I'm not sure about you, but I absolutely love summer! There’s something magical about soaking up the golden sunshine, sitting on the porch at dusk with a glass of sweet tea, and watching fireflies dance in the night. What spontaneous moments grab your attention during summertime?

I often find that these beautiful experiences feel fleeting and are easily lost amidst the pressures of work and daily demands. And while savoring moments at home is important, what about taking a break from our work lives altogether?

According to a survey by Project: Time Off, nearly 55% of American workers didn’t use all their vacation days in 2021, resulting in an astonishing 488 million unused vacation days. That’s an average of 5.8 days left on the table per employee! 

How is this possible? Why do we do this? 

Not all of this is poor planning. I've noticed as adults, we can struggle to prioritize breaks and free time. Many of us were conditioned as children to focus on getting work done first, leaving play for later. I’ll admit, it took me a while to stop feeling guilty about carving out time for self-care and what some might consider "less productive" activities. But I’ve learned that connection, presence, and joy are what I truly want in my life and so I intentionally plan for those moments the best I can.

Researcher and Story Teller, Brene Brown shares this insight about all the successful leaders and their habits outside of workplace, " A few years ago, I noticed in my research that wholehearted people—my term for men and women with the courage to be vulnerable and live their lives "all in"—shared something else, too: They goofed off. They spent time doing things that to me seemed frivolous, like gardening and reading. I couldn't really wrap my head around it—were they slackers? Then one day, while I watched my kids jump on the trampoline in our backyard, it hit me: Wholehearted adults play."

FUN + PLAY = Our Well-Being

Being playful and seeking new experiences is part of our fundamental human nature, and summer is the perfect time to embrace this! Science shows that play and fun aren’t just luxuries; they’re essential for our well-being and living full lives. Here’s why I encourage you to start planning more fun and adventure into your weeks ahead.

🌈 Spontaneity

Fun often arises from spontaneous moments, so keeping some open time on our calendars is crucial! Whether it’s an impromptu picnic or a last-minute trip to the beach, these experiences bring excitement and joy. Allow yourself to be flexible and open to new adventures nearby! 

🤗 Connection

Engaging in fun activities deepens our connections with family and friends. Sharing laughter over a game night or exploring a new place together slows down time and strengthens bonds, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Do you have a special family memory or a silly inside joke that originated during play? 

🎨 Creativity

Fun and curiosity fuel creativity! Trying a new recipe, crafting, or exploring a new hobby can spark your imagination and provide a refreshing break from routine. 

⚡ Restorative Energy

Taking breaks to engage in fun activities helps recharge our mental and emotional batteries. It’s essential to step away from our responsibilities and allow ourselves to relax and rejuvenate. Recently, I joined a tap dance class to add some fun and movement to my week! What activity have you always dreamed of trying? I can't overstate how important it is to have a something to look forward to and scheduling a class with friends or activity to enjoy. 

Making Space for Fun

Having a proactive system in place for weekly planning can help ensure you create space for fun. Check out my THINK, SIFT, SHIFT process from the mini workshop I shared with Faith Mariah's Slacker Hack Club! These three simple steps can help you carve out joy in your weeks ahead. 🌼

If you’re struggling to prioritize your well-being while balancing summer fun with getting 'it all done,' remember: you don’t have to choose work over play! 🎉

Join My Summer Planning Group Coaching Program

I’m excited to announce a 3-month group coaching program focused on this very issue! If you’re curious, feel free to sign up for more information as I finalize the details. It starts mid-July and will carry you into autumn with your best foot forward. 🍂

Research & Citations on Adult Play :

The Importance of Play for Adults - National Institute for Play​

​The Positive Impact of Play on Mental Health: A Path to Emotional Well-being​

​The Impact of Play on Stress - National Institute for Play​

​The Importance of Play - Samuel Centre For Social Connectedness