5 Way to Relax This Summer

Summer is here and it's time to relax and unwind. I've partnered with NESTLĖ Damak® at Walgreens to share 5 ways to relax this summer.

Now that I'm a mom and I've got two little ones of my own, summer takes on a whole new meaning. No more preschool and car pick-up lines. It's all about keeping my kids entertained. But, that doesn't mean I don't need a little "me" time too. I'm making myself a priority this summer, and I'm on a mission to relax and enjoy this season. In a world filled with schedules, stress, and social media, it's important to take a little time to decompress and even indulge, that's why I'm sharing some tips to help you relax this summer.

5 Ways to Relax This Summer

1.) Spend more time outdoors. I mean it. Leave the comforts of your air conditioned home behind and explore new spaces. You don't even have to go far. Check out your city's website to find parks, nature reserves, trails, or walking paths. If you live in a hot and humid climate like I do, you'll want to make sure you spend your outdoor time in the early morning or late evening to avoid overheating and sunburn.

2.) Focus on you. Yes, I'm talking to you there. When is the last time you went out and had a meal by yourself? Or went to the beach and just sat and watched the waves roll in? This is a really hard concept, especially for moms, but you should definitely make time to do it. I know money can be tight and babysitters can be expensive so perhaps this might be a good time to make an arrangement with a friend. She watches your kids for a few hours one afternoon and you watch hers the next time.

3.) Grab a good book and dive in. Let your imagination run wild and lose yourself in a book of your choice. Not a reader? No problem. Grab your tablet and start streaming. Just do something that you will enjoy.

4.) Unplug from the world around you. I struggle with this one, but it's so important to truly relax. The more information you inundate yourself with, the busier your mind becomes. Leave your phone behind (or at least put it out of reach), delete your Facebook app, or whatever else you need to do to give your mind a rest. Spend the time you would be texting or scrolling through Facebook or Instagram on something more meaningful. Make plans with a friend you haven't seen in a while or just sneak away by yourself.

5.) Indulge in a sweet treat. NESTLĖ Damak Chocolates are just hitting the shelves at your local Walgreens and I simply can't resist amazing chocolate. There just so happens to be a Walgreens conveniently located right next to our local beach and I was able to get my hands on both the Dark Chocolate and Fine Chocolate varieties.

These chocolates have been a Turkish treasure for over 80 years and I'm so excited that they've finally made their way onto U.S. shelves. Turkey is world renowned for producing the finest pistachios and now we can finally enjoy these rich treats anytime and anywhere. Known for their blend of creamy chocolate and savory pistachios, NESTLÉ Damak chocolate makes it easy to indulge and escape reality for a bit.

For even more #DiscoverDamak inspiration, come follow along with our Pinterest board. We'll have lots of great food and entertaining ideas to help you make the most of your summer.

I was asked to participate in the #DiscoverDamak campaign, sponsored by NESTLĖ Damak at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.