The summer months have a different flavour and feel to the other months of the year; there's something different about our energy, motivation and willpower. And, if we can harness those differences, we have a golden opportunity to make meaningful changes that can have a transformative impact on our health, happiness and relationships and teach us things about ourselves that we previously did not know.
In this BONUS SOLO episode, I share five powerful ideas for you to consider introducing into your life over the summer months, including:
How to change up your morning routine
Why you should do your workouts in natural light
Why it’s the perfect time of year for a digital detox
How to embrace the slowness of the season
The importance of mini-challenges
How to nourish a different part of your brain
This BONUS episode is a little different to my usual podcast episodes, but I very much hope you enjoy listening. And, if you want more short SOLO episodes like this one, do let me know.
Of course, all of the ideas within the episode are just suggestions. So, take a listen, see what you think and, hopefully, one or two of them will make their way into your life this summer. Enjoy!
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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/466
Actionable Insights
1. Optimize Morning for Health
Get up earlier, ideally before coffee, and go outside for a 10-20 minute walk without your phone to embrace the morning light. This sets your circadian rhythm, improves sleep, provides movement for mood and focus, and offers solitude for reflection.
Take a break from social media during summer by deleting apps from your phone to make access difficult. This helps you become more present with your own thoughts, feel calmer, and more relaxed, starting with a one-week challenge.
3. Exercise Outdoors in Summer
Challenge yourself to do all your movement and exercise outdoors during the summer months, such as skipping, walking, running, biking, or open water swimming. This leverages the season for better circadian biology, sleep quality, stress management, and mood.
4. Embrace Summer Slowness
Intentionally slow down your pace of life in summer by having meals or coffee outdoors, enjoying longer mealtimes, or taking slow, phone-free walks. This fosters presence, reflection, and a return to simpler living, similar to the Swedish summer house concept.
5. Set a Summer Mini Challenge
Leverage higher summer motivation and willpower by setting a personal mini challenge, such as running a 5K, swimming 20 lengths, or going camping. This provides urgency and direction, leading to significant progress and learning, regardless of full completion.
6. Diversify Summer Reading
Change up your usual reading habits during the summer, for instance, by reading fiction if you typically read non-fiction, or by starting to read if you don’t already. Reading is a high-return habit that stimulates different parts of the brain and provides knowledge and wisdom.