Ponderings of an academic in early summer + resources for self care and mindfulness

A week ago we had graduation, and earlier this week I turned in my final grades. I have been alternating going through piles of paper, a slew of emails, and attending meetings. I have also done a couple of walks and enjoyed not feeling like my hair was on fair.

As graduation is more in my rearview mirror, I will eventually stop going into the office every day and I will read for fun and also take longer walks and get to spend more time with friends and family at a pace that is different than my normal. I eat healthier in the summer. I have more friend time and less screen time.

I flourish in the summer. (My friend Aimee calls this “Summer Sabrina”.)

I think it is important to note: Flourishing doesn’t equal “not working”. I am never fully away from my work for very long, because my work is a big part of my identity and something I feel called to do and be. I think what makes me flourish in the summer is the different pace of the work, and that I have time to reflect more and to think about different aspects of work (and life). And, as mentioned previously, my hair doesn’t feel like it is on fire.

The academic year is fast paced and sometimes frenetic. Even semesters that feel long go by quickly. I am not as mindful in the semester as I would like to be, and not as healthy.

All of this begs the question….what do I need to do differently to have aspects of Summer Sabrina in August through April? How can I practice some genuine self care (even if it is boring self care) so that I might be of better service to others?

Here are some short mindfulness exercises that I do practice fairly frequently, especially box breathing and a senses check in. One of the things I would like to incorporate more are journal prompts for deeper reflection. Here are 100 journal prompts for healing and reflection.

I also want to stretch my poetry and essay reading and writing throughout the year, not just summer. Here is one of my favorite poets and essayists: David Whyte I am also working personally on a collection of poems tied to headlines. How many have I written since last summer? One.

So….while I have other things on my bucket list, a big part of my summer “me time” will be thinking about how to have more wellness and more flourishing year round. If you know me in real life, hold me to this!