How to Plan and Enjoy a Slow Summer

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Summer doesn’t have to be an endless list of plans and obligations and trying to make the most of every second.

Sometimes, the best summers are the quiet ones.

The ones where you linger in the morning, say yes to simple joys, enjoy every moment and let go of the pressure to do it all.

That’s what a slow summer is all about.

It’s not about giving up on fun or being productive.

It’s about enjoying your days with less rush and more intention, soaking in the season with a lighter pace and a clearer head.

Whether you’re spending the summer season at home, working full-time, or juggling family life, there are plenty of ways to slow down and invite in a little more ease.

If you’ve been craving a summer centered on self-care and mindfulness, this blog post will give you all the tips and ideas you need to plan and enjoy a slow summer season.

Ready?

Here are 50+ slow, simple ideas to help you make the most of summer without burning out.

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Why You Need a Slow Summer

Slowing down isn’t lazy, it’s intentional.

It’s saying no to the constant pressure to be busy and yes to actually enjoying your life.

Summer gives us the perfect excuse to reset. The long days, warm evenings, and slower schedules beg for a gentler rhythm.

As soon as you stop trying to do it all, you get surprised at how much more you enjoy the little things.

A breeze through the window, a conversation that’s not rushed, or a weekend with no plans at all.

Slow summers are the perfect opportunity to focus on self-care, self-discovery and personal growth.

Here’s your invitation to slow down, take care of yourself and enjoy every moment.

50+ Ideas to Enjoy the Slow Summer Vibes

Slow Summer Mornings

1. Wake up with the sun and stretch by an open window
   Letting the natural light in is such a refreshing way to start the day. The sunlight feels good, and moving your body even a little helps you shake off that morning fog.
2. Put your phone down and sip your coffee or tea outside
   You’ll be amazed how peaceful five quiet minutes can feel. Give your eyes a break from screens and just enjoy your drink.
3. Journal three things you’re grateful for each morning
   These 3 things don’t have to be deep. Just write whatever pops into your head. It’s a good way to notice what’s already going right and enjoy the little things in life.
4. Try a slow yoga flow on your patio or in your living room
   Nothing intense. Just some easy stretches or a FitOn 5–10-minute stretch. You’ll feel more awake and way less tense.
5. Start your day with music that feels like sunshine
   Think feel-good songs that instantly lift your mood. Let it play while you make breakfast or get ready. This is a simple but super effective way to set a happy tone for your day.
6. Bake muffins or banana bread on a quiet Sunday
   Cooking breakfast is one of my favorite ways to start a slow day. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have snacks for the week (if they last that long).
7. Let your kids make their own “slow morning menu”
   Give them a few calm options like drawing, reading, or helping with breakfast. It sets the tone for a more peaceful start.
8. Do nothing for thirty minutes
   Literally. Just sit, breathe, and be. It’s harder than it sounds, but it will make you feel amazing.

Nature & Outdoor Moments

9. Watch the sunset from a quiet spot
   No need to go anywhere fancy. Your porch or a nearby park works just fine. Enjoying a sunset outside is a nice way to end the day without staring at your phone.
10. Visit a nearby trail and walk without a destination
    Forget counting steps or trying to “get a workout in.” Just walk and see what you notice along the way.
11. Sit in the grass
    It sounds kind of poetic, but it’s actually super calming. Just sit, breathe, and zone out a bit.
12. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon in a park
    It doesn’t have to be fancy. Prepare snacks, a blanket, and something to read, and more importantly, leave your phone in your bag.
13. Start a tiny herb garden (even just two or three pots!)
    Basil or mint is easy and smells great. It’s also a great way to give additional flavor to your food and drinks by adding a few leaves to your favorite recipes.
14. Let your feet feel the earth
    No shoes required.  Feeling the sand, grass, and water is weirdly grounding and feels good after being stuck inside all day.
15. Take a morning walk before the world fully wakes up
    There’s something nice about the quiet before things get busy. It’s a peaceful time to get some fresh air and clear your head.
16. Make bracelets with kids using flowers and leaves
    It’s easy, free, and keeps them entertained. You just need masking tape and a little creativity.

Creative & Soulful Activities

17. Sketch flowers or leaves in a notebook
    You don’t need to be good at drawing to be creative. It’s just about slowing down, noticing little details, and letting your creativity speak.
18. Make a summer playlist and play it while doing nothing
    Pick songs that feel like sunshine and lazy afternoons. Hit play and just let it be your background soundtrack while you move through your day.
19. Press flowers between book pages
    Grab a few pretty flowers on your next walk, let them dry and store them in your favorite notebook. In a couple of weeks, you’ll have little bits of summer memories.
20. Write a letter to your future self
    It doesn’t have to be deep or super long. Just share what life feels like right now and what you want to achieve in the upcoming months. You’ll love reading this letter later.
21. Make a vision board for the season
    Cut out pictures, write down your summer vibe, and tape it up somewhere you’ll see it. Or take a picture of it and put it on as your phone wallpaper. It’s a fun way to set the mood for the next few months.

22. Try making a mini scrapbook
    You don’t need any special supplies. Just print a few photos, grab a glue stick, and start.

