Summer is almost over. Or is it? Mid-August is when the stores are selling back to school clothes and supplies. College kids are packing up. But there is a whole lot more warm weather to enjoy before that crisp autumn air arrives.
Summertime is quickly moving along. What better time to slow down and soak in the warming rays of sunshine! (yes the sun is good for you, more about that later.) Many folks overschedule weekends with ambitious warm weather activities, only to turn the calendar and see Labor Day approaching, as they reflect on how fast the summer went!
Experience joy in the remaining days, taking a cue from nature to slow down and relish the abundance of resources that this season gifts us.
FEAST ON THE FRESH STUFF
Fresh food is in abundance this time of year. So rich in nutrients, it encourages us to eat according to the seasons.
Gardening your own plot of land is a great way to gain control over your food supply and to slow down to connect with the earth to appreciate all of God’s bounty. If you are limited with space, you can install vertical gardens on your deck, balcony or porch. I love this Greenstalk Vertical Garden (not affiliated) to grow veggies and herbs. As of this writing, it is mid-August. A little late in northern zones to plant, but keep in mind for next spring!
If getting your hands dirty isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy fresh, local produce by shopping at local farmers markets. If you are unaware of any, check National Farmers Market Directory for fresh produce near you or join a CSA (community supported agriculture) which provides weekly produce baskets from a local farmer for subscribed customers. You can do a search for “CSA near me”, they are more common than you think. You can also search on eatwild.com to find naturally raised meat, eggs and dairy local to you.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Nourish your body, mind and spirit by outdoor activities before the cold, gray days of winter.
Grounding – Have you ever noticed how children naturally want to take their shoes off when outside? Have you ever walked barefoot on the grass or sand and notice how you just feel good afterward? The electrical conduction that occurs when the human body contacts the surface of the earth has inspired research into potential benefits to health. Studies show that “grounding” may help improve blood flow, sleep, and energy while contributing to a greater sense of well-being. It may also reduce pain, promote wound healing, and prevent and assist in the treatment of chronic inflammatory & autoimmune diseases.
Negative Air Ions (NAI’s) – these are negatively charged gas ions generated by sunlight and plant-based sources of energy. They are found at high concentrations in the atmosphere of beaches, waterfalls, and forests. NAI’s are believed to improve air quality and are said to benefit health by reducing inflammation and oxidation.[1] Exposure to them is associated with reduced depression. Breathe in NAI’s while swimming in natural bodies of water (sorry, not chlorine soaked pools.)
Forest Bathing – This term is from the Japanese practice (shinrin-yoku) of visiting the forest and breathing in its air. It is reported to significantly reduce cortisol levels in the short term and reduce stress. It lowers blood pressure and pulse rate, increases heart rate variability, improves metabolic function and induces a positive mood.[2]
Sunlight – Sunlight exposure is associated with improved mental health. Exposure to more sunlight hours in the summer also adjusts the human circadian rhythm to solar time, syncing up our sleep/wake cycle with the sun. Natural light exposure during a weekend of camping is sufficient to achieve a nearly 70% shift in circadian timing. We also need enough sun on our skin to produce sufficient vitamin D. To learn more about the benefits of sunshine, read HERE.
WORK INDOORS?
*Walk or bike to work if possible.
*Pack a homemade lunch with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Eat outside to get away from your desk and screen if you can. A lot of companies now provide picnic tables for their employees for outdoor breaks. Bonus points if you can take off your shoes for a little grounding!
*Pick up an outdoor sport before or after work, such as sunrise paddling, cycling, beach volleyball or even brisk walking.
*Use all your vacation days.
*Watch the sunset or spend time stargazing.
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Embrace the days of summer before they disappear. Take moments large or small to appreciate slow living with the beauty and bounty of the season.
Naturally Renewed 
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