End of Summer Rituals
Before diving into the festive new season, taking time to soak up the last bits of summer can be great way to make a few more memories. To celebrate, we have compiled a list of our End of Summer Rituals to mark the transition from the carefree days of summer to the more structured routines of the fall season ahead.
1. Host a Backyard Bash or Beach Bonfire
Gather your friends and family for one last summer hurrah with a gathering in your backyard or at the beach. Make your favorite summer dish, roast marshmallows, tell stories of your adventures and enjoy the sounds of the season as you bid adieu to summer.
2. Take a Sunset Trip
Embark on a sunset trip to witness the beauty of nature as the sun sets on the summer season. Find a scenic trail or park near you to witness the shifts from summer to fall that are happening now in the natural world. You can pack a picnic dinner, lay out a cozy blanket and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.
3. Have a Movie Night Under the Stars
Spending time outdoors can be such a special part of summer. As we move towards the new season this time outside begins to fade as the days begin to shorten. To take advantage of the last glimmers of the season set up a projector in your backyard and host a movie night under the stars. Grab some blankets, popcorn, choose your favorite summer films and and enjoy an outdoor cinema experience with your closest friends and family.
4. Finish your Summer Reading
As you finish up your summer reading list, remember that the journey doesn't have to end here. Reading regularly has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and increase empathy. It can also expand your vocabulary, improve your focus, and enhance your overall well-being.
Keep exploring new genres, authors and perspectives or join a reading group to continue the adventures throughout the year.
5. Reflect and Set Goals
As you bid farewell to summer, it can be grounding to reflect on the season that is ending and to set new intentions for the changes ahead. Studies show that taking time to reflect can help to strengthen our neural pathways which is important for adapting and learning new skills. It also helps to keep us present in the moment and build appreciation for all that we have.
If you find yourself turning inward, lean into that feeling and write down a few personal or professional goals that you have for one, three and six months out. We have found that when we have a clear direction of where we want to go and the goals are broken down in bite-sized pieces, it can help us to stay motivated as the seasons change and our lives become full and busy.