Unplug and Recharge: Your Guide to a Slower, Intentional Summer

By: Celine Fitzgerald

Let’s be honest, if you know me AT ALL, you don’t assimilate the title of this blog with MY name. Maybe it’s my type-A personality or constant need to keep moving that doesn’t allow me to sit and breathe very often. However, Summer 2026 will be different…or at least I am telling myself that. 

As a G3 family member, I have a strong desire to contribute to society. I have this need to prove I can do it all, literally. Like many readers, I am wearing many hats - parent, daughter, sister, wife, board member, coach, foundation director, and so on.  I am my father’s daughter [God Bless] and have adopted his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, which is unhealthy on occasion for both of us. The jam-packed calendars we both keep, and our constant need for movement can frankly become exhausting.

OUR PROBLEM

As I reflect back on the past several months, I realize I have had many similar conversations with myself prompted by seeing the familiar signs and symptoms:

•       Exhaustion 
•       Over-stimulated 
•       Zoomed out
•       Over-scheduled 
•       Skewed work-life balance (leaning towards work)

I recall waking up one day in January and thinking to myself, “Wow, I had a baby in September, and I have not napped once!” You can imagine not much has changed since January, but I have high hopes for these short summer months.  

We are living in a fast-paced 24/7 society with the constant fear of missing out. You start to feel like you are living on a hamster wheel and cannot jump off to save your life, so you better keep going. And you better move faster if you want to be the best parent, the best consultant, the best philanthropist and so on. You start to feel the only way you will get to the TOP is if you never stop and constantly put yourself out there. 

But, then you catch yourself - wait a minute, you shouldn’t have to “sell” yourself to be perfect, needed and appreciated. You just need to be YOU and that will only happen if you allow yourself the time and space to be the best and healthiest version of yourself.

How can we push the everyday noise to the side and enjoy a moment? And I really mean enjoy a moment.

How can we avoid technology when it is at our fingertips? I am guilty of this and will gladly admit it. I am constantly checking my emails and LinkedIn throughout the day (even when I am not supposed to be working) because I am so fearful of missing that ONE message I am waiting for or that new connection that might be life changing! But here is a thought, am I required to answer everything within 45 seconds? No, because I have a life, as do all of you. 

THE ANSWER?   

We are all addicted to the hustle and bustle of everyday life (running on adrenaline is key) but I am setting a new standard for myself over the next few months. I am going to commit to be present in whatever I am doing and really be present. Stop worrying about what I forgot to do yesterday and what I need to do tomorrow, and actually just sit and focus on what is in front of me. Yes, this will be very hard but how can I properly show up for all the stakeholders in my life if I am running at 75% and not giving them my full attention! 

YOUR STEP

I urge you to join me, just for a few months. Take an action step this summer to unwind and recharge. You will be shocked at how refreshed and rejuvenated you will feel. I know you are looking for some examples…don’t worry, I would not leave you hanging…

•       Stop emailing at 7pm (okay 8pm if you must)
•       Get lost in a Netflix show 
•       Read a book for pleasure 
•       Schedule bathroom and meal breaks in your workday calendar (you’ll thank  

    me)

•       No phones at family dinner
•       Stop scrolling during kiddo playtime (I’m guilty)
•       Book a massage (even 30 minutes)
•       Take a walk and listen to music 
•       Have a face-to-face conversation
•       Book a needed vacation 
•       Take a PTO day yourself and just BE

Let Summer 2026 be a time you’ll remember because you allowed yourself to recharge - you deserve it. Taking time for yourself is not selfish or a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. Give yourself the gift of this time, even if in small increments, because you will come back ready for a productive Fall.