Unplugged Summer Bliss

Summer is the perfect season to step away from the persistent buzz of screens. With longer days and warmer weather, it invites us to embark on journeys that refresh our spirits and strengthen our connections. Nothing compares to that feeling of having a wholesome adventure, enjoying a good book or festival, or cherishing moments with family and friends.

Especially in our third quarter, when we have more time, an unplugged summer can spark a renewed passion for life. Here are five essential tips that will leave you feeling recharged and energized.

1. Embrace Nature with Outdoor Adventures

The great outdoors is calling! Make the most of your summer by diving into nature through activities that promote physical health as well as mental well-being. Hiking is a fantastic way to explore; consider setting a personal goal to hike a different trail each week. We'll be going for a 5 day hike in the French Alps.

Midlife Hack * Did you know hiking can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by 40% ? Start simple and walk to the grocery store instead of taking the car. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

If hiking is not your cup of tea, try sleeping outside for a night in your own garden or take your computer outside and try a online yoga or meditation session.

2. Make Time for Relaxation and Reflection

Summer should be as much about unwinding as it is about adventures. Throughout the working year, we tend to skip time for rest and reflection. Yet we all know we need it more then ever at this age right? When you are always too busy to rest, relax and have fun, what's the point of (mid)life? Stop kidding yourself. It's not that hard. It's a matter of priorities.

Our secret to winding down is long al fresco dinners around our long table at home with friends. This summer, there's an extra seat at the table. We welcomed our first graund daughter Isa last October.

Besides fostering warm family bonds, Jo loves running and sleeping late. Elke is more of an early bird and likes yoga & reading in the quiet time before everyone gets up. She's a fan of her e-reader, but nothing quite compares to the feeling of a a paper book in your hands, does it?

Midlife Hack* At this age, we all have sleepless night. If you lie awake longer than 30 minutes, take a book and dive into another story. It usually helps me.

3. Eat tasty food, too much of it, with the people you love

We both love tasty food. All kinds of it. Salads, bbq, pasta, European, Asian, Middle Eastern, healthy or less healthy, as long as it has plenty of flavours. There is just one constant at all our big blended family dinners - sauces. In our fridge, you will find over 10 types.

Don't limit yourself to tasteless crap. This summer, go for the great food, with the great drinks to go for it. Why not let the kids and grand kids cook part of your meals? Summer is a time for experiments. Chances are you will eat too much. Who cares, as long as you don't drink and drive? You only live once.

Midlife Hack * For every cup of coffee, every soda or every glass of wine, also drink a glass of water. The simplest way to help your digestion.

4. Create a Digital Detox challenge with friends

One of the best decisions you can make for a fulfilling summer is to introduce a digital detox. We all know that, and we all struggle to do it. Here's a tip: turn off all notifications on all apps on your phone. Set a fixed & limited time to check your phone. Or even better, leave your phone in a closet.

Midlife Hack * Encourage those around you to join the digital detox challenge for a month and meet live to share how it's going.

5. Open your mind and heart for art

Summer is prime time to enjoy cultural experiences that often get overlooked during the rest of the year. The agenda of concerts, festivals & exhibitions, far away or nearby is endless.

Consider planning mini "local tours" to explore hidden gems in your city. Go with some friends you haven't seen in a long time. Why not organise a reunion of some former colleagues?

Midlife Hack * Listen to a new song every day, do a dance in the kitchen with someone you love every week, visit a festival, museum or art gallery every month.

As summer unfolds, com back to these five tips to craft moments that recharge you, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories. And let us know you favourite tip to unwind this season?

Here's to a summer filled with adventure and cherished moments, the true essence of life!

We hope to see you back with a full battery in September for our first online Midlife Growth Track. Check out all details here.

Elke & Jo

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