Having just returned from our Havens’ Beach Retreat (44 of us, including Mom and Pop Joe, who head to the beach each year for a week together), I realize how important these family times are in so many ways. The relaxation, the connections with cousins and family members, and making fun memories together are golden moments that we will laugh about for years to come. However, today I want to stress the importance for each of us to find time to relax.
Summer is the perfect season to hit the reset button and prioritize relaxation—it’s like an open invitation to take some recess time. Picture it now: feet in the sand, sunglasses on, favorite drink in hand, or hiking up a mountain trail in the cool, fresh air and sunshine, or maybe a lazy picnic in the shade with your favorite book? What sounds blissful to you?
Regardless, we all love and need sunshine therapy. There’s nothing quite like soaking up some Vitamin D to lift your spirits (don’t forget sunscreen). Whether you’re lounging poolside or on a picnic blanket in the park, the sun just has a magical way of putting everything into perspective.
Summer is prime memory-making time, so go ahead and say yes to the road trip, the bonfire, or the last-minute ice cream stop. It’s time to get active, even if that just means cannonballing into the pool or chasing a Frisbee on the beach with the kids.
Here are my five favorite tips on how to RELAX:
R stands for our ability to Release ourselves from the grind and the worry that can consume us. Sometimes, we must simply realize that we do not control our surroundings and the relaxation comes when we release our hold on what we do not control. The keyword for us is to release.
E stands for Energize. Whatever we do during our relaxation time should be an activity that energizes us. For me, it’s fishing, and when I fish, I’m reenergized. What reenergizes you?
L stands for Live in the moment. Don’t waste your moments trying to capture and share all of them. Sometimes, we are so concerned with telling our story or sharing our experience with our network that we don’t fully live in the moment. Be all there and live in the moment, and you will notice that relaxation comes faster and stronger than when we only pay part of our attention to the moment.
A stands for Attitude adjustment. Relaxation should help us shed negative energy and corresponding negative attitudes. When I spend time relaxing, I notice my attitude is much more positive and I find myself being more grateful. It’s hard to be negative and grateful at the same time. Try it, and determine if you need an attitude adjustment.
X stands for eXtra fun memories. Relaxation should generate some of our fondest memories. Whether we are fishing, reading a book, playing tennis, meditating, sewing — whatever the activity, it should be fun and hopefully, we are making some fun memories.
Hopefully, we will have the discipline to find times to relax year-round to re-energize ourselves regularly. For now, summer is here to remind us to savor life. Enjoying little things. Whether it’s the smell of freshly cut grass, the tang of lemonade, or the sound of waves crashing, summer’s all about those tiny moments of joy you can savor.
Read a book in the backyard hammock, nap guilt-free in the shade, or watch the sunset like it’s your new favorite TV show. You’ve earned it.
Tom Hood says “Joey Havens shows the way to build a magnetic firm that attracts, retains, and develops people in a never-ending cause to constantly be better. We need this book and message more than ever.”
Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey.
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