Fresh Tips for Summer’s Final Days

Before August Winds-Down, Try This!

Summer Days in Phuket

Summer is winding down and just like every year, it feels bittersweet to me! I know some of you have kiddos that went back to school already, while for others, there are still a few weeks left to enjoy a bit more freedom.

Even though the extreme heat might make us long for autumn, I really want to hold on to some of my favorite feelings of summer. I’m talking about that more relaxed pace of life and the frequent chances to unwind while still feeling energized.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that I can make a conscious effort to appreciate these final weeks and keep that summertime spirit going. Just like having more awareness in class brings me more joy on the dance floor, these little tricks help me to be present and savor the final moments of summer!

🍒 Freeze Your Favorite Fruits

One of my favorite ways to hold onto a season is to freeze it! Whether you’re enjoying the incredible mangoes and lychees here in Taiwan, or berries and stone fruits back in the US, it’s easy to grab your favorite summer fruit at the peak of its ripeness, freeze it, and get that fresh taste later in the year. I love to peel, wash, and cut them up, then pop them in a freezer-safe container to enjoy later as a sweet treat in smoothies or with yogurt.

🧁 Pre-make Some Treats

Speaking of sweet treats and thinking ahead, if you have a little extra time in August, why not use it in the kitchen? I have so many fond memories of my mom freezing her delicious baked goods for us to enjoy throughout the year. Since zucchini is so abundant in the summer months, she would take a little extra time to bake zucchini bread and put it in the freezer. Blueberry muffins also work great!  We’d pull them out on a cold, dark morning for something sweet and comforting. It’s like a little gift from summer to your future self!

📸 Make a Summer Slideshow

If your vacation is already behind you, you might be feeling the blues, but a great way to fight that is to make a slideshow of your summer memories. Re-living the best moments helps me remember what I’ve done, brings a smile to my face, and gives me a huge sense of gratitude. There are so many apps you can use these days (I personally use the app Inshot) or just scrolling through your phone photo gallery with loved ones works too!

📚 Finish That Book

If you’re anything like me, after a long day of work, I can't get through more than a couple of pages of a book before I fall asleep! Summer seems like the exception. Throwing a book into my bag for the beach, pool, or patio works makes it easier. This summer I finally finished three books I'd started earlier in the year but couldn't find the time for (My favorite was Humankind by Rutger Bregman)! You can use these longer days to get to the final pages of that book you've been meaning to finish.

🌇 Get Outside

The midday heat can be absolutely unbearable, but the early mornings, sunsets, and evenings are so much more enjoyable to me in the summer than any other time of year. Whether it’s a walk, a gentle bike ride, or just sitting in silence as the sun sets (which have been so pretty pink and awesome orange here in Taipei!), I feel more relaxed and appreciative, like I’m really savoring every last bit of summer.

What are your favorite ways to send off summer before we move into September? Share them with us in our private Facebook group!

If you have returned to Taipei or are living abroad and want to get back into your fitness routine for fall, let's dance in -person and online! Tuesday and Saturday classes have been super full, so make sure to sign up ASAP to save your spot. Registration for September will open on the 25th of each month. See you on the dance floor!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie