5 Simple Ways to Reset This Summer

Today, we’re sharing 5 simple ways to reset this summer!

Recently, we were enjoying a relaxing brunch complete with Bloody Marys when for the millionth time, I said a version of these words out loud…

“December 31st seemed to hold so much promise. I swear, I must have been lured in by the fireworks and festivities because it really felt like a magical year was on the horizon. This year has been nothing like I ever imagined though.”   

Some of my friends nodded in agreement saying both COVID and compassion fatigue are real.  Others have likened this year to riding the same roller coaster over and over again for months on end.  

Despite all the ups and downs, most of them felt hopeful yet drained.  

How are you feeling right now?

After replaying the conversation in my head long after brunch was over, I decided if there was ever a year we needed a summer reset it would most definitely be this year. 

I know sometimes when you’re in the midst of a life-changing event like a pandemic, or you’re trying to find your way out of grief, have lost your creativity, motivation, sense of independence or spend your day constantly being interrupted, it can be hard to know where exactly to start.

But the easiest place to start is at the beginning. 

Here’s a look at 5 Simple Ways to Reset This Summer:   

Create a Weekly/Daily Task List

Whether your days look a little different or they’re all starting to run together, we can only control (and I use that term very loosely) today.

On Sundays, I sit down and do a brain dump of all the tasks I know we have coming up for the week. It’s everything from “order party supplies” to “create a grocery list” to “sign and confirm upcoming contracts.”

Once I have everything written down, I start delegating specific tasks to specific days. This not only helps to keep our week organized but it also allows the flexibility to move things around from day to day. 

This Sunday ritual doesn’t take very long to complete but it literally buys me extra time during the week and helps to cut down on daily decision fatigue too. 

Embrace 10 Minute Tasks and a 15 Minute Clutter Catcher

Your summer work schedule might not allow you a full day to complete a huge project or to tackle an entire day of cleaning. 

Rather than blowing them off altogether though, consider committing 10-15 minutes towards a specific task each day. 

That way by the end of the week, you’ll have dedicated 70-105 minutes to the project.

If you have kids at home or are working from home, you already know how quickly the piles can start adding up around the house.

Set the timer and include a 15-minute clutter catcher to your nightly routine so you can wake up with clutter-free spaces and a fresh start for the day.

Reevaluate and Reprioritize Your Yearly Goals

At the end of every season, I sit down with my original goals list and reevaluate and reprioritize our yearly goals.

As you sit down with your goals or a bucket list of things you want to accomplish, reset your goals for the way things are now, not the way you want them to be, or think they will be in the future. 

That way, you’ll have a more realistic chance of actually reaching the goals you set for yourself this year.

Commit to Reinvesting in Yourself

This is might be the hardest one on the list for some of you.  Especially, if you have a demanding job or family life.

If reinvesting in yourself seems too overwhelming to think about, here are some simple ways you can reset this summer…

Leaving White Space in Your Schedule

I know firsthand how easy it can be to overcommit and watch those things that fill your cup get pushed further and further down the list because there is just not enough time in the day. 

It’s not easy to say no to things that sound fun or to feel like you’re missing out or like you’re letting someone down. 

But the truth is, if you show up distracted, tired, overwhelmed, or stressed out – you’ve already let yourself down and you’re likely letting others down too. 

I would much rather be with someone that is fully engaged than with someone who’s worked on a major house project, hosted guests for a week, gathered friends and family for a long holiday weekend then tried to “fit in” a coffee date.

Leaving white space in your schedule means you *make and take* the time to refresh your needs so you can be fully present when you’re called to tend to the needs of others.

Create a Healthy Menu

I plan our menu by the month then map out our weekly menu and grocery list while I’m writing out our Daily/Weekly tasks list on Sundays.

Creating a healthy menu does take a bit of extra time and research but the effort is always worth it!

Finds Ways to Eat More Greens

Incorporating more greens into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated at all. 

You can have a green smoothie for breakfast or snack, add salads to your lunch menu and pile on extra veggies to your dinner menus.

Drink More Water

Drinking water is an easy way to hydrate your body and reset this summer.

I place a filled water bottle in the refrigerator each night at the same time I’m prepping the coffee for the next morning. 

That way, it’s ready to go every morning!  

Get Moving

Finding ways to exercise during the pandemic was not always easy.

And if we’re being completely honest here, neither was finding the motivation.

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental well-being though.

Whether you’re walking on the beach, hiking, swimming laps, going for a run, biking around the neighborhood, doing yoga, or Zumba videos via Zoom there are a ton of resources available online now.

Fill Your Cup

Every day no matter how big or small, you should be doing at least one thing to fill your cup. It’s another super simple way to reset this summer. 

This could be reading a magazine from cover to cover, exploring a new novel, tending your garden, writing letters to friends and family, taking a hot bath, listening to motivational podcasts, tackling projects or tasks you’ve been off, journaling, or engaging in a craft or hobby.

Practice Everyday Grace

If there’s one thing we’ve discovered about the pandemic years, it’s that things don’t always go as planned. 

We’ve been challenged to let things go, learn new ways of dealing with daily stressors, push through times of discouragement and frustration, and find peace in distractions and joy in the unknown. 

It certainly has not been easy.

But I know we’re strong enough to make it through these uncertain times.

Everyday grace is allowing yourself room to make mistakes.

It’s knowing that while every day counts, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh start.  

As you’re reevaluating what you want to focus on and prioritize for the rest of the year, think about those things that are currently working for you and those things that you want to change. 

Making positive changes in our lives is not always effortless.

It requires consistency, commitment, motivation, and lots of grace.

But if there were ever a year to find simple ways to reset this summer, it’s this one.  

And I’m definitely here for it, are you?

Let us know how you’re finding simple ways to reset this summer!    Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Other Posts to Help Keep You Organized:

• How to Create a Morning Routine in 4 Easy Steps 
• How to Create a Nightly Routine in 4 Easy Steps 
• Modern Day Cleaning Schedule Made Easy 
• How to Tame Cleaning Cabinet Clutter 
• 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge 

Many blessings,

CoCo