Summers are exciting because it means fun, sun, and family time, right? We often don't think about rest as our go-to. If you don't schedule some slow-paced summer rest you may end up burning out! Here's a few tried and true ideas to get you to the back-to-school finish line.

Make time for relaxation.

To make time for rest, you must schedule it. Set a time when everyone in your household can relax together, whether it's after dinner or on the weekends. Having a designated time for relaxation will help establish a pattern of restfulness.

The next step is deciding what type of restful activities work best for your family. Whatever form that relaxation takes in your home, make sure it's something everyone enjoys doing (or at least somewhat enjoys doing it!).

Go on a nature hike together.

With your family, go on a long nature hike. Take it slow. Nature hikes provide the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect with one another and nature. A change of scenery can do wonders for your mental health, so take advantage of this season to enjoy the outdoors (but stay COOL, bring water and hats).

Practice different calming techniques with your family. As you are walking, ask your child to tell you 4 things they hear, 3 things they see, 2 things they feel, 1 thing they smell, and 1 thing they taste. While it may seem silly, this game provides them with the opportunity to stop and focus on what their body is experiencing and can be helpful throughout life - when they are nervous about a test, mad about an outcome, or super excited.

Connect with family and friends.

The summer is a great time to connect with friends and family. As you make plans for the season, consider ways you can involve your children’s friends in the fun. Inviting kids in your neighborhood or inviting families to join you at a local park or lake are great ways to help your kids stay connected while they take a break from school. You might also plan a time where some of your child's close friends could come over to create some simple “care packages” that could be delivered to other friends or family.

Take a walk in your neighborhood or in a nearby park at night.

The weather is usually a little cooler in the evenings and nighttime, so take this opportunity to get out and see the stars. If you have a dog, they need exercise, and they're likely to enjoy this evening stroll too!

As you walk, have your children take note of the feeling of the cool breeze on their skin, hearing the nighttime sounds, and seeing the stars twinkling in the sky. Say a prayer together as a family or talk about what each family member is grateful for during that day.

Take a Mental and Spiritual break

Encourage your kids to read books, color, draw, or play with creative toys like LEGO instead of being on electronics all day long. Reading helps kids develop their minds while also helping them relax at the same time! Set a timer for an appropriate amount of time so they know what to expect. Stash the phones and iPads somewhere only you can reach!

Plan some quiet time for reflection or prayer. You may need to guide them, but this time just listening will help set the day in calmness and intention. You could start with Matthew 19:14! If you have a teen, the Make it Count Curriculum I wrote might be a good slow paced activity.

Birds on a Wire is a ministry that provides Godly, practical advice so that moms at any stage can feel celebrated, encouraged, and equipped to parent with confidence. Karen Stubbs founded Birds on a Wire in 2011 to share her experiences as a mom and guide others through their motherhood journey. Through Mom Studies, books, the Wire Talk podcast, The Perch blogs, BOAW groups, in person events, and an active BOAW Mom's Group on Facebook, BOAW creates a welcoming community for moms to connect on topics that are meaningful to them. Follow us on social on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn or learn more about us at birdsonawiremoms.com.