Category: self-care

person lounging in hammock at the beach

Why we’d love summer camp for adults

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My kiddo gets an average of 3 months of summer vacation, and spends weeks at camp, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, and tromping through the woods with new friends. In contrast, I have spent far too many summers in an office where I couldn’t even open a window. Which leaves me wondering: Why isn’t there summer camp for adults?

As it turns out, there is. But a fair number of adult summer camps appear to be designed for youngish folks who want to drink all day, party under the moonlight, and stumble around the forest yelling “Wooooo!!!” (or “Yaaaaas!!!”, depending on the demographic). But that’s not my scene.

I did turn up some appealing options like Camp GLP, Camp Grounded, and of course Burning Man. And I’ve participated in fun outdoor activities with groups like Outdoor Afro, so they are out there.

But, sadly, summer camp is not something most adults do. Most Americans don’t even use the vacation time their employers grant them. I know that’s not you, but just let it sink in for a moment: Chances are, you’re surrounded by people who work too much and play too little.

In fact, unless they teach Kindergarten, grown-ups are not encouraged to incorporate play into their lives. (And, no, I’m not talking about the hyper-organized, consultant-facilitated exercises that you’re made to do at your company’s annual retreat.)

I’m not proposing that adults spend their entire summers at camp. I’m just suggesting that we take our damn vacations and spend at least a week or two every year ignoring our email and producing absolutely nothing but doodles, cocktails, and new friends.

I dream of a summer camp for adults that will include the following:

rest and relax

toes, hammock, treesTake a good long stretch of time to do nothing. There will be hammocks. Lay back. Look at the clouds and the stars. Read a self-help book or a novel. Take a cat nap or write in your journal.

Chefs will cook all of our meals for us. Cold drinks, tea/coffee, and snacks will be available throughout the day. The food will be healthy, hearty, and delicious with options for various diets. When it’s meal time, just show up and enjoy the company!

In addition to daily yoga sessions, there also will be daily Yoga Nidra sessions, where you can get some of your deepest rest ever.

Sleep will be revered, because you probably don’t get enough sleep. I realize that some people naturally wake up early, but for those who don’t, sleeping in is strongly encouraged.

play

pond surrounded by grassesThere will be water to splash around in. Cool off your feet. Jump in. Float on your back.

Back on dry land, grab a new friend and build a human pyramid. Learn how to double-Dutch. Make a mask of your alter ego. Henna your entire body. Play drums and dance like a lunatic.

Do some acroyoga. Hula hoop. Dance, dance, dance. (How to reconcile dance parties with long, deep sleep? Have to work this through, but it must be possible!)

make new friends

Remember when you showed up at the first day of summer camp, nervous and excited? All the other campers were feeling something similar. And then you’d start doing stuff (see Play, above), and before you knew it you were having fun with your new friends.

be intentional

Maybe you’re longing to connect with your playful, curious side, or want to nudge your shy side out of its shell. Maybe you’ve been driven by your to-do list and need to reconnect with spontaneity.

At my summer camp, each person will be asked before arriving: What’s the spark that’s missing in your life? What can you do (or not do) at camp to ignite that spark?

How about you:
What would you do at summer camp?
When was the last time you played outside?

Can’t fall asleep? Try this

We’ve all had those nights when we just can’t fall asleep. Whether you’re going through a breakup, living through a pandemic, or have a big decision to make, sometimes your mind won’t stop churning.

Here are some tips to help when you can’t fall asleep.

Just admit it

Tossing and turning in bed isn’t going to make you sleepier. It’s usually better to face the fact that you’re not falling asleep and just turn on the light. Be gentle with yourself. See if any of these solutions might help.

Drink something warm (or cool, if it’s summer)

Make yourself a mug of herbal tea that includes camomile and mint, two herbs with calming effects. Or drink a glass of water. Don’t rush.

Pick up a book

Not a magazine. Not your phone. An actual book, made of paper. For bedtime, it’s best to choose a book where not much happens. I love a good 19th-century novel as much for the soporific effects as for the insights into human behavior.

Do something boring and quiet

Folding tea towels, watering the plants, knitting, flossing your teeth — all of these human activities are delightfully boring. Which would you rather do, fold the laundry or be sound asleep? Maybe you can trick yourself by being so boring that sleep starts to look like a fascinating diversion.

Do a gentle stretching routine

Unroll your yoga mat or lie on the carpet and give yourself a delicious stretch. Nothing to strenuous. Just see where you’re body feels a bit creaky, and stretch those muscles.

Find some background sounds

If your thoughts are racing a mile a minute, you’ll need to escape them long enough to get some rest. One way is to cover up the chatter with soothing sounds. Here are some good options:

White noise: this can be the classic soft hiss, crickets chirping, water gurgling. You can get this from a white noise machine or an app like Insight Timer.

Music: Something instrumental, or any music that calms you.
Not recommended: Break-up music that makes you cry.

Talk: Listen to a boring soothing book on CD, download some podcasts where the conversation is mellow.
Not recommended: Contentious talk radio.

Tip: Get some soft earbuds so you can lay down comfortably while listening.

Do Yoga Nidra or a guided meditation

With guided meditation and Yoga Nidra, the instructor gently directs you through the relaxation process. You can download a meditation podcast or find a calming meditation on an app such as Insight Timer.

Ways to Prepare Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep

Get some exercise during the day

Try yoga, running, swimming, or a brisk walk. Anything that floats your boat.

Establish a bedtime routine

If possible, start your routine around the same time every night. Your routine could go something like this:

  1. pick out tomorrow’s clothes
  2. take a bath or wash your beautiful face
  3. make some herbal tea; maybe do some breakfast prep while waiting for the water to boil
  4. get into bed with your tea and a good (but not too good?) book
  5. lights out by [fill in the blank] o’clock.

Get some bodywork or energy work

Many modalities of body work and energy work can relieve tension and help you sleep better:

  • massage
  • Reiki
  • acupuncture
  • sound baths

Tip: Ask friends and co-workers for recommendations for local practitioners.

Desperate for sleep?

When you absolutely, positively must get some real sleep, ask your doc for a prescription for sleeping pills. But keep those as a last resort because: side effects.