Mindful Evenings

23. Try journaling
    Just jot down your quick thoughts or memories before bed. It’s easy to keep up and fun to look back on later. Additionally, it’s a great way to reflect on how to make every day a little better.
24. Have a screen-free Saturday
    Pick one day to stay off your phone and skip social media. It might feel weird at first, and you might even wonder how to spend time, but you’ll feel so much more relaxed by the end of the day.
25. Read outside as the sky turns gold
    Even 15 minutes with a good book can help you unwind. The golden hour light makes everything feel a little extra cozy. So, reading a book in the sunset is one of the best slow summer activities to try!
26. Have a candlelit bath with essential oils
    Another great slow summer habit to try is having a spa night at home. Use lavender or eucalyptus essential oils or your favorite flower bath bombs. They smell amazing and help you relax.
27. Watch the stars and learn a new constellation
    This is my absolute favorite way to spend a summer night. Grab a blanket and lie back to look at the stars. Use a free stargazing app if you want to know what you’re looking at and just enjoy the moment.
28. Write in a journal before bed with soft music playing
    It doesn’t have to be long — just write what’s on your mind. The music makes it feel like a little ritual.
29. Make a ritual of lighting a candle as the sun sets
    It’s a nice way to signal the end of the day. Pick a scent you love and just enjoy the quiet moment.
30. Sit on your porch with a cozy drink and just be
    Tea, lemonade, a glass of wine, whatever feels right. The goal is to do nothing (leave your phone inside) and enjoy doing nothing.

Slow Summer Food & Sensory Rituals

31. Make homemade lemonade with fresh citrus
    It’s easy and refreshing. All you need is cold water, lemons and sugar. Let kids help squeeze the lemons for some hands-on fun.
32. Visit a local farmers’ market and buy new ingredients
    Talk to a vendor or try something you’ve never had before. It makes grocery shopping feel like a little adventure.
33. Infuse your water with herbs or fruit
    Try combinations like cucumber + mint or lemon + basil. It makes staying hydrated feel a bit fancier and will help you avoid sugary drinks.
34. Make simple fruit popsicles at home
    Blend fruit, pour into molds, freeze. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Perfect for hot days and way healthier than store-bought.
35. Rotate in lighter, summery linens
    Switching to breezy sheets or pillowcases can make your space feel cooler and calmer. Bonus: fresh colors will help you boost your mood too.
36. Light a seasonal candle in the evening
    Look for scents like citrus, linen, or wildflower. It sets a calming mood after a busy day.
37. Have a barefoot breakfast on the patio
    No need to dress up. Just bring your toast, scrambled eggs, and coffee outside. Mornings feel so much different when you start them outdoors. Spending time outside first thing in the morning is the best way to be more grounded.
38. Make a simple summer salad with whatever’s in the fridge
    Don’t overthink it. The simpler the better. Add fresh veggies, make homemade sauce if possible, and enjoy your daily dose of vitamins.

Cozy Homebody Vibes

39. Rewatch a nostalgic summer movie (think The Parent Trap or Mean Girls)
    You already know how it ends, and that’s kind of the point. Nostalgic movies bring back all the summer feelings.
40. Declutter a drawer or shelf slowly and mindfully
    Don’t try to tackle the whole house in a day. Just pick one little spot. It’s oddly satisfying and makes your space feel so much lighter.
41. Bake something from scratch and share it with a neighbor
    Cookies, banana bread, anything easy works. It’s a sweet way to connect without much effort.
42. Rearrange your space to reflect a slower, lighter vibe
    Move a chair, change your throw blanket, bring in a plant. Little changes can totally shift the energy of a room.
43. Keep a pitcher of lemon or cucumber water in the fridge
    It’s refreshing and makes hydration feel a bit more special. Just slice and soak, it’s super easy.
44. Read poetry and let the words sink in
    Pick a short poem and sit with it for a minute. Poetry can slow your brain down in the best way. Not a big fan of poetry? Pick a book from my Shop My Favorites list.
45. Write down 10 simple things that bring you joy
    Think small — sunlight through a window, comfy socks, iced coffee. Keep your list at hand for days when you need a boost.

Connection and Presence

46. Call someone just to say hi
    No agenda, no big update needed. People love knowing you think about them.
47. Host a slow brunch with fresh fruit, pastries, no rush, and friends
    Keep it casual and low effort. The goal is to enjoy good food and even better company.
48. Go on a slow walk with a friend, phones away
    It’s a great time to catch up without distractions. Walk, talk, and don’t worry about the pace or time.
49. Send a surprise letter to someone you love
    A handwritten note feels so thoughtful. Use fun stamps or cute paper to make it even more personal.
50. Sit in silence with someone you trust
    No need to fill every pause. Just being together is enough with the right people.
51. Say no to one thing you don’t have energy for
    Protect your peace and save your time for what really matters to you. You don’t have to over-commit. It’s okay to skip things you don’t want to do or don’t have time for.
52. Say yes to something that feels gentle and right
    Even if it’s small, if it feels good, go for it. Trust your gut and give yourself permission to choose ease.

Final Thoughts

There’s no need to schedule every moment of your summer. The best memories often come from the days you let unfold naturally.

No to-do lists, no pressure, just time to enjoy being alive. Pick a few of these ideas that feel good and let the rest go.

There’s no wrong way to live slowly.

Whether it’s sipping iced tea on the porch or dancing barefoot in the kitchen, this season is yours to enjoy in your own way.