Stress-Free Ways to Slow Down When Life is Gearing Up

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Stress-Free Ways to Slow Down When Life is Gearing Up

August 28, 2013

The back-to-school frenzy is in full swing. The holidays are just around the corner. Gone are summer vacations. Calendars are fully engaged. It’s enough to raise your blood pressure a bit, isn’t it?

Before hypertension sets in, I have a few suggestions for how you can take this new season in stride. Around here, we focus a lot on Outdoor Style.

Outdoor Style has a lot more to do with attitude, mindset and way of life than it does materials and designs. Don’t misunderstand, we love beautiful outdoor living spaces around here. We pour ourselves into creating them! But, what we really love is the living that can be done in an outdoor spaces.

Read on for six stress-free ways you can slow down when life is gearing up.

Set the patio table and enjoy a meal outdoors. There is something extraordinary about eating outside that causes us to take a deep breath and savor the moment.

Grab a few people and play a board game on the patio. Choose a game with heavier pieces or that won’t easily blow away in a gust of wind. Jenga, Dominoes or Pictionary are suitable choices for outdoor fun.

Put the kids to bed and have an informal outdoor party with other moms. Give the evening a catchy name, such as Moms and Merlot. There are many lighthearted choices that employ alliteration here: Moms and Margaritas, Mojitos, Mimosas, Martinis, even Mocktails or simply, Moms and Munchies. (Try these snack recipes: Caesar Dip, Rosemary Roasted Nuts and White Chocolate & Blackberry S’mores) With a couple of snacks, a signature beverage and a place to chat, the girls will all come away refreshed and recharged!

Some might say there are no seasons in Texas, I’d argue that the seasons are spring, summer and football. Whether you’re a fan of college football or the pros, take the viewing party outside.

Make a date. Pour a couple of coffees or iced teas and take a moment outside for a chat with someone who matters to you.

Put your down time on the calendar. Being intentional about planning time for pause is sometimes the only way to protect the hours or days from becoming over-scheduled.