Cranes Beach July 4 2011-edited 400x536

 

People around me are moving a bit slow today. There’s a natural shift that happens after Labor Day, as kids go back to school, people pack up their bathing suits and shorts and move back into their normal work/school routine. With it, can come sadness at the loss of summer and all it represents: warm weather, barbecues, beach time and vacations.

So, with the coming of fall, here are five ways to keep a little “summer” inspiration in your fall:

Put seashells on your desk. I have lots of seashells in jars around the house. Some are marked on the inside with the beach where I retrieved it on a local trip. No matter how old they get, they still smell like sea and sand and remind me of fun summer times. Find a nice jar or tray to use to display them at your workspace. It’ll bring positive energy and vibes to your day.

Book a Friday afternoon off. The reality is it’s hard to get back into the normal routine once you’ve had a summer of fun. Rather than trying to force yourself through it, book a Friday afternoon in the latter part of the month of September where you can  recharge. Get a massage, go for a pedicure, visit your favorite beach off season to read a good book. Rather than trying to push yourself through the month, give yourself something to look forward to and something that will be good for your health.

Book a dinner at a restaurant with a deck/ocean view/ harbor view. Certain locations can evoke that feeling of summer even when summer is almost done. Here in New England, especially Boston, we have a number of restaurants that are right on the water. If you’re not sure you can swing a whole dinner because money’s tight, visit for a drink and appetizer. Watch the sun set. Snuggle with your honey or go with a group of friends. Pose for some fun photos. You’ll have the shots to remind you of the fun times you had.

Pull out your beach sweatshirt. I’ve got two sweatshirts from Crane’s Beach in Ipswich, MA and I love them both. I bought them at the beach shop and have worn them while at the beach. They smell like the ocean and are the perfect companion to the cooler evening air of September when on a stroll or curling up on the coach reading a new book. Plus when I wear them, I’m taken back to the feeling of summer.

Keep up with or start an outdoor exercise routine. Even though we know the clocks will soon be changed and our precious daylight will be decreased, we still have lots of daylight at least through 6 pm. Keep up with your outdoor exercise routine while you can- be it running, walking or long walks with the dog. It’s great for your psyche and body as well and will keep you connected to that summer feeling.

Summer’s passing may bring with it a feeling of angst but use these tips to stay connected to that summer feeling. Plus, use the month to set some new goals for the remaining months of the year so you can close out 2013 with a feeling of accomplishment. There’s still plenty of time left!