6 Ways to Actually Relax This Labor Day Weekend

Floral One-piece | Krewe Sunglasses | Clear Handbag | Williamsburg Hotel

Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner and I’m already looking forward to unplugging and relaxing for 4 consecutive days 💆🏼 It’s alway bittersweet when Labor Day rolls around because it marks the last weekend of summer before the start of fall. This summer has truly been one of the most relaxing summers I can remember. I’ve had plenty of time to travel with friends, read good books, visit family, but also spend quality time getting to know this new city of mine. Today’s post is about some of my favorite ways to truly relax and unwind. In a world that’s so fast paced, sometimes it takes a list of reminders of remember how to tune it all out. Hoping you make time over LDW to enjoy nature, put your OOO reply on, and be 100% present with the people you love ❤️

1. Get Some Vitamin D

If you’re like me and spend all week cooped up in a concrete jungle, you have to take advantage of these last few weeks of summer sunshine. Being from northern Indiana and so close to Lake Michigan, I spent a lot of my childhood out on the lake. I grew up with a pool in my parent’s backyard and we always loved vacationing at the beach. There’s just something about being out in the sun and on the water that brings on a sense of calm and clarity.

But…as much as I love the sun, for the last 7+ years I’ve been extremely careful about protecting my skin from it’s harmful rays. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in our country, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer before age 70. I was pretty careless about sun exposure in my teenage years, but I’m trying my best to make up for it by being smart about protecting my skin. The Australian Gold® Botanical SPF 30 Mineral Lotion is a non-chemical formula that is gentle on your skin care for your skin and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. I love this collection because it’s a non-greasy formula that is available in both lotion and spray form. Browse other Australian Gold products here.

2. Take a long walk with someone you love

This is one of my favorite things to do with my mom. We love walking through the surrounding neighborhoods in our hometown. No phones! Just a little exercise and good conversation. Instead of walking or running outside with headphones, invite a friend to keep you company.

3. Go for a drive and listen to country music

I miss this so much! Conner and I love driving around on backroads in Kentucky with the windows down and the country music turned up. We both sold our cars and don’t ever get the chance to drive anymore, so it’s seems like a luxury whenever we get the chance. Hit the backroads this LDW and turn on one of your favorite playlists…it’s good for the soul 🙂

4. Campfire + Grill Out

At my parents house, we love sitting out by the fire while we make s’mores and cuddle up in our pajamas. Take advantage of these last few grill-weather weekends because it will be take-out season before we know it..

5. Read a fiction book

I feel like a lot of the things I read in my spare time are educational or self-help books. My grandma told me that she spent her whole life reading every self help book, but it wasn’t until she turned 80 and started reading fiction books that she really felt the most uplifted. On my list: After The End.

6. Re-watch an old movie that you haven’t seen in forever

Bring on the nostalgia. On my list: About Time with Rachel McAdams.

What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind over summer holidays? Conner and I are flying to Chicago for Labor Day Weekend and renting a boat for the weekend on Lake Michigan with friends! If you read this post, comment on my latest Instagram post with your tips to unplug.

Thank you so much for Australian Gold for partnering with me on this post!