Take Advantage of Summer
Summer is here! This statement makes many people jump for joy because online learning (or homeschooling) is done, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. There are others, however, that may feel anxiety and stress as routines are suddenly gone, summer vacations are on hiatus and the long days stretch ahead demanding to be filled with activity.
Whether you are feeling excitement or stress about the idea of summer, the Library would like to show you how you can take advantage of the season, with lots of facts, tips and encouragement (and of course some book suggestions!).
First, the facts
Sometimes it seems as if the seasons shift overnight, and suddenly Summer is here with long days and sticky hot weather. Most people believe this happens because the Earth is closer to the sun during these months, but did you know this is actually incorrect? Find out the real reason why the seasons change at NASA Science’s Space Place website.
Food!
Got your attention? We love to eat, but Summer heat tends to drive down our hunger, since our body doesn’t need to use as much energy to keep us warm. We often shy away from heavy meals, which is a great opportunity to use more fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Try these books on summer cooking , or ice cream, from our catalogue, or these cooking magazines from RBDigital, where the newest issues are full of summer ideas! Fun fact: according to Chinese medicine, berries are very alkaline, which means that they will generate cold energy in the body and cool you down.
Goodbye Routine
Schedules may be more relaxed in summer, but we can still benefit from knowing what to expect on a daily basis. Keeping consistent wake and bedtime, regular meals and planned downtime is helpful for children and adults.
How about creating a ‘Summer Bucket List’ with your family, which can build excitement and allow everyone to provide input? Get the kids to help make it beautiful with their imagination! You could still create a sense of consistency throughout the week with themes, such as ‘Messy Monday’ art projects, or ‘Wet Wednesdays’ with water play in the backyard. Check out our summer reading page for weekly challenges as part of your summer routine!
This amazing website by The Family Dinner Project has great ideas to make meal times more dynamic and fun, even including one-line conversation ideas and tons of tips on surviving dinner time for all types of families.
Summer Vacation
The need to escape and recharge is even more important this summer, but with border closures and airport restrictions, we need to think of our summer plans in new ways. How about virtual tourism? Websites like Explore.org offer live webcam experiences around the world in real time, offering unique getaway options!
Have you thought about the pleasure you get from simply planning and anticipating a trip? You can involve the whole family doing research for the next family adventure, as trip planning itself can be a fulfilling experience. Try these tips for getting kids involved in the process!
This is a great time to reflect on past vacations! Relive the experiences with scrapbooking or making a photo show, and talk about what was most fulfilling and fun! Check out these books on scrapbooking from our catalogue!
The great outdoors
Whether you enjoy bike rides or a walk around the block, know that stress is relieved within minutes of exposure to nature. Vitamin D from the sun strengthens your immune system and actually helps build stronger bones. Have you ever tried walking barefoot in your backyard? Check out the Toronto Star’s article on the grounding effects and health benefits of feeling the earth under your feet!
So drive with the windows down, start up the BBQ and don’t forget to relax with a summer read from the Brantford Public Library!