By Donna Erickson
Summertime is upon us. The sun is shining brighter and longer. For many, it’s like an invitation from Mother Nature, promising endless fun in the sun, quality time with loved ones to create cherished memories, and weather that quenches a desire to enjoy a vacation or staycation. From hanging out at the pool and picnics in the park, to barbecues and outdoor concerts, there’s something special about the carefree atmosphere of the summer months. It’s all sunshine and endless possibilities for joy and relaxation, right?
But hold onto your coolness, because for some, the temperature is rising in more ways than the heat index. It can be more like you are the ringmaster of a circus, trying to keep all the acts running smoothly while moving from town to town. On top of the usual routine, there are added commitments like swim meets or tennis practice, coupled with scorching days when kids crave outdoor playdates. And let’s not forget the meticulous planning required for those well-deserved vacations. What can we do so we don’t get overheated and don’t run out of gas?
Whether you’re looking forward to all that summer has to offer, or you are frantically trying to keep your cool while feeling the pressure of its demands, one thing’s certain: summer is here. Having a plan can be a game-changer.
Start By Prioritizing Self-Care
When life creates chaos, it’s even more important to take care of yourself. I know you. You’re already thinking, “But there’s no time left after taking care of everything (and everyone) else.” Let me ask you an important question: What is it you want for those you love?
Let’s break that down a little bit. Do you want them to think someone else will always take care of them? Do you want them to think they can’t take care of themselves, or that it’s not important? Do you want them to think it’s their responsibility to take care of everyone else?
Unfortunately, these may be some of the messages you are sending. The best way to teach others is to model what you want them to learn. If you knew that the people you love and care for would follow in your footsteps, what would you do?
Ask yourself this question: Starting today, what is one thing I can do as an act of kindness or self-care for myself? Self-care encompasses your physical, mental and even emotional well-being. Choose whatever works for you. It doesn’t have to be big, expensive or time consuming.
Here are some ideas:
Stay hydrated.
Practice mindfulness and just be in the moment. This can calm the mind and reduce stress.
Take a break from technology and social media to disconnect and recharge.
Engage in physical activity such as a walk, run, hike, dance, work out, bike, golf, or fish. You can do this solo, with a friend, or in a group setting. Getting out in nature adds another level of self-care to your physical activities.
Do something creative. Paint, write, draw, build, play a musical instrument.
Connect with your inner child and have some fun!
Pamper yourself.
Watch the sunset or sunrise.
Start a journal to capture important moments or desires. This can be through any creative (or not-so-creative) means. Writing isn’t the only way to keep a journal. You can create an audio journal, a picture journal, art journal, a collection of things that trigger memories or ideas. There are even different types of journaling apps for your phone or computer.
Schedule a “me” day.
Practice forgiveness towards yourself and others.
Take time out to watch some sports, a movie, or a TV show.
Speaking of sports, why not participate in one?
Go on a hunt for some cool finds.
Work on that fun project or hobby you’ve been putting off for “when you have time.”
Do something that makes you laugh!
Spend time with friends or a significant other, in a group or 1:1.
Don’t forget to get quality sleep.
Let others help!
The list could go on forever. Start brainstorming some ways you would enjoy taking care of yourself. Make it a fun activity to do together as a family. Who knows, maybe it will be the beginning of something beautiful? As Renee Giarrusso says, “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
Take Advantage of What Our Community Has to Offer
How can the Holly Springs community make life a little easier for you, you ask? Here are some things I learned when I went out into the community and asked just that.
Explore, connect, and thrive with our local library.
Our very own Holly Springs Community Library (300 W. Ballentine Street) can assist your whole family in many ways. From toddlers to grandparents and every age in between, discover a world of resources waiting for you. Here is just some of what they have to offer:
For those of you with young children, the library has two different kinds of story times. The first is where they read a book, have a talk and then complete an activity or a craft. This is for kindergarten through 5th grade.
The second story time, for children getting ready for preschool, is ABC Craft and Learn, which mimics a pre-k classroom, allowing kids to practice what it will be like. How cool is that!
Maybe your child isn’t fond of reading, but you want to help them find that love. The librarians can create a book list just for them based on their interests and reading level.
Want books for the whole family? Imagine having “reading time” at home, where you, too, can slow down and enjoy time for yourself. Let the librarian know what kinds of books you are looking for (whether you have specific titles or not) and they can create a book kit for your whole family.
