Move over #HotGirlSummer there’s a new chick in town and her name is #SlowGirlSummer.
What is #SlowGirlSummer? A hashtag that has been popularized on tiktok; this is a phrase that emphasizes self-care and taking time for yourself. Think about adopting this new motto of a ‘Slow Summer’. It’s meant to be rejuvenating, finding peace in a more balanced and meaningful life through slowing down and doing less = more mentality.
1. Unplug and Reconnect with Nature: One of the key elements of a #SlowGirlSummer is disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with the natural world. Take time to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty by exploring nearby parks, going for leisurely walks, or even planning a weekend getaway to a peaceful countryside or coastal destination. Spend time without distractions, allowing yourself to appreciate the sights, sounds, and serenity of nature.
2. Embrace Mindfulness and Self-Care: Summer offers an excellent opportunity to prioritize self-care and mindfulness. Dedicate time each day to activities that bring you joy and promote well-being. Whether it’s practicing yoga, meditation, journaling, reading a book, or enjoying a relaxing bath, make self-care a priority. Engage in activities that allow you to be fully present and foster a sense of calm and balance.
3. Savor the Simple Pleasures: A #SlowGirlSummer is about finding joy in the little things. Indulge in activities that bring you happiness and allow you to appreciate the present moment. It could be as simple as enjoying a picnic in the park, trying out new recipes, taking up a creative hobby, or spending quality time with loved ones. Engaging in these simple pleasures will help you slow down and appreciate the beauty of the everyday.
4. Cultivate Slow Habits: Incorporate slow habits into your daily routine to fully embrace the #SlowGirlSummer lifestyle. This can include slowing down your mornings by practicing mindfulness or enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Prioritize quality over quantity by focusing on one task at a time, be it work or personal projects. Avoid overcommitting and allow yourself ample time for rest and relaxation.
5. Embrace Digital Minimalism: Reducing digital clutter and setting healthy boundaries with technology is crucial for a #SlowGirlSummer. Consider decluttering your digital life by unfollowing accounts that don’t bring you joy or taking breaks from social media. Allocate specific times for checking emails and limit screen time, allowing yourself to be fully present in the real world.
6. Keep things simple: Sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy. Take a walk, enjoy books from your summer reading list, experience a sunset in a beautiful place, prepare simple meals.
It’s about the little moments that add up to a bigger picture. Don’t crowd them out with a massive daily to-do list or endless commitments away from home.
It’s also important to give yourself permission to say no. Saying yes to all of the ‘fun’ summer things may seem like the right thing to do, but it can quickly lead to burnout. Learn to set boundaries and prioritize your time.
7. Connect with positive people: Spend time with loved ones, make new friends, and cherish those connections. When you surround yourself with uplifting and inspiring individuals, time seems to slow down.
8. Recreate the things you enjoyed doing as a kid during the summer: Go camping, roast marshmallows, make sun ice tea outside. Go on a slip n slide, run through the sprinklers, float on rafts in the pool. Play cards or board games, watch movies from your childhood, dance, play music. Re-connect with your inner child and bonus points if you have teens try to get them to join in the slowing down and re-connecting to younger years.
A #SlowGirlSummer is an invitation to slow down, unwind, and find solace in simplicity. By unplugging, practicing self-care, savoring the little things, and cultivating slow habits, you can create a summer experience that rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul. Embrace the tranquility of a slow-paced summer and discover the beauty in slowing down and appreciating life’s precious moments.
Here in the United States, our workaholic, glorifying of burnout make it difficult for us to comprehend just how slow and laid-back summer in other countries really are.
So don’t let stress take over your life this summer. Instead, give yourself permission to take a break and just relax!
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
