Between working from home, domestic obligations and planning summer vacations, sometimes you may feel overwhelmed. What you need is a moment to recharge your batteries so that your body and spirit can keep up with your daily routine. Fortunately, there are many ways to recharge and take care of yourself; you just have to identify which activities make you feel good! Here are our tips for putting your daily routine on pause and taking care of yourself this summer.

If you’re into the outdoors…

It is a well-known fact that engaging in an outdoor activity provides a wealth of benefits, both for the body and the mind. Several studies have shown that exercising in nature also has beneficial effects on mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. All reasons are good to be active in nature! So this summer, leave the screens behind and go explore the surrounding nature. Clear your mind and get some fresh air with our activity suggestions to get you moving.

Discover the bodies of water in the area 

Being in contact with water feels so wonderful! And you don’t have to go far to enjoy it: the Rivière-des-Mille-Iles Park, located on the northern tip of the island, allows young and old alike to try out different water sports. Choose your watercraft from among kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pedal boats, rowboats, or the rabaska, and head out on an adventure!

Since it is possible to picnic on some of the islands, remember to bring snacks and refreshments for everyone. No one likes to exercise on an empty stomach! For a healthy meal on the go, we suggest you order a boxed lunch from Avril. This means your menu will be ready in advance and you’ll only have to pick it up on your way to your destination!

Go explore the forest 

Going for a walk in the quiet of the forest while observing the flora and fauna is so pleasurable! And how lucky we are to live in a city where nature abounds: there is no shortage of parks and forests to choose from. An easy way to discover them is through Canopée, the Laval woods network, which promotes 8 different woods in the region in a sustainable way. Among them, we find the Bois de l’Équerre and the Bois Armand-Frappier, to name a few. Hiking has never been so enjoyable!

But before leaving on your adventure, make sure you are dressed for the occasion. Lightweight clothing that dries quickly if you sweat a lot, and protects you from UV rays, is a must. If your sportswear wardrobe is lacking, you should know that the Hyba line, available at Reitmans, offers pieces that are as trendy as they are comfortable to move in. What more could we ask for?

Try out a new sport 

While it’s not always possible to go out and explore the area for a full day, there’s nothing stopping you from getting active at home or simply in a neighbourhood park. Yoga, Frisbee or badminton are just a few of the many sports that can be practised easily and affordably in your backyard.

If you feel like trying a new sport this summer, go to Décathlon to get your clothes and sports items at great prices. Their numerous house brands will allow both the beginner and the enthusiast to find what they need!

If you’re More Into Mindfulness… 

The practice of mindfulness helps us to live in the present moment, without our thoughts diverging towards something else. It is about observing without judgment what is happening around us and in our body: we notice our thoughts and sensations without trying to control them. This practice is especially helpful for people living with anxiety, stress, chronic pain or other health problems. So why not give it a try? Here are some activities to help you take care of yourself while practising mindfulness.

Prepare a spa evening at home 

After a full day of running against the clock, there’s nothing better than enjoying a spa evening at home to take care of your body and rest your mind. You can take the opportunity to pamper your skin, which is also affected by stress. On the menu: face mask, bubble bath, exfoliation, and total relaxation!

To finish the spa session, give yourself a manicure and pedicure to make you feel beautiful from head to toe. We love Yves Rocher’s Go Green nail polish line, as it’s formulated with plant-based ingredients for a reduced environmental impact.

Transform your bedroom into a meditation haven 

The wonderful thing about mindfulness and meditation is that it can be practised anywhere! But the best place to do it is in a quiet and distraction-free environment: the bedroom is the perfect place. To enhance the experience, use a diffuser that will fill the room with a mild scent. Aromatherapy will help you prepare your mind for relaxation and peace.

Discover the best essential oils to relax among the vast selection at the Naturiste. When in doubt, choose eucalyptus or lavender, scents well known to reduce stress. Plus, your home will smell like a spa!

Escape in a great book 

Living in the present can also be done by keeping your brain busy. And for that purpose, nothing is better than reading: we immerse ourselves in a universe that transports us far from our reality, for a few precious moments.

You’re not sure what to read right now? Renaud-Bray’s Coups de coeur selection will guide you to a wide array of must-read novels. For those who wish to rest their mind, we love the mandala-style colouring books, also available at the bookstore.

We wish you great relaxing summer!  

All of this… so close by!