Don’t feel like you can go to the library with your child because of sensory challenges? Fear no more. Our library has a sensory pack with a communication board, noise canceling headphones, weighted blanket, and fidget toys.
Does someone in your family have memory challenges? The library has that covered, too. They have memory care kits for elderly people with dementia. The kits supply you with talking points that can help you communicate in ways that work for everyone.
There are so many things our librarians can help with, including job hunting, college applications, research, technology, proctoring, and even getting your bus pass. And when you are in the middle of chaos and forget to return your library books, you can take a deep breath and know it’s okay. Grace is on your side as library fines don’t exist here.
What are you waiting for? Your librarian sidekick is waiting for you. All you have to do is ask. You can reach them at 919-577-1660 or maryjo.george@wake.gov. And don’t worry if your work hours are a little crazy. The library is open seven days a week in downtown Holly Springs with some days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Moving from the library to where the wild things are…
Did you know that nature and exercise offer such benefits as decreasing anxiety and depression while improving attention, executive function, and sleep, to name a few. We have some great areas for a leisurely walk or something more:
Bass Lake Park offers boating, fishing, trails, a nature center, and picnic shelters.
Mims Park offers shaded trails just outside of the library.
Ting Park offers Ting Stadium, a soccer center, tennis complex, pickleball courts, outdoor basketball courts, and two playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12.
Veterans Park offers a playground, accessible fishing pier, picnic shelter, and fitness stations.
Womble Park offers a multi-sport turf field, tennis courts, picnic shelter, baseball/softball fields, playground, outdoor stage, greenway trails, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, concession and picnic area, gaga ball pit, and teqball table.
In addition to our parks, there are many greenways throughout Holly Springs!
For more details on what our parks have to offer and when free, open play is available, check out www.hollyspringsnc.gov/1813/Parks-Greenways.
If you are like me and not a fan of the heat, we also have Hunt Recreation Center. You don’t have to be a member to utilize their indoor walking track or their game room with table tennis and table soccer. These are all free for you to use during their regular business hours. You can reach them at (919) 557-9600.
Get creative with community.
Holly Springs has been one of the friendliest communities I have ever been blessed to be a part of. I have seen so much kindness and generosity that it actually blows my mind…like fireworks going off in the sky! Spend time getting to know your neighbors and find creative ways to help yourself as well. Need a few suggestions to get started?
See if your neighborhood has a Facebook Group and check out what is already offered. If not, start one.
Host a neighborhood exchange party, where you exchange things such as books, clothes, or games. Out with the old, in with the new. No more getting bored!
Host a potluck; it could even be picnic-style.
Host a parent/child book club where you read the same books and share things from each point of view. Be open and learn what others think.
Take turns having the kids over so you can take turns having a kid-free date night.
Summertime is a great time to volunteer, whether it be solo, in pairs, as a family, or even as a community. Find things that are of interest and find places that allow you to pursue that interest as you volunteer.
Keep Cool with Communication
When emotions heat up, it can be difficult to stay cool. Here are some tips:
I know you’ve heard it before, but take a deep breath to calm down before diving in.
Don’t have important conversations or make decisions when emotions are high.
Stop what you are doing and focus on what is being discussed. As parents and spouses, we often are so busy that our kids and significant others have a difficult time reaching us. They need to know that they are important, too. If needed, set aside a specific time to talk when you aren’t pulled in different directions.
Take time to understand before being understood. (Sometimes trying role reversal can help with this.)
Find what works best. Some people are better able to communicate when they are not looking directly at you or when they are involved in things like walking or even doodling.
Use humor to lighten the mood—just make sure it is funny to all involved.
Focus on the facts. Stories often get in the way of what is really going on.
Make sure you understand what the other person means. Words don’t always mean the same thing to everyone. If we clarify what is being said, we can have a better understanding, discussion, and hopeful resolution.
Don’t wait until it heats up to connect. Schedule time out to have one-on-one time on a regular basis. The quality of the time is more important than the quantity of time.
Look for the positive and give specific feedback. Instead of saying, “Great job cleaning your room,” say, “I really like the effort you put into cleaning your room; it already looks better and shows that you have some great organizational skills!”
Most of All, Embrace the Chaos!
When you practice self-care, you’ll be better able to handle what comes your way. Life happens—we can try to control it all we want, but it’s still going to happen. Take time out to do the best you can with what you can control. In order to feel lighter, let go of what’s out of your control and what is weighing you down. Enjoy the summer and your family. You’ve got this!
