Taking time to relax outdoors, like lounging in a hammock (look at the beautiful ones Etsy has here), can help you recharge during summer. Laid-back summer afternoons can be a rare treat, yet many of us feel a nagging guilt when we’re not doing something “productive.” We live in a culture that glorifies busyness, making it easy to feel like relaxing is somehow wrong . In reality, giving yourself permission for Slow Living isn’t lazy – it’s healthy and even necessary.

Productivity Guilt vs. True Relaxation

If you’ve ever tried to kick back on a sunny afternoon only to be interrupted by thoughts of should (“I should be answering emails” or “I should be mowing the lawn”), you’re not alone. We’ve been trained to equate constant activity with virtue . Psychologists even have terms like “relaxation anxiety” to describe the unease some people feel when they try to do nothing . But here’s the truth: rest and relaxation are vital to well-being. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on mind and body, contributing to health issues over time, whereas genuine downtime helps reverse those effects . In fact, research shows that taking a real break can boost your health and even longevity – far from being frivolous, relaxation is a literal lifesaver!

The Benefits of Doing Nothing

Ironically, doing “nothing” can bring a lot of positives. When you allow yourself a lazy summer day, you’re giving your brain a chance to wander and recharge. Ever notice how your best ideas often pop up while daydreaming on the porch or strolling with no agenda? There’s a reason for that. Stepping off the hamster wheel for a bit reduces stress and can spark creativity. One study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that vacations (i.e. extended downtime) increased people’s life satisfaction and reduced burnout symptoms . In other words, a guilt-free break can make you happier and more energized. And if you need extra motivation to embrace leisure, consider this: folks who don’t take time off tend to have higher risks of health issues like heart disease and depression compared to those who do . Clearly, our bodies and minds need those lazy afternoons.

Practical Ways to Unwind (Guilt-Free)

So how can you actually slow down and enjoy summer downtime? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make “Nothing” a Date: Schedule an afternoon with zero plans. Lie in a hammock, stretch out on the couch, or picnic under a tree. Treat this like an important appointment with yourself – because it is.
• Unplug for a While: Put the phone on do-not-disturb. The emails and news updates will keep until later. Maybe play some music or just listen to the birds. Giving your mind a break from constant notifications is liberating.
• Dive into Simple Joys: Read a purely-for-fun novel, doodle in a sketchbook, or take a leisurely stroll with no destination. Remember what it felt like as a kid to just play or daydream on a summer day? Rediscover that feeling.
• Let Go of “Shoulds”: Notice any guilty thoughts like “I should be doing X” and gently remind yourself that resting is doing something valuable. You’re recharging your battery. There’s no need to earn your relaxation time – you deserve it.
• Treat Yourself to Relaxation: Consider getting a massage or taking a long, lazy bath. A soothing massage not only feels amazing but also lowers stress hormone levels and boosts your mood by releasing serotonin. Think of it as an hourlong reset – you’ll emerge feeling like a new person.

Embrace the Summer Slow-Down

Make this summer is all about Slow Living! Give yourself permission to indulge in some lazy afternoons. Let the sun warm your face as you doze on the porch, or watch the clouds float by without a care. It might feel strange at first if you’re used to constant go-go-go, but trust that you are doing something good for yourself. As one relaxation expert put it, we’ve all been “brainwashed” into thinking productivity is superior to rest – it’s time to unlearn that. By slowing down, you’re actually honoring your health and happiness. So next time a beautiful warm afternoon rolls around, resist the urge to fill it with chores. Instead, grab a cold drink, put your feet up, and savor the sweet art of doing nothing. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it!