You wake from the sweetest sleep, with no idea what time it is. For a moment, you wonder what day it might be, and then you realize—it’s a completely free day. You stretch out fully—the bedsheets feel especially soft today. You only get out of bed enough to open the window. Sunrays bring in the scent of freshly cut grass and birdsong. You fall back into bed like a starfish, thinking about everything you could do today. And then, you make the choice that you don’t have to do any of it. A sense of peace and joy, as if found out of nowhere. There’s no rush to be anywhere. Nothing needs to be done. Just you, your comfort zone, and an endless morning.
I’ve spent most of my life being a summer-anxious person. Depressed in winter, anxious in summer. There was never enough time to do everything, enjoy everything, experience everything. Summer felt so short and pitiful—and then suddenly, it was Christmas again. The more I rushed, the more I tried to experience, the more stressed I became. Time slipped through my fingers like sand I was trying to bottle. And I remembered less and less and less.
This year, I spent Midsummer on Saaremaa at my friend’s farm. Life was simple: four days of cooking, talking, sauna, and lounging. I used to think holidays had to be over-the-top—and I couldn’t keep up with that. But you can celebrate in your own way, slowly and calmly. The weather was miserable, but the farmhouse was incredibly cozy. The small kitchen fit a lovely group of people, and everyone shared stories and dreams. It inspired me for the whole upcoming summer—and helped me realize the kind of people I want around me.
I realized that to experience more, you need to do less. One project at a time—slower, more mindfully. When anxiety rises, take a step back. I used to think that anxiety meant I had to move faster. Fight-or-flight would kick in, and fear would take over my actions. But now I’ve come to understand that my job is to let my body know that there’s no danger. That means slowing down and showing my body that we’re in a safe space. One we’ve created ourselves. One we control. And that sense of control comes from letting go—because the tighter you try to hold on, the less safe your body feels.
We wait all winter long for the green season. And when it finally comes, we don’t know what to do with it. My nature-enjoying goals for this summer are simple: classical music, my dog, sneakers—and discovering Nõmme. Living in Tallinn means nature is right at your fingertips—close, immediate, ready to be experienced. Look at the houses—what’s their story? What have people planted in their gardens, what trees grow in their yards? Take a blanket and some snacks, lie down in a park and watch the stormy clouds roll by. Watch the bees, clumsily working between the flowers. Find a body of water—be it the sea or a river—and let yourself get lost in the sound of trickling water. Find plants and flowers in the forest, bring them home and place them in a vase—a piece of summer’s beauty and scent in your own home.
Romanticizing your life adds so much magic to the simplest things. Take time to make cooking special. Decorate the table, bring out your finest dishes, and create a meal that brings you joy. Put on your favorite music, lie down on the couch, and just listen. In your home, in your own magic that you created.
Do less, consume less—but in return, create more. Make art for your soul. Photograph sunsets or old doors in the Old Town. Paint in your favorite colors. Write about your desires and dreams. Your soul needs an outlet—if it doesn’t get one, it grows anxious and searches endlessly for a place to hide. And that’s how it buries itself in addictions and worries. Summer is a great time to find a creative outlet for your stress. Find one passion and immerse yourself in inspiration.
And if you do feel like heading into the city for good company and relaxed activities, art is always waiting for you. Grab a couple of friends, a good coffee, and stroll through a few galleries. Estonia’s Old Towns offer something special for every taste. It’s a lovely alternative to overstimulating screens and helps your brain create new creative connections. And even if your mind does wander back to the screen, there are still more mindful, creative spaces to get lost in—like Pinterest: browse what inspires you and create your own boards with photos and paintings that reflect your summer dreams.
You deserve calm nerves. You deserve to enjoy summer on your own terms. Life, home, the weather, and friends can all be enjoyed slowly and peacefully.
What are you running from?
Take this summer to answer your own questions and figure out what kind of lifestyle you truly need.
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How to enjoy summer – slowly.