Finding Your Summer Serenity

HomeBlogFinding Your Summer Serenity

Finding Your Summer Serenity – Wisdom from Our Therapists on Relaxing and Recharging ☀️🧘‍♀️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

The Importance of Cultivating the Use of Self

By Therapy Team at CPYC

Summer is in full swing here in Collingwood, and with its arrival comes the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button, relax, and truly recharge. But how do we effectively carve out that crucial self-care time while still being fully present for the joys of family and friends? We asked our wonderful therapists to share their personal routines and insights on what helps them find balance and peace. Their wisdom offers a beautiful blend of practical tips and mindful practices that you can weave into your own summer days.

Tara’s Calm in the Chaos: Creating Space and Slowing Down

For many of us, the start of the day is a frantic race against the clock. But for Tara, it begins with a conscious choice to slow down. She intentionally creates space to listen—to her inner voice and the world around her—before the demands of the day take hold.

After the morning rush of feeding animals and getting her kids to school, she carves out a sanctuary for herself. Her yoga practice is a holistic blend of movement (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and focused intention (dhyana). If time allows, she’ll connect with nature through gardening or a walk, or she might find peace in journaling or reading. But even if the only quiet moment she gets is while preparing a meal, she embraces it as a time for herself before the day truly begins.

Throughout the day, Tara looks for small opportunities to refuel. A midday walk or a session of pranayama are her go-to methods for boosting energy and staying present. The end of the day is another chance to ground herself, often with more breathing exercises before she starts making dinner. This practice helps her shift from being “in her head” to connecting with her body and her family. If she’s lucky, she’ll end the day with a deeply relaxing yoga practice or another walk outside.

On days with fewer obligations, Tara recharges by immersing herself in activities she loves: gardening, a long yoga session, walking her dogs, spending time with loved ones, swimming, reading, writing, or being out on the water.

For Tara, relaxing and recharging isn’t about productivity or achievement. It’s about a mindful decision to simply be. It’s a philosophy she’s been embracing more and more: letting go of the need to constantly strive and instead finding joy in the simple act of existing.

Sarah’s Holistic Harmony: A Daily Ritual for Renewal

For Sarah, a comprehensive routine, ideally timed with sunrise or sunset, is key to her well-being. Her approach is a beautiful blend of physical, mental, and spiritual nourishment:

“My rest routine includes… -a walk in nature, either by the lake or the river -reading inspirational material –setting my intentions/aspirations for the day -writing down my gratitudes from the day before -journalling -short seated or lying meditation -movement-Qigong or Yoga -healthy food and drink”

Sarah’s list offers a fantastic blueprint for creating a personalized and holistic self-care ritual that touches on various aspects of well-being.

 

Peter’s Mindful Mornings: Connecting from Within

Peter emphasizes the profound impact of starting the day with intentionality. He’s made a habit of rising at 5:00 AM for a combined exercise and meditation session. As he shares:

“I go for a half hour walk and I set the intention to meditate on gratitude for example. Gratitude for being able to walk, gratitude for my family and even the breath that I am taking in. This morning I did a yoga practice and I set the intention to meditate on Peace. The effect is remarkable for me. I feel connected to myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. As a result, I feel present and more engaged in my relationships and in all aspects of my life.”

Peter’s routine highlights the power of integrating physical movement with a focused mind, allowing for a deep sense of connection that ripples throughout his day.

Photo: Peter’s early morning sunrise walk in Creemore, ON.

Rhonda’s Outdoor Oasis: Grounding in Nature

Rhonda’s approach to relaxation is deeply rooted in connecting with the natural world, adapting her routine to the season and her energy levels.

“These days, it’s all about getting outside. I like to go outside early, when the day is still fresh and quiet. I might go for a walk, tend to my garden, or simply sit in my favourite spot with a cup of tea and take it all in through my senses. I notice the sounds of nature, the changing colours, and the subtle shifts in my garden as some plants bloom and others fade. I feel the temperature and quality of the air on my skin and in my breath, and the ground beneath my feet. Tuning into nature, even for just a few minutes, brings a sense of calm, grounds me in the moment, and leaves me feeling refreshed and more present for others.”

Rhonda reminds us that even a few minutes of mindful connection with nature can profoundly impact our sense of calm and presence.

Andrew Finds His My Rhythm: Fitness and Philosophy

I’ve always believed that a truly active life isn’t just about what you do, but how you live. For me, that means staying active both physically and mentally. My workout routine is a testament to this—I love the freedom of not needing a gym or fancy equipment. Most weeks, you’ll find me getting my heart rate up for an hour, often with a 5k run or some skipping, mixed with plyometrics and bodyweight exercises. It’s a simple, effective way to stay strong and energized.

When I’m not moving my body, I’m exercising my mind. I’m a huge fan of philosophy, especially existentialism. I’m currently diving into Alan Watts’ The Wisdom of Insecurity, which is a fascinating journey. Challenging myself with the works of Camus, Sartre, Nietzsche, and Frankl has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not always easy, but there’s something so refreshing about grappling with big ideas and seeing how they challenge my own worldview. It’s a workout for the soul.

For Andrew, this dual routine of physical exercise and philosophical reflection isn’t just a hobby—it’s a deliberate strategy for mental well-being. 

What helps you relax and recharge during the summer? ☀️We hope that by sharing, you find ways to relax and recharge and be present🧘‍♂️.