summer,
without a schedule.
FINDING BALANCE BETWEEN ROUTINE + SPONTANEITY
Let’s deep dive into the chaos of summer. Tips for maintaining those moments of ‘you time’ as well as on how to embrace the spontaneity that summer brings.
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Written by Millie Shiers | 7th July 2026summer can feel chaotic, so let’s get into how we can manage these feelings
Summer arrives, a time we have waited for all year. Whilst summer feels exciting and fun, it can also feel tricky, at times. The routine you had earlier in the year may go out of the window - exercise, nutrition and downtime are replaced by friends staying, holidays and meals out.
Today, I want to dive into how to be the happiest version of yourself over this period - a balance of prioritising moments of ‘you time’, but also embracing the lack of routine.
Routine is great - it helps us to feel on track and to prioritise our own health and wellness. Lack of routine is also great - it helps us to have fun, enjoy life’s spontaneous moments and to indulge.
Why We Don't Need an "All or Nothing" Summer
I used to think summer had to fit into one of two categories.
Either I'd stay disciplined, keep every healthy habit going and feel like I was "winning" at wellness. Or I'd completely let go, promising myself I'd get back on track in September.
Neither option ever left me feeling the best version of myself.
Maybe summer isn’t supposed to look the same as the winter months. Our days are longer, our diaries are fuller, we want to be outside, and social plans seem to pop up every weekend.
Instead of aiming for the perfect routine, I've started asking myself a different question:
What are the few things I can do that give me those moments of routine, without having to miss out on the summer spontaneity?
Keep Your Non-Negotiables Small
Rather than trying to maintain an entire routine, choose two or three small rituals that give you that you time without taking away from summer plans.
Move your body, even if it's only for 20 minutes
Start the morning without immediately reaching for your phone
Take ten minutes pre social plans to unwind - try a breathwork or meditation
Leave some dedicated days or evenings for no plans
Content That's helped Me This Summer
Here are a few pieces of content that have helped me think about how we may be feeling over summer and what we can do to help
Our gorgeous strength trainer, Emily recently shared an instagram about how the heat may impact your weight due to inflammation and how to not over stress but also the small steps you can take to help
“Since you all loved polly (my adenomyosis reframe!!) I thought I’d bring her back for this post, because my gosh did she want to be the star of the show for the last week ☀️😅
The heat has been touuuuuugh for everyone this last week. I’ve had multiple conversations with friends and clients about how they’re struggling with it. From thinking you’ve gained 100lbs of weight overnight, to feeling so bloated and lethargic, to feeling guilty for not being able to be as productive as normal - it’s easy to feel that you’ve taken 10 steps backwards with your goal 🥲
If you have endometriosis or adenomyosis, the heat can often affect us even more so.
For years I’ve struggled with this, and it’s still very much a work in progress especially when I go on holiday, but here are the things I do to make me feel in control and make me feel the best I can do!! Give this a save for your next hot holiday 🌞✈️
But the most important takeaway? It all goes back to consistency over perfection. It’s unrealistic to think you’ll be at your absolute best 24/7. All you can control is showing up for yourself in whatever capacity you can - and that will look different every day 💕✨
Em xx”
Substack
I also loved this substack - it essentially sums up everything I wanted to portray in this post with so many helpful tips - as always, balance is the key
A Gentle Reminder
If your routine looks different this summer, it doesn't mean you've fallen off track.
If you've swapped an evening workout for dinner with friends, or meal prep for pastries on holiday, that doesn't undo all the healthy choices you've made throughout the year.
Wellness is built on consistency over time, with flexibility to actually enjoy your life along the way.
Moments of discipline and moments of spontaneity.
So this summer, protect the habits that genuinely nourish and look after you. Let go of the ones that only exist to make you feel "productive". Embrace the spontaneous invitations, the late nights, the holidays and let the strict routine go.
Reframe the goal: to have a summer full of experiences, fun and memories - while still remembering to look after yourself along the way.
