Prioritize your self-care this summer

Hey there, neighbors! We are officially over the halfway point of the year and rolling right into the heart of summer. Can you believe it?!

WILL CAMPBELL PRESIDENT BALDWIN PARK JOINT COMMITTEE

I don’t know about you, but the Fourth of July is really the kickoff to summer for me. Speaking of: What did you think about the Independence Bash on July 3? It’s always so nice to see everyone out along New Broad Street enjoying themselves with friends, family and neighbors alike. That is by far our biggest event, and I think this year was really primed to be something amazing. Be on the lookout for a short survey in the coming weeks if you want to provide any feedback about the event; we’d love to hear it.

For a lot of people, summer can be just as hectic as the rest of the year. Personally, my busiest time of the year has passed finally, and I now have some downtime to relax and catch up on my own stuff — TV shows included, of course. But, more important, it’s my first chance in at least four or more months to get in some self-care. You’ve heard me talk before about the importance of taking care of yourself to ensure that you are better for those around you.

The summer months, particularly July, offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, our hospitality fam excluded, of course, because we’re a summer vacation hotspot. This extra downtime gives us the opportunity to really reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far this year and look ahead to where we’re going. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family and friends (see “summer vacation hotspot” above).

While spending time with family and friends is undoubtedly important, it is equally crucial to carve out some moments for ourselves during this time to prioritize our mental and physical well-being. Taking time for yourself can have transformative effects, allowing you to recharge and rejuvenate.

In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to get caught up in various responsibilities and obligations. We often neglect our own needs while tending to the demands of work, relationships and social commitments. By intentionally setting aside some time for self-care, we can take care of our overall health. The summer months provide an ideal environment for this purpose, as the warm weather and longer days offer ample opportunities to take part in activities that promote relaxation, personal growth and self-reflection.

A huge benefit to taking time for yourself is the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Spending time outdoors can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. Whether it’s lounging by the pool at one of the pools, going for a walk around Lake Baldwin, taking part in one of the several yoga classes in the neighborhood or simply enjoying a picnic in one of our beautiful parks, immersing ourselves in natural surroundings can reduce stress, improve mood and increase our happiness. The summer landscape, with its vibrant colors and soothing sounds, serves as a perfect backdrop for introspection and self-discovery — even in spite of the heat!

Some of us choose not to leave our house because of the aforemen- tioned heat, so this is the perfect time to enjoy some reading, writing or checking out a hobby we’ve been interested in or have ignored. It also gives us the chance to learn new things, expand our horizons and gain a better understanding of ourselves. By setting aside uninterrupted moments for self-reflection, we are better at gaining clarity, setting goals, and developing a stronger sense of self.

Now, I’m not saying to just skip out on all that QT with the people in your life or miss events to meditate; that’s not realistic, as much as the quiet and relaxation might sound fantastic. Just as we struggle to find time for our loved ones when we’re busy with work, we also can struggle to find time for ourselves when we’re socially busy. It’s all about balancing the scales in our lives, whatever those scales may be holding. By prioritizing our own well-being, we become more present, attentive, and capable of nurturing our relationships. It is just like the oxygen mask on an airplane: We must secure our own masks first before we can assist others. Can you tell I travel too much?

I’ve rambled enough about one small part of how we can spend our summers. I will most definitely be practicing what I preach over the next month: I see some quality time with my couch in the future, just me and the remote — but also some healthy “me” time. Whatever you do with your time, I hope you make the most of it, not just for those you love, but also for yourself.

Until next time, stay safe, stay well, and remember, We Are Baldwin Park!