10 Refreshing Soul Breaks for Summer

Carefree and easy summer days, right?Not so much if your life is overfilled with fun activities, or you're so busy getting ready for them that your soul care is neglected.Adding anxiety or people drama to your day doesn't help either.But, hey, it happens to everyone. Moi included.Yesterday, when I looked at my to-do list, I immediately wanted to go back to bed. My day was crammed with too many activities, responsibilities, and a drama queen.My legacy depends on the grace and strength found only in Jesus.Morning prayer and devotions wasn't going to be enough to get me through this summer day feeling fresh, free, joyful, and connected to Jesus.Time to scatter a few soul breaks throughout my day.

You need this too. You know you do.

First of all, give yourself permission to take a break.Yes, you heard me right. Give yourself permission to NOT get everything done on your to-do list today.Move a few things to another day and time.THEN add a few 20-minute breaks here and there to your day—reserved just for YOU.Use that time for something pleasurable that brings a calm to your soul and a smile to your face. Following are 10 suggestions.

10 Refreshing Soul Breaks for Summer

1. Take a 20-minute nap

Science is catching up to the fact that naps are good for you. They offer rest for your body and your soul. Don't believe me? Read Unleash the Power of the Nap.

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2. Sit and muse with the Lord over a glass of ice tea

Pause and sit in your favorite lawn chair for a half hour of musing with the Lord. Don't forget the tea.

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3. Take a mental vacation

I like to take 20-minute breaks throughout my day to read a book. One chapter easily fits into this time frame. It gives me something to look forward to when I'm knee-deep in a task.Reading takes me to far away lands and lets me take part in adventures that enlarge my soul. Some books give me food for thought that I can muse on as I fold laundry or cook dinner.

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4. Write an appreciation note

Bringing joy to someone often lifts your soul in ways you don't expect. Who do you know that needs a little appreciation?Send him or her an e-card or a slow-mail note to brighten their day.Include 2 things that you admire about their attitude, actions, or character.

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5. Get in the water

Water can be so calming. If you have a pool, take 20 minutes alone to just float and enjoy the sun and breeze. Don't "do" anything. Simply float and enjoy the water.If you don't have a pool, take your ice tea and sit in a bathtub full of cool water. Put a wet cloth on your forehead and relax. A swimsuit is optional.

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6. Make and enjoy a special lunch

One of my favorite soul breaks is creating a special lunch just for myself. Not the kind where you grab some bread and slop some peanut butter on it, then gobble it down while you get in the car to run errands.No, no, no. Make this lunch special. It doesn't have to be fancy. Simple food is usually best and looks lovely when you plate it on a pretty dish. Add a refreshing drink.Then find a still, quiet place to sit down and enjoy each bite. Don't rush. Enjoy the meal.

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7. Go for a walk

See how many things you can hear and see that make God smile. It could be children playing, birds singing, lovers holding hands, the wind dancing through the trees, or the sun setting behind the hill.

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8. Shut your eyes, breathe deeply... and listen

Put some worship music on Pandora, then close your eyes and listen. Let the worship connect your soul to the rhythm of the Holy Spirit.Rest your mind and listen for what the Spirit is saying. For 20 minutes. And if you fall asleep, that's OK too. See #1.

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9. Make a summer salad for dinner

Get artistic with the Creator by creating a fun summer salad. What ingredients will you use—fruit, vegetables, protein, and maybe something crunchy?Mix the colors or combine them into one color scheme. Match or contrast the flavors. Add a homemade dressing that ties it all together. Enjoy the creating and the eating experience.

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10. Become an armchair traveler

Grab a bowl of nuts and put on a TV travel show. Learn about someplace you've never been, but would love to see. When you're done, pray for the people who live in the place you just visited. Someday you may meet them.

That's my group of 10 refreshing soul breaks for summer!

Without soul breaks you become a cranky person. That's NOT who you want to be. And people don't want to be around you when you're cranky. (Who want's "cranky" listed on their legacy list? Not you!)So choose 2 of these soul breaks to swirl into your day. Then let me know how it went. :-)I'm always looking for new ideas for soul breaks, so if you have one, please share it below!Now... go refresh your soul.Susan