Hot workplaces, holiday stress and struggling to get that bikini body ... sounds exhausting. But there’s a lot more to the summer. We should make the most of the warmer months and enjoy them mindfully. There’s so much to look forward to: colourful fruit salads and nicecream, campfires outdoors and yoga in the garden. Stay in the here and now, as summer is just soooo good for us! Here are our 5 hottest tips for more mindfulness this summer.

 

Mindfulness tip 1: Find yourself at the campfire

 

It crackles, sizzles and warms us on cool summer evenings. A campfire is probably one of the most elemental ways of soothing the soul. Small fires are a wonderful way of experiencing more mindfulness, especially now in summer. They are mystical and meditative; they evoke childhood memories. Sitting in front of the fire, we can simply lose ourselves in the flames and allow our mind to wander. It often also results in particularly intensive conversations. Give it a try! Campfires are also frequently organised at public events during the summer months. Or arrange your own one (bearing in mind the necessary safety precautions). Either way, it’s an unforgettable summer experience. Tip: Thread some pieces of fruit, such as apples, onto skewers. Cook them over the fire until they are lightly caramelised.

 

Mindfulness tip 2: Feast on some colourful summer fruit

 

When was the last time you savoured the smell of fresh strawberries, sweet bananas, sparkling pineapple or juicy raspberries? These fruity aromas stimulate all the senses and immediately inspire feelings of summer. In order to enjoy the summer in a completely mindful way, simply add some colour to it. How? Feast on the fantastic variety of fruit available at this time of the year, and allow the scent and taste of the fruit work their magic on you. You will be amazed at how pineapple, kiwis, grapes and the like can be transformed again and again into a variety of tasty dishes. Why not start the day with our warm wheatgrass and banana porridge with colourful fruit, enjoy our lettuce with avocado and berries and cool down with our berry smoothie, blueberry and coconut nice cream and pineapple and grapefruit bowl. Don’t forget a drink: we love peppermint tea with ice and cold brew coffee at this time of the year. The summer is more colourful than ever and you are a part of it!

 

Mindfulness tip 3: Leave the car and discover nature

 

Literally get out! In summer, leave the car behind as much as possible and get out into nature on your bike or on foot. Listen to the sound of insects chirping and birds singing in the forests and meadows. Lie down in the cool grass and watch the clouds go by above you. Take a stroll along the bank of the river and follow its flow. All you need is yourself and time, nothing else. And you should definitely take time for mindfulness during the summer. After all, nature is the one place where you can leave stress and anxiety behind you. Outside, you automatically feel calmer. And to make sure that a rumbling tummy does not disturb this relaxing silence, make sure to have some fruity provisions with you on your mindfulness trip. Banana almond bread in a jar, couscous with blueberries and raw blueberry whities with carob caramel are bound to hit the spot.

 

Mindfulness tip 4: Create your own oasis at home

 

Feeling the holiday envy? This can happen when all your friends and colleagues seem to be in the most beautiful holiday destinations and you are left sweating in the office or staycationing at home. So why not create your own little oasis here and find more mindfulness in the summer. Set up a cosy little corner in your garden or on your balcony and decorate it with cushions, fairy lights and pretty candles. The hot summer weather almost forces us to start the day more slowly and more thoughtfully. The summer shows us the joy of silence. How about some energising morning yoga to start your day or sleeping on an air mattress in the open air? The possibilities are endless – unusual ideas often open our eyes to the subject of mindfulness.

 

Mindfulness tip 5: Swim using all your senses

 

Whether it’s in the sea, in the lake or in the open-air swimming pool, swimming has an incredibly meditative effect. You can experience this in a mindful way above all in the summer. However, a change of mindset is necessary when swimming. This time it’s not about power and speed, but rather harmony with water as an element. Listen consciously to the bubbling and lapping sounds of the water and to your breath. Let yourself be supported by the water and feel the absolute effortlessness. And, as swimming is bound to make you hungry, our fruity Buddha bowl with cod is the perfect match for the element of water.

 

See the wonder in every summer day.

 

Your Dole Team