Summer Soul care ideas

For many of us, life gets even busier during the summer months, especially if there are children or grandchildren underfoot. In this season when we hope to find a little rest, we often end up feeling busy and weary instead. Even the heat itself can leave us feeling drained! It's no wonder our souls can begin to feel a little parched, longing for refreshment. Just as a cool lake or summing pool brings relief on a hot summer day, there ways we can experience refreshment for our souls amid the busyness of summer—and even into the first weeks of the school year, which often are just as hot!
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Here are 27 everyday ways to slow down, become present, and receive rather than achieve. As we pay loving attention to God's gifts—creation, beauty, relationships, rest, and delight—we often discover that they become quiet sacraments through which we experience the love of God afresh. The key is not simply what we do, but how we do it—with intention, awareness, and a receptive heart.

• Practice a 5-Minute Sensory Savoring Exercise
  Sit outside in the shade and spend one minute noticing your environment with each of your five senses. As you become fully present, allow creation to remind you that you are held in the loving presence of the Creator of all.
  
  
• Take a Slow Walk in a Beautiful Place
  As you walk slowly, simply notice the beauty around you. Let each step become an opportunity to receive God's gifts rather than accomplish another task.
  
  
• Sit Beside a Body of Water
  Listen to the rhythm or sounds of the body of water near you. Let the steady movement or stillness of the water remind you of God's constant presence and faithfulness. As you sit quietly, imagine placing your worries, burdens, and anxious thoughts into God's hands, allowing His peace to wash over your soul like the water before you.
  
  
• Observe Children at Play
  Watch their delight, curiosity, and freedom. Let their joy remind you that you, too, are God's beloved child, invited to trust and enjoy life rather than strive.
  
  
• Watch Bees and Butterflies Among the Flowers
  Notice the intricate beauty and quiet purpose woven into creation. Receive this small glimpse of God's attentive care for every living thing—including you.
  
  
• Enjoy a Favorite Treat Outdoors
  Take your favorite snack and drink outside and savor every bite, flavor, and texture slowly. Receive this simple pleasure as one of God's good gifts, offered with love.
  
  
• Gather with Family or Friends—Without Devices
  Be fully present. Notice smiles, laughter, stories, and expressions. Loving attention is one of the most meaningful ways we experience God's love through one another.
  
  
• Have a Picnic
  Take an ordinary meal outside. Slow down, linger, and enjoy the beauty of God's creation along with the companionship of those around you.
  
  
• Take a Bike Ride
  Feel the breeze, sunshine, and movement. Let the simple joy of riding awaken gratitude for the gift of life and the freedom to delight in God's world. Let the breeze remind you of the Holy Spirit, who refreshes your soul.
  
  
• Go on a Beauty Drive
  Choose roads for their scenery rather than their speed. As you admire the landscape, allow the beauty to quiet your heart and awaken wonder.
  
  
• Visit Somewhere New
  Explore a nearby park, neighborhood, garden, or small town. Approaching familiar surroundings with curiosity can help you notice God's creativity in fresh ways.
  
  
• Take the Scenic Route
  Resist the urge to rush. Sometimes slowing down allows us to discover beauty we would otherwise miss, reminding us that God is present in the journey, not only the destination.
  
  
• Read for Delight, Not for Information
  Enjoy a novel, memoir, poetry, or inspiring story simply because it nourishes your soul. Give yourself permission to receive instead of produce.
  
  
• Practice a Weekly "Slow Hour"
  Once a week, intentionally do everything more slowly—walking, eating, cleaning, talking. Let your slower pace become a way of remembering that your worth is found in being loved, not being productive. Let this be an "on ramp" to experiencing a slower pace.
  
  
• Take a Weekly "Summer Sabbath"
  Set aside one day each week to slow down and enjoy God's loving presence through the unique gifts of summer—gardens, porches, sunsets, swimming, fireflies, fresh fruit, or evening walks. If your Sabbath falls on Sunday, begin by gathering with God's people in worship, allowing your heart to be reoriented to God's love and grace. (If your work or responsibilities make Sunday impossible, choose another day of the week to practice Sabbath rest.) Receive these seasonal gifts as reminders of God's generous love and delight in you.
  
  
• Read a Psalm Each Day
  The Psalms give us words for every season of the soul. Allow their honesty, hope, and reminders of God's steadfast love to shape your prayers throughout the summer. (My church is doing this practice this summer, and it truly is refreshing my soul!)
  
  
• Watch a Sunrise or Sunset
  Begin or end the day with quiet gratitude. The changing colors of the sky invite awe and remind us that God's mercies are new every morning.
  
  
• Sit Under a Tree
  Rest beneath its shade without needing to accomplish anything. Let the shelter become a tangible reminder that God is your refuge.
  
  
• Garden or Tend a Plant
  As you water, weed, or harvest, reflect on the slow, hidden work God is doing in your own heart.​

I can't tell you how much joy this new backyard garden is bringing me! Planting and tending these flowers has been one of the sweetest forms of soul care for me this summer. I love watching the birds, bees, and butterflies; feeling the sun on my skin as I weed and water; and cutting fresh flowers to enjoy throughout my home. Special thanks to my friend Barbara for the canna and black-eyed Susan cuttings, and to my daughters for helping me plant the zinnia seeds. (Not pictured are the Russian sage and 'Cat's Pajamas'—an adorably named variety of catmint!)
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• Listen to Birds Before Checking Your Phone
  Start the day by receiving creation's song before receiving the world's demands. Let it reorient your heart toward God's presence.
  
  
• Spend an Evening Watching Lightning Bugs or the Stars
  Wonder expands the soul. As you gaze upward, remember that the God who made the heavens knows you by name and delights in you.
  
  
• Create Something Beautiful
  Paint, sketch, photograph flowers, arrange a bouquet, or write in a journal. Creativity allows us to participate, even in a small way, in the creativity of our Creator.
  
  
• Practice Gratitude Outdoors
  Sit quietly and name five gifts you've received today. Gratitude helps us become more aware of the countless ways God's love is already surrounding us.
  
  
• Pray with Open Hands
  Sit outside with your palms open for a few minutes, breathing slowly. Imagine receiving God's love and releasing your worries into His care.
  
  
• Listen to Music That Lifts Your Soul
  Whether it's worship music or a favorite instrumental piece, allow beauty to quiet your mind and draw your attention to God's loving presence. Here's one of my favorite songs this season: Communion, by Sarah Kroger.
  
  
• Take an Evening Walk After Dinner
  Leave your phone behind and simply notice the cooler air, changing light, and peaceful rhythm of the evening. Let it become a gentle conversation with God.
  
  
• Practice Holy Noticing
  Ask, "Where do I notice God's goodness, beauty, or love today?" paying attention throughout the day. Then ask it again at the end of your day, looking back across your day. You'll often find that God meets us in the ordinary moments we might otherwise overlook.