As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, the summer solstice marks the official start of summer. This year, the summer solstice falls on June 20th, and it is the longest day of the year with the most amount of daylight. While this day is often associated with outdoor activities and celebrations, it is also a great opportunity to focus on our wellbeing and self-care. the longest day of the year with the most daylight.
As parents, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life. However, the summer solstice is a perfect reminder to slow down and take care of ourselves. In this blog, we will share some wellness tips for you to make the most out of the extra daylight and celebrate the summer solstice.
What is the Summer Solstice?
Before we dive into some wellness tips, let's take a moment to understand the summer solstice. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" meaning sun and "sistere" meaning to stand still. This special day marks the sun's highest point in the sky and the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a time for celebration and renewal, offering a perfect chance to connect with nature and with ourselves.
Taking care of yourself
As parents, we often prioritise our family's needs over our own. The familiar phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” may resonate with you. In reality, yes it probably does resonate, we know it, but a break may feel logistically impossible. A break may look like being able to spend 5 minutes in the toilet without a child asking for something or having a collective audience of children and fur babies outside of the bathroom door waiting for you. This may be setting the bar on the self-care stakes, any more and you are on to a winning streak! So, although it is important to prioritise our own well-being, we understand that this can be difficult at times.
At this point, you might be thinking about other 5-minute mini breaks you are able to take—or lack of them! Either way, you are reflecting on taking care of yourself, and the summer solstice is an ideal time to reflect on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking some time to assess your current state, even spending 5 or 10 minutes making a plan, writing it down on a notepad with a nice pen while enjoying a drink in your favourite mug, can help you think about the areas that may need attention. If you get that far, that's amazing! If you are able to think about a plan for exercise, eating healthier, or practicing mindfulness, then well done to you!
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it can also be a busy time for families. With some children out of school for exams and the school holidays just around the corner for many, taking brain breaks throughout the day can be really helpful.
These breaks can be as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes to soak up the sun (hopefully) or taking a few deep breaths and applying the Havening Techniques. When taking these micro-breaks, you can help reduce stress and improve focus, making it easier to tackle daily tasks.
Embracing the Summer Solstice: Celebrating Nature and Self-Care
Compassion fatigue is a very real issue. As parents, we're constantly giving and caring for our children, which can lead to burnout. As the summer solstice approaches, it's a time to celebrate the longer days and warmer weather. People have been marking this occasion for centuries with a variety of traditions. From lighting bonfires to symbolise the return of light and life, to gathering for outdoor feasts, singing, and dancing, the ways of celebration are rich and diverse. For example, in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, the summer solstice is known as "Midsummer" and is celebrated with maypole dancing and traditional foods.
Some people also take the opportunity to visit prehistoric monuments such as ancient stone circles or other sites associated with solstice alignments. These visits offer a chance to explore the historical and spiritual significance of these ancient sites. You can also watch Stonehenge live on their website. The summer solstice is a time for reflection and setting intentions for the coming months. It's a chance to ponder the past season and consider what one hopes to achieve during the abundant time of year.
The summer solstice offers an opportunity to connect with nature, whether it's taking a walk in the woods, visiting a park, or simply appreciating the beauty of the natural world. Spending time outdoors is a common part of the celebration. It's also an ideal time for self-care. Whether you go for a walk and watch the sunrise, read a book in the park, or try a new hobby, find what works best for you and make self-care a priority during this time, taking advantage of the longest daylight hours of the year.