3 Ways Summer Supports Growth and Happiness

Summer serves as a perfect reminder of our connection to nature’s cycles. In our human-made surroundings, we can easily overlook this reality. We belong to the wonderful natural world, and its principles are relevant to us as well.

Think of it like understanding the body’s circadian rhythms, which regulate sleeping and waking cycles. Similarly, our bodies have natural seasonal cycles that align with the natural world. As science reveals more about the importance of connecting with nature, we discover that following nature’s rhythms promotes health and happiness in our lives. Here are 3 ways to use the natural rhythm of summer to encourage growth and happiness in your life this season.

1. Summer is a Season of Growth and Productivity.

In summer, nature displays power through growth. Young trees grow tall with bright green leaves. Flowers bloom, and young animals explore their surroundings. It’s a great time to be alive.

What does this mean for us? Take advantage of the natural inclination to grow during this time. Take that class you’ve been thinking about. Sign up for that certification program you’ve been researching. Join a new club. Get the training that will help you reach that next benchmark. Take the leap! Embrace personal growth.

2. Summer is a Season for Connecting to Nature.

Spending time in nature is an excellent way to boost personal happiness. It also jumpstarts creativity and lifts our mood. Taking a walk outside, through a park or down a tree-lined street, can inspire new ideas or simply replenish our minds, leaving us feeling more peaceful and refreshed.

Set aside time to connect with nature. Try finding a new spot to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. Bring a picnic or snack to the park, whether you’re alone or with friends. While you’re outside, be sure to engage all five senses. What do you smell, taste, see, hear, and feel?

3. Summer is a Season for Adventure.

What new adventure is calling to you right now? Perhaps you’ve been considering a job or career change. Think of the start of the summer season as Mother Nature’s way of offering you a boost out of your usual routine and into new possibilities.

Summer offers an excellent opportunity for travel and exploration. You don’t have to venture far for an adventure; simply stepping away from your daily routine and visiting a new place can provide a refreshing escape.

If you’re thinking of staying closer to home, why not check out a new restaurant or explore a different type of cuisine? Perhaps there’s a local museum you haven’t had the chance to visit yet? And don’t forget about the local music scene—maybe there’s a venue that’s showcasing a band you’ve never heard of before!

Schedule your upcoming adventures by marking your calendar. Designating a date can motivate you to step away from your everyday habits and follow through. Invite a friend or two to share in the fun!

Create Lasting Happiness This Summer

As the season changes, and you begin to plot your next adventure, take a little happiness with you on the journey. My book, 21 Days to Happiness, is a comprehensive guide filled with practical tips and easy-to-understand explanations of the science behind cultivating lasting happiness. Read the book before? This summer is an ideal time to revisit a few of your favorite chapters or reread the whole book!

Learn 21 habits that support a happy lifestyle. Work through the lessons at your own pace. You might find that one chapter per day works well, or perhaps one per week allows extra time to let new ideas sink in. Pick up a copy of the book in your preferred format or try our 21 Days to Happiness E-Learning Program.