It’s another hot, dry summer in many parts of Canada, the US, Europe and elsewhere. Wildfires in my home province of Manitoba and neighbouring provinces led to evacuations in May, highlighting a troubling new normal. My husband’s brother and his wife were among those who lost everything as the fires raged in northwestern Ontario. Last year, similar circumstances affected my son, his family and friends in Jasper, Alberta.

Summer should be a season of joy and easy living. However, it often brings frustration (right now, that’s an understatement) with issues like soaring temperatures, torrential rain, heavier traffic, disrupted schedules, and vacation worries.

Below are ten tips for everyday summer stressors, which I shared with you a few years ago. They might be helpful once again.

Beat the heat. High temperatures can cause lethargy, and tempers can flare. Ensure your fans and air conditioning are functioning correctly, stay hydrated, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
Have a traffic plan. Expect the roads to be busier, so plan your travel accordingly. With summer road construction, traffic jams are inevitable. Consider alternative routes and leave earlier to avoid traffic. Utilize public transportation or carpool with friends and family when possible.
Keep the kids entertained. Plan for childcare and activities if you’re juggling work and having your children or grandchildren at home during the summer. Look for summer camps or create a schedule with designated activities and events. And remember, all that running around can cause more stress, so be sure to include some downtime.
Plan your vacation with care. Vacations should be a time to relax and unwind. However, whether you visit family or they visit you, stress is inevitably packed in someone’s suitcase. Avoid last-minute planning by creating a detailed itinerary beforehand. Consider budget cuts to reduce costs. Plan for a buffer day so that you can adjust to catching up on other tasks upon your return.
Stay on top of work responsibilities. Summertime can lead to extra workloads before and after your vacation. It can also be a slow time for some businesses, which can impact their income. And it can mean more work for some seasonal businesses. Either way, stress can result. Create a to-do list and complete larger tasks earlier in the day when you’re most motivated.
Tackle home chores efficiently. Take care of your home and garden regularly in small increments of time. Prioritize your tasks (make sure your downspouts and sewer drains are working), and don’t try to tackle everything at once. Consider delegating chores to others or hiring a professional to help with tasks.
Prioritize your leisure activities. Don’t overcommit yourself by trying to do everything. Schedule time for relaxation and self-care, and select activities that align with your interests.
Be aware of alcohol consumption. More outdoor and leisure time may mean you’re busier than ever, perhaps drinking and partying more. Being responsible and safe is essential. Drink in moderation and always have a designated driver. Be mindful of others’ experiences and tolerance of noise levels, as well as your own.
Celebrate your body. Wearing lighter clothing—and fewer clothes—can come with increased self-consciousness. Summertime can bring up body issues, especially with sleeveless tops, shorts and bathing suits. It’s essential to appreciate and celebrate your body! Wear clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Choose healthier food options. Summer often includes indulging in junk food and fast food, and it may be too hot to cook. A healthy summer diet can improve your mood and reduce stress levels, so opt for lighter, fresher, easy-to-prepare meals, such as salads and grilled vegetables.

In addition, remember these top five stress reducers:

Breathe (deeply and slowly)
Lighten Up (laugh, smile, be playful, and have fun)
Change (locations, activities, or people you’re with)
Be Physical (exercise, walk, play a game, weed/garden)
Relax (in the tub, take a nap or a shower, sit in the sun/shade, do nothing)

And Do Something Nice or Kind for someone or the planet (it doesn’t have to be big, and it can be anonymous).

Following these tips can make your summer a fantastic time full of relaxation, fun, and healthy habits.

Stay cool, calm and safe!

With joy and gratitude,

Jeannine