As the days get longer and the sun starts peeking out more often, many of us find ourselves dreaming of summer. Vacations, weekends at the coast, backyard BBQs — it’s a season that holds so much potential for joy, rest, and reconnection. But here’s the thing: unless we plan for that fun, it often slips through our fingers. Summer hits, life stays busy, and suddenly, it’s September, and we never quite got the reset we needed.
We still have time. Take this moment — before summer is fully here — to sit down and map out what you want from the season ahead. Whether you’re juggling work, parenting, or both, you can carve out intentional time for play, rest, and connection. One of our interns this summer already has six getaways and gatherings on her calendar. I thought, Wow. Way to go! That’s the kind of intentionality we could all benefit from.
I often think back to when Eric and I lived in Poland. The whole month of August, cities emptied out — everyone was off at the coast or spending time in the countryside. It didn’t matter how much money you had — people still went camping or took a break from the daily grind. In many European countries, long summer breaks are the norm. It’s like a national sabbatical, and it’s how people survive and thrive.
We need that same mindset here.
Try setting a goal to take at least one getaway each month during the summer — even if it’s just a long weekend. Make space for different kinds of experiences:
- A couples getaway (Portland-area couples counseling clients — this one’s for you!)
- A solo retreat
- Time with extended family or friends
- And definitely time in nature — think forests, lakes, oceans
Spending time outdoors is more than just pleasant; it’s healing. In Japan, “forest bathing” is actually prescribed by doctors — it’s the practice of immersing yourself in the natural world, breathing in the forest air, and letting your nervous system reset. And it works. It can support your mental health, reduce anxiety, and even help with symptoms of depression (a great complement to depression therapy, by the way).
Whether you’re in the middle of marriage therapy or working on personal growth, time away — real, restorative time — is crucial. (And let’s be honest, here in the Portland area, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful getaways.) So look at your calendar. Talk to your partner or your family. What kind of summer do you want to create? And what budget can you set aside now, so there’s less stress later?
Let’s give ourselves permission to step away from electronics, into nature, and back into joy. Summer can be a powerful reset — if we make space for it.
And if you’re in the Portland, Oregon area and need help navigating those conversations or planning intentional connection, we’re here for you. Whether through couples therapy or exploring tools like neurofeedback, we’d love to support you in making this your most connected summer yet.
Photo by Ricardo IV Tamayo on Unsplash
