Tag: summer season

Put Life on Pause for the Long Weekend

Posted on by Jordank

The kids are back in school. Friday hours are ending. Deadlines are looming. Stores are ready for Halloween — still two months away. And people are asking, “Where did the #summer go?”

Granted, this happens every year, but something about 2026 seems to have more people feeling shortchanged by the #seasons. Is it inflation and higher prices? The increasingly unpredictable weather? The social media time-suck? The relentless news cycle? Nobody knows for sure.

If you’re among the many who feel that summer slipped away too soon, take advantage of this last “official” week of the summer season. Over the long Labor Day weekend, unplug from the stress, shake things up and enjoy yourself.

One way to do this is to treat the #weekend like a #vacation rather than just three days of non-work time, says Self. Tweak your schedule to make the weekend feel more leisurely. “That might look like turning off your alarm, lingering in bed or savoring your favorite breakfast.”

Seek out awe-inspiring activities, the story adds, by finding a scenic hiking trail, watching the sunrise or going to a museum. Put a special, optional event on your schedule so you don’t skip it in favor of work or chores — whether that means a coffee date, a class or a shopping spree.

Meet the weekend head-on by getting enough sleep, says LifeHack. Try to get up at the same time you would on weekdays, but don’t be afraid to take a nap to reduce “negative emotions, increase alertness and enhance your abilities to learn.”

Next, truly unplug. While social media feeds can seem interesting and even educational, mindless scrolling saps #time and #energy. Leave that phone in another room and read an old-fashioned book to let your imagination wander.

Something that might seem like a chore can enhance #relaxation and improve your mood: #Decluttering. #Organize some paperwork; #clean the refrigerator; weed out your #wardrobe. And #donate any lightly used clothing and household items to ClothingDonations.org.

There’s only so much summer to go around. Make the most of your long weekend and what’s left of the season!

How to Cure the Summertime Blues

Posted on by Jordank

I’m gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler / About working all summer just to try to earn a dollar / Sometimes I wonder what I’m a-gonna do, but there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues.

The Eddie Cochran classic — later covered by recording artists as diverse as the The Who, Alan Jackson and Rush — highlights a common sentiment: That the lazy days of summer often run out before one can make the most of them.

The feeling often sets in around this time of year, with a new school year rapidly approaching for students, and adults scrambling to take a few days off or juggle social event. But while there may be no cure for the summertime blues, there are a few strategies that can help head them off.

The summertime blues often result from a fear of missing out (FOMO). Find something you want to do and make a plan; whether it’s a walk in the park, dinner and a show, or a full-on vacation, get it on the calendar. It will give you something to look forward to as well as a sense of accomplishment.

Suggestions from the Jewish Family Service include spending time outdoors — a little sun and fresh air can do wonders. Get together with family and friends. Develop a hobby that doesn’t involve work or screens. Above all, eat healthy and get some exercise. You also might try to do some #decluttering; too much #stuff can weigh on the psyche.

If the summertime blues go beyond a wistful sense of lost time or missed opportunities and develop into seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and/or depression, seek professional help. Common signs of summertime SAD include “anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability and decreased energy levels,” says the Henry J. Austin Health Center. Disrupted routines, social expectations, body image concerns and oppressively hot weather can contribute.

It’s not unusual to feel a little bit gloomy even when the sun is shining. Fortunately, summer is longer than you think; you still have more than two months to enjoy everything the season has to offer. Start today!

Boundaries Can Keep Kids’ Summer Messes in Check

Posted on by Jordank

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to handling kids’ #summer messes, says The Maids. Set boundaries for kids: A mudroom drop-off tray for dirty socks and shoes can help household keep floors free of mud, grass and sand. Having children eat ice cream and popsicles outdoors plus a post-treat washup regimen can keep sticky hands away from, well, everything. Pick backseat snacks that won’t drip or spill, and pack a roll of paper towels or wipes in the car for spot #cleanups. And have a towel “tree” or clothesline available for wet towels and bathing suits. #Cleaning goes fast when most of the house is a mess-free zone. #SummerMesses

Conduct Resets to Keep Summer Messes at Bay

Posted on by Jordank

With #summer’s busy schedules, making memories often supersedes everyday tasks such as #cleaning. Learn to expect the routine #messes of dirty dishes, stacks of laundry or strewn-about toys — the kind of mess that differs from #clutter. “It’s a byproduct of being a living, breathing human being, and no matter who you are or how #organized you may be, there is no escaping it,” says decluttering expert Katie Joy Wells. Establish quick cleanup rituals or “resets” by taking a few minutes to put things back where they belong. Busy areas such as the kitchen might need a few quick resets per day. #SummerMesses

Keep Summer Fun(k) Where It Belongs

Posted on by Jordank

Fun in the sun often means dirt in the home. To keep those #summer messes at bay, think ahead and outsmart the mess, says Clean My Space. Lay down a liner or tarp before loading the car to prevent dirt, mud, gravel and pet hair from adhering to auto upholstery. Leave moisture-laden sporting goods, beach towels and coolers outdoors to dry rather than leaving them inside your vehicle or home. Keep sunscreens and bug sprays sequestered in freezer bags so they don’t leak on other items. Wet bags and totes can keep the mildewy funk of wet swimwear, beach toys and towels in check, too! #SummerMesses