Summer is finally here! The sun is out, the temperature has risen and chances are your schedule has picked up. Whether its family gatherings, plans with friends, vacations planned, wedding season or holiday parties and celebrations, it can sometimes be tough and stressful to balance your time. I’m sure we all have wished that we could be in 2 places at once or that we find the fountain of youth to have unlimited amount of energy for everything. Well you aren’t alone. Whereas there is not a fool proof “how to” balance an increased schedule or to find that fountain of youth, here are some ways to help balance and most importantly enjoy life during this busy season.

Prioritize: What are your “must do’s”? Make a list of what you have to do every day and/or week. These likely will be activities that happen year round. They can be anywhere from work, kid’s commitments (such as sports or summer activities), family commitments, etc. After you have that list, start looking at the next couple months and decide which events are most important. Is it attending a friends wedding, a family reunion, a holiday party? List them under your “must dos” in the order you feel are most important. Remember there is no right or wrong way to do this list, it is YOURS, so make it reflect that.

Be selfish: Now, this is a hard concept for many people. People tend to put others in front of themselves but sometimes its OK to be selfish. Chances are you won’t be able to make every event, every party or every gathering…well you might but it might drive you crazy and really stress you out.  Its OK if you can’t or don’t want to make every event, finding time to relax is important, both for your mental and physical health. People will understand, I promise.

Relax: When you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a step back, take a deep breath and remember to relax. Resort to that list you made if you need to and maybe make some changes, take some events off your calendar. Remember its OK if you can’t or don’t make every event, summer for most is the best season of the year but its not fun when you are constantly stressed and not enjoying it.

And finally but certainly not least, live in the moment: Don’t focus on the past or what lies ahead, enjoy what you are doing and the fun you are having at that time.  These are memories that will last you a lifetime, relax, enjoy the company around you, your surroundings and remember that life isn’t about the destination, its about the journey and adventures along the way!