10 Ways to Improve Your Body, Mind and Soul This Summer

Every year on January 1st, we create a list of New Year's Resolutions, things we will do to improve ourselves over the next year. We come up with some imaginative ideas, like inventing a new device to clean children's toys, or writing a best-fiction horror novel. Some of the ideas are not so idealistic, like buying more shoes or saving money by using coupons. Many of these ideas never work out, and often, we never look at the list again after the first of the year. So what about trying a new idea, ways to improve YOURSELF, and starting this and ending it in the summer.

I came up with this idea because I know that summer is generally a season where we tend to have more free time. Something about the longer days, the warm summer sun, the relaxed demeanor of our personalities when we don't have to send the kids to school and can laze around in shorts and tshirts on the weekends. Summer is a wonderful time to do something for ourselves.

So, what are some great ways to improve the mind, body and soul? Here are my top ten picks:

1. Go to the beach and stay there. What do I mean by this? Don't just take a trip to Ocean City, MD or to the Bahamas. This could get complicated. If you go to a typical beach, you'll end up driving around the whole week going to ride go-karts with the kids and mini-golf, visiting nearby amusement parks, etc. This is not what I am suggesting. Go to a simple beach, somewhere there aren't many people but somewhere where you've got everything you need for the week. Park your car and forget about the keys. Get food for the week, or have a restaurant in the hotel. Get all your supplies ahead of time, like suntan lotion and towels. Then, just go out on the beach and lay there, day in and day out, and sip on frozen drinks and clear your mind. Rent an umbrella, so you aren't continuously out in the sun, but just relax, relax, relax. The calming ocean waters will do wonders for your mind, body and soul. It's truly addicting and relieving...

2. Take a craft class. Okay, what's that confused look on your face? You would think I just told you to jump off the Empire State Building or run without clothes through town. No, there's a reason for this idea. Creation brings peace. And, creating crafts brings peace because you are in a laid-back setting. If you take a craft class, the stress level is low. You will be working with other friendly people, with all the supplies you need, and learning how to make photo frames or flower arrangements, or some other soothing object. Try it before you don't believe me...

3. Write about it. Whatever is on your mind, write it down. Get it off your mind, and you'll feel a sense of relief and freedom. For instance, if you're mad at your sister for not returning your favorite sweater, or mad at your friend for ditching you at the baseball game, write it down. Make a list of why you are mad, and all the feelings involved, and then throw it in the trash and say to yourself that you're done with the stress of it. Once you have expressed it, it will help you get rid of the pent-up emotions tied to it, and you'll feel better.

4. Talk about it. If something's bothering you, get it off your chest. Go visit a friend you haven't seen in a while and share your thoughts and emotions. Just the act of connecting with someone else can really do wonders for your mind, body and soul. I would imagine many of you could literally say that for the past week at least, you haven't had a real discussion with anyone about anything. Getting thoughts out with another can really reduce the level of stress you feel.

5.Stretching exercises combined with meditating thoughts. You don't have to spend a great deal of money taking the newest yoga class or exercise class. All you have to do is stretch out each of your muscles by simple exercises that you can figure out on your own. Then, sit in a calm area in a comfortable position, and think peaceful thoughts. Many people find it useful to repeat a phrase over and over softly to themselves. Just knowing that you are taking time out to calm down will improve your mental state as well as your physical one.

6. Go to a quiet mountain area, and take in some of nature's fresh air. Go to a secluded spot, and just relax. Then, take some deep breaths and get your body back to its natural calm state. How often do you even take deep breaths? Do you even realize that you hardly ever use all of your lung's capacity and the healing effect it has to start doing this? It's very relaxing.

7. Learn something new. If you're in a rut, chances are you're bored with everything. If you have started to sound like Roseanne, you probably just don't have anything to get excited about anymore. Taking on a new challenge of something you're interested in can jump start your positivity again, and get you feeling like you have a purpose. Another mind, body and soul great!

8. Walk to work instead of driving. If it's too far, take the bus or ride your bike. Many people don't realize the toll that driving takes on one's well-being. It's not just about getting into a wreck or having to always be on the defensive, but it's also about just stopping and starting and rushing through traffic. Walking is a way to get rid of much of this stress.

9. Attend an interesting cultural event of your choosing. Don't just go to a rock concert, go to a grass-roots festival, or experience a different culture's music if that's your vibe. Or, visit a cultural museum or museum of heritage. Learn about different lifestyles, and in turn you will learn more about who you are as a person. This can be very uplifting, and you can make some new friends in the process.

10. Volunteer for a cause you are interested in. If you like older people,volunteer at an old folk's home. If you like music, volunteer at an outdoor summer concert. Volunteering does wonders for the mind, body and soul.