Shedding Summer Expectations

Ah, Summer

The warmth, sunshine, vitamin D and everything in between have many of us looking forward to summer all year long. But with summertime often comes summer expectations. We imagine how we should look, the vacations we should take, or the many things we want to accomplish.

The Reality of Summer Expectations

While society’s vision of “summer relaxation” might be kicking back on the beach with a fruity beverage, the reality of summertime often looks (and feels) a lot different. Kids are out of school and require more support, colleague’s travel plans can spike workloads, and it can often seem like we’re stuck inside working on beautiful days.

In fact, the pressure to have the perfect, relaxing summer can actually have the opposite effect of a relaxing day on the beach - it can make us frustrated, self-critical, and exhausted. So what can we do this summer to feel good and the things that make us genuinely happy?

Create Your Own Summer Vision

Identify Expectations
Start by asking yourself what expectations you (or others) are putting on your summer plans. Are there goals you are hoping to accomplish? Activities you've committed to? Experiences you think you should be having? Go ahead and jot some of those down.

Identify Your Reactions
When you look down at those expectations, how do they make you feel? Happy and motivated? Stressed and frustrated? If your expectations or goals aren't making you feel good about yourself, consider that new expectations might make your experience of the summer more relaxing and joyful, without the extra work or pressure.

Ask Yourself 3 Critical Questions;

What are the experiences, people, or emotions you want to prioritize?
Work, Relaxation, Learning to Cook, New Experiences, Travel, Family, Something Else?
What aspects of your life would benefit from a bit of kind acceptance?
Things will be busy, things are in flux, not every day will be relaxing, something else?
What is something that you'd be better putting out of sight and out of mind?
Comparisons, predictability, social media, diet culture, complex travel, something else?

Quick Summary:

While summer can be an exciting time, summer expectations can sometimes get in the way of our wellbeing. Take some time to ask yourself what you want out of this summer season. Notice where your expectations might be skewing reality, and where you can make adjustments to create the summer that will actually work for you.

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