5 Affordable Ways to Recharge this Summer

Can you believe it’s summer already? School’s out and the weather is great. During the school year there’s so much going on, we end up getting to this time of year exhausted and stressed.

If I could, I’d escape to a day spa or wellness retreat with massages, yoga, and mimosas… but that can be expensive. Luckily, there are a lot of affordable ways to take a deep breath and recharge your mind, body, and soul this summer. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Read a Book. When I say read a book I mean an actual, physical book. There is something about having the book in hand that makes it so much more relaxing, in my opinion, than reading it off a screen. Read a new book or go out on a limb and start to write your own book. Sometimes even going to a bookstore or library where it tends to be a bit quieter can be all the more serene.
2. Do Yoga or Meditate. Yoga has always been known to calm the body and stretch out those sore stressed muscles. You don’t have to sign up for an expensive studio or even dedicate a whole hour to get your fix. Nowadays, Youtube has a ton of great yoga and meditation videos that will help you relax your mind and body right from the comfort of your own home.
3. Get in the Water. Whether this be an ocean, lake, river, or pool, get in the water! Nothing is quite as relaxing as drifting along in a body of cool water during the summer. No need to swim laps, just sticking your feet in or lounging on a raft should be enough for that extra recharge. This could be a solo excursion or a fun family activity.
4. Get a Massage. Massages are great ways to treat injury, relax those stiff and sore muscles, and release stress. Did you know that you don’t have to pay a lot of money to get a massage? Some nail salons will give foot massages as part of their spa pedicure treatment for just a little bit more money (get two pamperings in one)! If you don’t wish to pay, there are also a lot of self-massage techniques you can do.
5. Devote Time to Yourself. Honestly, this is probably the most important. Do something just for you. Do a hobby you enjoy like scrapbooking, gardening, painting or hiking. Try something new like learning to bake or make floral bouquets. Go on a solo vacation or a girls/boys day away. Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s for you and something that will rejuvenate you for the new school year ahead.

While I only listed a few ideas to recharge this summer, you can get creative. Sometimes doing nothing but sitting in your yard drinking a cup of coffee is enough (just be sure to stop and smell the roses too)!