddle board yoga. And lots of it. I started practicing paddle board yoga [2] a few years ago and generally do it a few times over the summer. This summer I’m shooting for more often. Paddle board yoga is a combination yoga on a paddle board and yes, you’re in the water. It’s a pretty intense core workout and great way to stay in shape if you’re away from the gym.
Cut way back on sugar. Did you know that 80% of the 600,00 items [3] sold in grocery stores have added sugar? Also, sugar can be addictive. In a study, 43 cocaine addicted laboratory rats were given the choice of cocaine or sugar water over a 15 day period. 40 out of 43 chose sugar. This summer I’m going to cut back on the amount of sugar I’m eating. I’m not going to cut it all out because I’ve tried that and it doesn’t work for me. Being conscious and limiting my sugar intake is the goal.
Try Whole30®. As part of my sugar detox I’m also going to try The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom [4]
Find a bug repellent without DEET that actually works. For the past few years I’ve been on mission to find a bug repellent that’s safe and actually keeps the bugs away. It’s been no easy task. I’m a mosquito magnet. This year I’m sticking with Buzz Away [6]
Stay off my lap top when my kids are around. I’ve been working on this throughout the year and done fairly well. Over the summer it’s not as easy since my kids are around during the days and I have work to do. Waking up on the early side or staying up late gives me those extra hours to get my work done without impacting my time with my kids. I’m very grateful to have a flexible job.
Put that phone down. I just read a great article in the Washington Post, 5 lessons my tween has taught me about social media [8]. My favorite piece of advice was “Put your phone down”. Sometimes I find myself taking photos of the most absurd things, just for the sake of posting something on Instagram. It’s so important that we remember to live in the moment and it’s just as important to remember that everyone doesn’t need to see what you’re doing every waking moment.
What’s on your bucket list this summer?
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photo credit: Shounan_Cloudy_day_45 [10] via photopin [11] (license) [12]