Non-Food Related Activities To Do This Summer
The summer months can be a time of year where a lot of emphasis is placed on events and activities revolving around food and toxic diet-related conversations. However, there are many activities and things to do in warmer months either alone, with friends, or with family that do not include food.
By: Tori Barkosky
Although food is often used as a way of bringing groups of people together and provides a basis for gathering, here is a list of other activities to add to your “to-do” list this summer.
Spend Time With Nature
On your own or with friends, take time to spend outside and feel the sun on your skin, the breeze in your hair, or your toes in the grass or sand. Nature can be a great way of clearing your mind and providing therapeutic-like benefits. Whether you are sitting, reading a book, gardening, writing, or walking, spend some of your time in the great outdoors.
Visit Historic Sites or Art Museums
Even if you are not into art or are a history buff, learning something new about the background of someone or an event or appreciating an artist’s creativity can be great things to try this summer. Many places are free or low-cost and serve as a great way to spend time away from reality and food or diet-related conversations. Also, who knows? Maybe it will spark some creative juice in you.
Volunteer
Are there any causes you feel strongly about and want to help advocate for? Take some time to look into ways to volunteer spare time to serve those in need. Often, performing selfless acts brings people joy knowing that they are making a difference in the lives of someone else. But ensure this does not come at the expense of not taking care of you first.
Practice Yoga
Connection of the mind, body, and spirit is a beautiful experience, and yoga and meditation are great ways of providing it. Moving your body in a way that instills gentle, guided movement and mindfulness is an excellent way to spend your time and feel relaxed. Regardless of religious beliefs, this art can be practiced (and be practiced almost anywhere – yoga studios, your bedroom, outside with nature) and provide numerous health benefits.
These are just some ideas of activities and events you can engage in this summer either by yourself or with others unrelated to food. There are so many other ways you can spend your time and find enjoyment, such as attending local events, festivals, and concerts. Give yourself grace this summer and see what feels good for you and how you wish to spend your time – it looks different for everyone.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ is here to help you use Summer 2022 to prioritize your road to recovery. This summer at BALANCE, you can gain tools to navigate all the pressures the summer months bring, reduce eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, and develop a more peaceful relationship with food and your body. Click here to learn more about summer eating disorder treatment at BALANCE, or schedule a time to speak with our admissions team here.
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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is currently a third-year student at St. Catherine University, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She desires to become a holistic therapist or psychologist in the future and work with clients with eating disorders and help them recover and heal their broken relationship with food and body and find liberation from diet culture. Outside of classes and work, Tori enjoys yoga, being in nature, and consuming too much coffee.