Midsummer Momentum: How to Thrive in Work, Fitness, and Parenting—While Actually Enjoying Summer

Ah, mid-summer. The sun is high, the kids are home, work doesn’t slow down, and everywhere you look, people are talking about “summer fun” and “taking it easy.” But if you're anything like most of us—juggling a career, kids, workouts, and, you know, your sanity—summer doesn’t always feel like a vacation.

It’s more like: meetings from your laptop on the deck, chasing kids through sprinklers, and trying to squeeze in a quick workout before softball practice pick-up.

The truth is, summer isn’t all slow living—and that’s okay. You can be present in the season, make time for fun, and still keep your momentum in fitness, work, and motherhood. Here’s how.

1. Accept the Season You’re In—Literally and Figuratively

Summer doesn’t have to mean a total reset or a total rush. It’s okay if your routines look different in July than they did in January. Instead of resisting the chaos, flow with it.

• Shift your workouts earlier or later.

• Take your calls on walks if you can.

• Let your kids join your morning stretches.

This season might not be perfect, but it can still be powerful.

2. Set Summer-Specific Goals

Instead of forcing yourself to stick to your normal workload, workout routine, or parenting rhythms, redefine success for this season. Try this:

• Work: Focus on 1–2 needle-moving projects or deliverables each week.

• Fitness: Commit to 20–30 minutes of intentional movement most days—yes, playing tag counts.

• Parenting: Make 1 small summer memory each week—popsicles on the porch, a messy craft, or a late-night movie.

Small, clear goals will help you stay focused without feeling like you're constantly dropping the ball.

3. Create “Anchor Routines” That Ground Your Day

When everything feels a little looser in summer (bedtimes, calendars, schedules), routines become anchors—not chains.

Try creating simple bookends to your day:

• Morning: 10 minutes of quiet (before kids wake) with coffee + journaling or a quick walk.

• Evening: A 3-step wind down—clean kitchen, prep for tomorrow, and 10 pages of a non-work book.

These touchpoints help you feel grounded, even when your days look wildly different.

4. Let Go of the All-Or-Nothing Trap

Summer will throw you curveballs: last-minute playdates, thunderstorms, traffic delays, burned burgers. But skipping a workout or ordering takeout doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Give yourself permission to be fluid, not frantic.

• Didn’t make it to the gym? Do a 10-minute core session at home.

• Missed the family beach day because of work? Plan an impromptu sunset picnic tomorrow.

Consistency beats perfection every single time.

5. Put Fun on the Calendar—Seriously

We’re often so focused on managing summer that we forget to actually enjoy it. Don’t let the season pass in a blur of “busy.”

Schedule joy just like you schedule meetings:

• A weekly family adventure (zoo, hiking trail, pool day)

• A solo coffee date or spa evening

• A “just us” moment with your partner—even if it’s a walk after bedtime

Your well-being matters too. When you fuel your joy, everything else flows better.

Final Thoughts: Progress > Perfection

Mid-summer isn’t a time to give up on your goals—or pressure yourself to do it all. It’s a season to adapt, stay intentional, and choose joy without guilt.

You don’t have to hustle harder. You just have to show up for your life—present, purposeful, and proud of the woman you’re becoming.

You’ve got this, mama. Keep living Fit. Fueled. And Free.

~Carrie