Summer's officially winding down. The hottest parts are behind us (or so it seems), back-to-school is in full swing, stores are starting to put out fall decorations, and you can feel summer slipping out of your grasp. But we're all about maximizing every day, so for us, it's over when we say it's over (or when the calendar officially tells us it's over on Sept. 22). So kick back and have a marg. We’re going to reinvent our wellness to breathe a second life into these final days.

Replace Social Media

With everyone sharing their summer beach vacation updates, it can sometimes be the worst time to be on your phone. With the effects that social media has on body image, spending all your energy scrolling can keep you locked out of enjoying summer. Instead of seeing what everyone else is doing, make conscious choices to replace your scrolling time with healthy activities. Try activities like yoga, coloring, or going for a bike ride. Replacing your social media time with things that bring you wellness is a great way to reclaim your energy and re-energize your summer.

Check In With Yourself

If your end of summer feels stuck in a rut, your mental health probably is as well. Make checking in on yourself a priority. We laid out a few tips for Mental Health Month, but these are applicable for every month, not just May. Poor mental health can take over your well-being and keep you from enjoying the summer you have left. If you notice yourself feeling unusually irritable, sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia, or losing interest in activities, don't be afraid to reach out for help. Some people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder in the summer, despite it being more common in the winter. Regular mental health check-ins can be effective at staving off these issues, and getting treatment online can be a great way to get you back on top of your summer.

Get into a Book

It can be tempting to focus on only “summer” things, but slowing down with a good book can give your brain a break. The “go-go-go” of summer activities might have burned you out by this point, and one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself is to take a break from the hustle and bustle of it all. Leisurely enjoying the sun with a book can help you rediscover what summer is all about. Listening to an audiobook or a podcast can also reclaim some of those summer vibes! Taking a nap on the beach with a podcast is a great time and can give you a nice reprieve before you have to turn your mind back to the rest of the year.

Meditation

We talk about the benefits of meditation a lot here at Toad. By taking some time to sit and be present, you will align your body with your mind. There are many different meditation apps that you can use to start your mindfulness journey, but all you really need to get going is a comfy place to sit. Pro summer tip: take advantage of the nice weather and meditate in nature. Next time you’re at the beach, spend some of your tanning time focusing on your mind. Feel the sand under you, the energy of the sun, and the sounds of the waves all around you. Take a look at our beginner's guide to meditation from Toad Natalie to get you started.

Hopefully, these wellness habits can give you a fresh start to your summer. So go out there and finish strong! There’s plenty left, so enjoy the sunny vibes.