If you’re googling “ways to make life easier this summer,” let me guess—you’re either avoiding a breakdown or already mid-meltdown but still managing to make everyone lunch. Again.
Maybe last spring you had big plans. A vision board. A vibe. This was going to be the year you’d try new things, eat from a local farmer’s market, and finally take that free online course about boundary-setting or sourdough or both. But now? You’re surviving on iced coffee, sarcasm, and prayers that nobody touches you with sticky fingers.
This is for you, tired human. These tips are not about reinventing yourself. They’re about little things that make everyday life feel slightly less like a hostage situation.
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1. Stop Romanticizing Summer Productivity
If you’re forcing yourself to read a self-help book while sweating through your back patio furniture cushions… let’s pause.
Doing less is a great way to protect your mental health. Summer isn’t about crushing goals—it’s a great time to un-crush yourself. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt. That’s a win for your overall health.
2. Create a No-Plan Weekend Box
This one is a personal favorite. Fill a bin with:
- Chalk, bubbles, and a bubble machine
- Paper towels and plastic bags
- A picnic blanket and emergency sunscreen
- Sandwich bag snacks.
On Saturday morning, when you’re out of ideas and your kids are asking for snacks for the seventh time, this becomes your sanity saver. Outdoor events don’t have to be fancy to work.
3. Embrace Repeat Meals (It’s Not a Crime)
Your new recipes era? Not right now.
Pick 5 easy meals. Repeat. If it doesn’t add stress and people actually eat it, it’s a good thing. This is one of the simplest ways to make life easier this summer without reinventing dinner every night.
And yes, “snack plate dinner” counts—especially when served on the back patio with a side of “don’t ask me for anything else.”
4. Keep a Car Survival Kit
Stock it with:
- Wipes
- Bandaids
- Extra deodorant
- A cup of tea packet and some snacks
- Bug spray
- A change of clothes
- A reusable water bottle
It sounds dramatic, but after one long day of being stuck somewhere sticky and unprepared, you’ll thank your past self. This is a fantastic way to save your nerves and possibly your blood pressure.
5. Start Morning Routines Outside
Yes, even if it’s just ten minutes of stretching or sipping coffee in silence.
Morning routines don’t need to be productive. They just need to give you a breath of fresh air and remind you that you’re a human being—not just the scheduler, driver, cook, and therapist for your household.
It’s the first step to feeling like yourself again.
6. Cancel the Guilt RSVP
That party, BBQ, or live music event that makes you anxious just thinking about it? You can say no. Social interaction should feel good—not obligatory.
Repeat after me: “I’m already committed that day… to protecting my sanity.”
7. Wear the Damn Shorts
Stop letting social media and 2006 trauma tell you your legs need a permission slip. It’s hot. You’re sweating. Physical health includes not overheating to avoid judgment.
Put the shorts on. That’s it. That’s the post.
8. Switch to Cold Showers
Not scalding. Not arctic. Just cool enough to calm your nervous system and reduce inflammation. Bonus: you’ll be way less likely to throw a shoe when someone spills juice on your couch again.
Plus—it’s an easy, healthy way to shake off a stress spiral.
9. Get a Personal Fan (Yes, Really)
We’re not better than portable neck fans, okay? If it keeps you from melting into a puddle of rage while watching outdoor events, it’s worth it. That $27 Amazon fan? One of my favorite things.
This is about survival, not style. Ha Ha!
10. One of the Easiest Ways to Make Life Easier This Summer: Ditch the Perfect Summer Checklist
You are not required to have new friends over every weekend, make popsicles from scratch, or journal your word of the year every morning.
If you’re present—even on the couch, even tired—that’s enough. The best things in life often happen in between the chaos. Like quality time during a spontaneous grocery run or laughing at memes with your kid.
11. Batch Errands Like You’re a Pro
Combine your kid drop off, grocery run, and pharmacy stop into one loop. Do it early on saturday morning to avoid the crowds.
Use the rest of the day for doing absolutely nothing. That’s called smart scheduling.
12. Automate Anything That Makes You Gag
If it’s a repetitive task, let a robot do it. Subscriptions, bills, reorders—whatever.
