The Sounds of Summer: A Season for Recharging and Reconnecting
When I think of a New Zealand summer, my mind instantly fills with specific, wonderful sounds: the beautiful call of the Tūī and the distant, familiar hum of lawn mowers on a Saturday morning.
It’s a feeling, too. It’s the feeling of swimming in the ocean—that cool, salty, grounding reset—and the simple, nostalgic joy of an ice block on a hot afternoon. It's the smell of barbecues in the neighbourhood and the taste of fresh strawberries.
For so many of us, these sensory cues signal more than just a change in weather; they signal a change in our entire rhythm. After the end-of-year rush, summer in New Zealand is a collective exhale. It’s an invitation to slow down, to breathe, and to reconnect.
From a holistic health perspective, this season is a vital part of our annual cycle. It’s our chance to replenish our wellbeing in ways we can't at other times of the year.
A Time to Fill Our Cups, Holistically
Summer is the perfect time to restore our foundations. It’s a time to catch up with friends and family, to share a meal outdoors, and to simply enjoy the beautiful country we live in. Here are a few ways this season naturally supports our health:
Reconnecting with Nature (and Ourselves) There's a reason we feel drawn to the outdoors. Kicking off your shoes and walking barefoot on the grass or sand—often called "grounding" or "earthing"—has been shown to help calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and find that natural balance.
Filling Our Social Cup Connection is a fundamental nutrient for our emotional health. The long, light evenings and holiday breaks provide the perfect opportunity to nurture the relationships that sustain us. Sharing a BBQ, packing a picnic, or simply sitting on the deck with loved ones fills our social cup in a way that busy work weeks often can't.
Replenishing Our Physical Stores After a long winter, summer is our chance to get outside and fill up on Vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for our mood, immune system, and bone health. This, combined with more fresh salads and seasonal berries, helps to naturally replenish our bodies.
A Gentle Reminder for Our NZ Sun
Of course, a holistic approach is also about balance. We know our New Zealand sun is famously harsh. Part of honouring our wellbeing is practising "sun smarts"—Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap. Enjoy the warmth and the Vitamin D, but do it safely and mindfully.
A Wish For Your Summer
Summer is a season of restoration. It’s a time to replenish our energy, connect with what matters, and find our balance before the busy year ahead.
I wish you a truly lovely summer, however you choose to spend it. May it be filled with peace, joy, and plenty of sunshine.