Summer Slump

Summer Slump
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 by Joan Munro, CPLC

Educators often refer to the term of “Summer Slump” to explain academic decline that occurs in learning during the time when students are not in school, with a full schedule of classes. However, this term applies in the the business world, as well. Everyone experiences a break or a change of seasons in life, but what about being more productive?

Forbes magazine listed twenty ways to actually build productivity during the “Summer Slump” in this recent article. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/06/05/beat-the-summer-slump-20-ideas-to-motivate-and-engage-your-team/?sh=a52f7656c0a8 But how do we look at this as an opportunity as individuals in our lives?

Being a Certified Professional Life Coach, I’m offering you four ways to embrace this season of summer in your mind, body and soul. Regardless of your life season, you can look forward to any of these variations and opportunites.

Embrace a hobby, avocation or interest by reading about it and then experimenting with any aspect of it. If you want to design or create, select one item and seek out a mentor, tutor, or friend who might be interested or informed. Scan and skim the yoututbe videos that show materials or steps, starting with a small task. This may lead to a new direction or venue of “handiwork” as part of the discovery process, while pursuing your passion.

2. Reflect on what gives you a sense of peace and relaxation. Is it a place, visualization, words, music, or aromas? The slower pace of summer is an oportunity to re-discover how you best de-stress and what yields more relaxation. Keep your expectations simple and low maintence when considering indoor or outdoor ways to de- stress, like a change of clothes, a campfire, sand or pool games, card or board games with friends or family.

3. Play music. Listen to music. See the colors of music. Feel the music that soothes your soul. Savor the time to replay records, CD’s, radio stations or the continual stream of music on TV. Imagine the settings/scenes of the songs when focusing on the lyrics, melodies, harmonies and rhythms. If you’ve lipsynced a song or sang out loud spontaneously, then you’ll enjoy the reinvigoration and renewal that comes with music.

4. Set time for yourself to just rest...no agenda...no schedule...no self-imposed pressure of time or purpose. Gift yourself time without any technology, as being off the grid can be freeing. However, being without any technology takes practice. Replace all technology with inspirational books, scriptures, quotes, poetry and art. Give yourself permision to explore what can bring you joy, and celebrate life’s gifts of being alive and aware.

Reach out to me at www.forwardstepsinlife.com and share the ways you are dealing with Summer Slump. Please check out my coaching testimonials, blogs, resources, and/or leave a comment on this or any other blog post. Take one step forward!

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