You don’t need to spend an amount of time each week managing the same nonsense. Save your energy for things like finding socks that match or Trying really hard not to laugh at the unintentionally inappropriate things Miss Rachel says—but wow, it’s a challenge sometimes.
13. Start a Summer “Done List”
Forget your to-do list. Write down what you’ve already done—this is one of those quiet but powerful ways to make life easier this summer when your brain is fried and everything feels undone.
- Took a shower
- Fed yourself
- Kept tiny humans alive
- Didn’t scream
It’s a daily reminder that you are doing enough. And sometimes? Surviving is the win.
14. Respect Your Energy Clock
If you know you hit a wall by 3 PM, stop pretending you’ll be productive then.
Schedule low-effort things for that window—like sending a text, checking your savings accounts, or lying horizontal and ignoring everyone for a while.
Honoring your rhythms helps with mental health, physical health, and long-term sanity.
15. Upgrade Your Cold Drinks
You’re already drinking iced coffee. Why not rotate in new things like lemon-infused water, iced tea, sparkling drinks with mint, or an occasional mocktail with olive oil drizzle (trust the TikTok chefs).
Bonus points for a straw and a fancy glass. It’s one of my personal favorite mood boosters.
16. Log Off When Comparison Creeps In
If social media has you convinced you’re doing summer wrong, close the app.
The last time someone posted their beach trip, you didn’t see the tantrum, the price tag, or the sunburn. Their highlight reel isn’t your starting point. You’re doing just fine.
17. Treat Yourself to One Weekly Surprise
Maybe it’s product samples in the mail. A new hair mask. A pack of pens. Just something small.
It’s a good idea to have something fun to look forward to—especially when your week is just busy schedules and trying not to scream in the minivan.
18. Stop Fixing Yourself on a Deadline
Summer isn’t a self-improvement contest. You don’t need to conquer your trauma and redesign your life between now and Labor Day.
Healing happens in layers. And the important way to heal? Rest. Joy. Permission to pause. That’s your real growth edge right now.
19. Build the Smallest Habits Possible
Want a healthier way to reset? Add tiny habits:
- 2 minutes of stretching
- A daily glass of water
- One deep breath before reacting
- Regular exercise once a week (not daily—unless that works for you)
This is the starting point, not the finish line. Small tweaks can make a huge difference in how you feel—and honestly, they’re underrated ways to make life easier this summer when you’re mentally maxed out.
20. Remember: This Is Just a Season
You’re not failing. You’re just in it—and honestly? Doing better than you think.
One cup of tea. One walk to the mailbox. One nap. One friend who gets it. These are your best ways to reclaim a little peace inside this chaos. When it feels like the wheels are falling off, remember that small things are enough. These are the real, human, messy ways to make life easier this summer—even if your version of “easier” includes snacks for dinner and hiding in the bathroom for quiet time.
Bonus Tip: Let the Kids Be Bored
Seriously. Let them be “so bored.” It builds creativity, resilience, and (bonus) gives you free time.
You don’t need to constantly entertain them. You’re not a circus performer—you’re a person who just wants to sit without someone asking, “Can I have a snack?”
Let boredom do the parenting for once.
What If This Summer Is Just… Hard?
Let this be your daily reminder: You’re allowed to choose ease. Say yes to help. Eat cereal for dinner. Cry for no reason. Celebrate first things like: “I got out of bed today.”
You’re not broken. You’re a badass with too much on your plate.
Mini Rant: You Do Not Need to Improve Yourself This Summer
You do not need to:
- Lose 10 pounds
- Marie-Kondo your whole house
- Be fun at pool parties
- Post about your word of the year
- Pretend you’re okay when you’re not
Summer isn’t a test. You don’t get graded. You just get through it, hopefully with less stress and more cold drinks.
Let’s Make a Pact: Use These Ways to Make Life Easier This Summer
This summer, we choose:
- Less pressure
- More softness
- Fewer expectations
- More quality time
- A bit of rest, joy, and not pretending to love every minute
You deserve it. Not next time. Not last week. Right now.
Are you ready to boost your summer confidence? Check out Hot Girl Summer Body Envy: How to Boost Confidence and Love Your Body More.
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