Why You Need to Schedule Time for Relaxation This Summer

Written by: Cora Gold

Most people think summer means taking vacations and relaxing from study and work. However, adults are usually guilty of not scheduling time for relaxation, focusing more on work in the grand scheme of things.

Making time to relax is not just an optional activity — it’s a necessity to preserve your well-being in the long run. Explore why you need to make time for yourself this season, plus tips on how to do so.

1. Because Your Mind Needs a Break

The mind is a powerful and capable tool, but it can only take so much at a time. Not giving yourself a break can lead to burnout, which creates a cycle of working harder and pushes you to the brink of exhaustion. The mind needs time to recuperate.

For instance, you’re managing multiple creative projects with the same deadline. Avoid forcing yourself to finish all of them and practice giving yourself microbreaks. This strategy manages your energy levels and avoids overwhelming you.

2. Because Your Hobbies Deserve Time

Work-life balance is important for stability. Too much rest can lead to a lack of productivity and discipline. Meanwhile, overworking can prevent you from enjoying your interests. Indulge in your hobbies to counter stress and find joy.

Hobbies are beneficial for your physical and mental health. For instance, running can better your cardiovascular health in the long run. If you’re jogging through nature, the scenery and ambiance can foster mindfulness and enlightenment.

3. Because Your Health Needs Destressing

Pressure can either be healthy or unhealthy. Good stress exists when you feel an adrenaline rush, while bad stress can cause plenty of anxiety and overthinking. It can also manifest as physical ailments, resulting in muscle tension, chest pain and headaches.

Relaxation helps your body recuperate from pressure. Activities like stretches and massage can remove the knots from working so hard. Breathing exercises can also calm you down and center you for future tasks.

4. Because You Need Time to Wander

Some people find routine comforting, but an overly organized schedule can prevent the exploration that makes life interesting. Avoid locking yourself into a rigid timetable and give yourself some freedom to relax.

You don’t have to throw away your current setup — it’s all about finding a balance. If you feel a little suffocated with how your day is going, sprinkle in some spontaneity. Go on an adventure that’s always been on the back of your mind, whether going to the mall or visiting a friend. Let your curiosity rise and revel in deviating from your usual routine.

5. Because Rest Simply Feels Good

When people have plenty of pent-up stress, they get pretty cranky. Scheduling time for relaxing hits the spot that gives you a mental reset. It even gives you a boost of positive energy to a certain extent — just enough to breeze through the week.

Feeling good can influence your mindset, as can those around you. It’s no secret that people like surrounding themselves with happy people more. Relaxation is a step towards improving your relationships.

How Do You Schedule Time for Relaxation?

After learning why you need to schedule relaxation, it’s time to execute it for summertime. Freeing up your schedule is challenging for some if they’re stuck in their routine. However, you can bring rest into the mix in multiple ways. Here are some examples:

• Set an alarm or timer: Some love using alarms when taking on a productive task they need to prioritize. You could use the same principle and set up a timer. Even just an hour out of your day to take a walk or grab lunch from a restaurant during the week can make a difference.

• Actively organize plans: Make plans outside of work and studying. Think of what you want to do during the coming weekend, whether by yourself or with someone else. Doing so gives you something to look forward to in the near future.

• Arrange your productive load: Scheduling relaxation requires time management on the work front. If you don’t finish your tasks in time, you might feel pressured to cancel your resting plans. Spread them out through your productive hours or try delegating some of the work.

• Learn to say “no”: Many put off saying “no” to others, even when they’re overstressed or too stimulated. Put your rest time first and learn to decline any tasks that might exhaust you too much. You can also postpone or reschedule outings so you don’t have too much on your plate.

Give Yourself a Summer Break

Summer should be about relaxing, but old, overworking habits are hard to break. Recognizing relaxation’s benefits to your mental and physical health is vital. Once you make the realization, you can use the tips above to make time for yourself.