Top 10 Summer Energizers for Moms

This is an original post written by contributing writer Kelly.

Summertime is such a wonderful time of year, full of cookouts, swimming, boating, vacations and sports! However, sometimes we Moms can get a bit weary with all the running around, as we take care of our families.

Could you use a little pick-me-up?  A personal renewal, if even for a few minutes?

Here are some ideas…

1.  Read a good book – Making a deliberate effort to enjoy a good book this summer will give you some space to let your busy mind wonder.  Go to the library or your local bookstore and browse the selections, make your choice carefully.  If you do it this weekend, you’ll have about 7 weeks to read it before school starts for the kids.

Divide the book up into 7 parts and then you can see exactly how much you need to read each week to finish by the end of the summer.

2.  Visit a quaint little coffee shop – I just love those small town mom & pop stores, don’t you?  Then again, Panera bread may be more your speed.  Nonetheless, find a little hideaway, even if for an hour a week, and relax.  You may prefer to be alone or you might invite a friend.  The only point is that your choice energizes you.

3.  Choose a hot new nail color – How about a color that is bright and cheery like red, orange or hot pink? Take the time to enjoy getting your nails in good shape, or get a manicure/pedicure.  Our feet are showing more these months, let them shout ‘gorgeous’!

4.  Try a new ‘do’ – There is no better time than summer to try a kickin’ new haircut!  Go a little shorter and sport some new earrings to boot!

5.  Get caught up on a project – One of my summer goals is to catch up on my digital scrapbooking.  Once the busyness of school commences, I’m sure to lose track again.  What have you been putting off?  Now’s the time to gain control over it!

6.  Try a new sport – Why not try an activity that you’ve always wanted to try?  A few weeks of a dance class might be just what you need to drop a few extra pounds and feel great!

7.  Re-connect with nature – Find a park, garden, hiking trails or arboretum in your area and make a point to spend some time there.  Walking with nature settles your spirit and brings calm when we realize that the world is so much bigger than we are.  Stopping to notice how graceful the ducks swim, how delicate the butterflies are and how majestic the trees grow is so soothing.

8.  Re-kindle a relationship – Relationships are vital to solid emotional health, and they don’t come cheap.  Time must be invested to grow and bond with people.  Be selective with your friends, though.  I like to make sure the people I spend time with bring life, love and energy to my life.

9.  Take advantage of end-of-season sales – All of the retailers start to mark down summer merchandise by the July 4th holiday, to make room for ‘back-to-school’ inventory.  Shop early, though, the popular sizes go fast.  You could stock up for next summer.

10.  Forgive someone – Sound a little strange to be on this list?  Perhaps, but forgiveness can be one of the most energizing things you’ll ever do.  Forgiving doesn’t mean that what the other person did was ok, or that it didn’t hurt you.  We’re not talking about denial.  What I’m suggesting is to just ‘let it go’.  Just ‘let it go’ and see how good you feel.