Ice cream. BBQs. Sunscreen. Road trips. Summer reading. Lemonade stands. Picnics. Baseball games. Beach time. Summer is full of so many possibilities and activities.
After more than a year being immersed in a pandemic, what does summertime mean for you?
Are you spending it being carefree and easily incorporating delightful activities into your schedule? Or is it a season for juggling more—whether that entails managing your kids’ schedules while they are out of school or merely dodging thunderstorms? Is summertime adding pressure to your—already hectic—days?
Although the appearance of carefree can look nice, it may be adding to summertime stress instead of taking it away. But that doesn’t mean summertime has to be the same as the rest of the year.
Summertime can be different. Navigating kids’ schedules in the summer may add the same pressures, but it can also present opportunities the rest of the year simply cannot. Try this at the beach—unplug—and while you are present in the moment think about how the sand is a natural exfoliant to your feet. A moment later, pause to listen. Take five deep breaths—breaths that take several seconds to inhale and exhale—and listen to the crashing of the waves and think about what the sound does to your senses. Feel the effect that the motion of the ocean has on your sense of calm when you truly stop and take in your surroundings. Reflect on how your body feels afterwards. Are you at ease? Do you feel calmer?
Being in the moment, even just for 30 seconds, during this season is the beginning of your practice in mindfulness. And moments like this—breathing in the warmth of the sun—can add up and pile high just like stress. Which pile will feel better as a side to your hot dog or beyond burger at your family bbq? What feels better to add to your summertime routine?
Namaste,
Shaina
Looking for more tips and guidance? JFS Orlando’s counselors are specialized in various areas and are here to support you. Telehealth counseling appointments now available! Medicare, Medicaid, and almost all insurances are accepted. Sliding scale available for those who do not have insurance or have an insurance we do not accept. Call 407-644-7671 or complete our new online form to request an appointment today!
Author: Shaina White Williams, MSW
Shaina White Williams, MSW is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Shaina utilizes a combination of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy while highlighting strengths-based solutions.
Shaina strives to support her clients’ needs through individualized care while assisting them in overcoming obstacles, including acceptance, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and more. Shaina aims to aid her clients in thriving by setting therapeutic goals, and ultimately increasing resiliency. She also hopes to help her clients achieve a sense of wellbeing by providing psychoeducation and incorporating mindfulness techniques, self-care, and wellness tools. Shaina views therapy as a collaborative effort with her clients. She consistently demonstrates compassion, empathy, insight, cultural competence, and active listening.