Summer should feel different. It’s a chance to reset, recover, and recharge. But without a little structure, it can quickly become a blur—or worse, a source of stress. Whether you’re a student, parent, or professional, a thoughtful summer plan helps you find balance between rest and growth.
Here’s how to build a summer plan that gives your brain a break while still moving you toward your goals.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Get Out of Summer
Before building your schedule, step back. Ask: “What do I want summer to feel like?” Your answers might include:
- ☀️ “I want to rest more and feel less anxious.”
- 🧠 “I want to keep using the executive function strategies I’ve learned.”
- 📚 “I want to prep for next year without feeling overwhelmed.”
- 🌱 “I want to try something new or build a habit.”
This gives you a direction—so your plan isn’t just about filling time, but about creating purpose.
Step 2: Identify Your Growth Zones
Summer is a great time to work on skills without the pressure of packed schedules. Choose 1–2 areas for gentle growth—not a complete overhaul.
Some examples:
- 📆 Time Management: Practice using a weekly planner, even with flexible time.
- 📥 Task Initiation: Work on starting small projects without procrastination.
- 🧭 Organization: Set up or refresh your workspace.
- 💬 Communication: Practice reaching out, self-advocating, or expressing ideas.
Tip: Use our Executive Function Checklist to identify areas you’ve strengthened—and pick one to keep building.
Step 3: Build a Flexible Weekly Structure
You don’t need a rigid schedule. But some structure helps your brain know what to expect—and when to rest or focus. Try using a light weekly template with:
- 🧠 Focus Time: When you work on projects, prep, or goals (1–2 blocks per week)
- 💬 Social Time: Set plans in advance so you’re not always improvising
- 🛏 Recovery Time: Sleep, screen breaks, no-agenda hours
- 🌱 Growth Time: Reading, creating, volunteering, or learning something new
Template idea: Keep “structure anchors” like Monday Planning Hour, Wednesday Midweek Reset, or Friday Check-In + Fun Plan.
Step 4: Add “Energy Checkpoints”
Summer can be deceptive—too little structure can drain you just as much as too much. Each week, ask:
- 🔋 What gave me energy?
- 🛑 What drained me?
- ⚙️ What do I want to adjust next week?
Even 5 minutes of reflection each Sunday helps you adjust, rather than power through on autopilot.
Step 5: Make Space for Joy
Don’t forget: fun is productive. Play, rest, and joy all support executive function recovery—especially if you’ve been in high gear all year.
Make a “summer joy list” with low-effort things that help you reset:
- Reading in a hammock
- Sketching or journaling in the park
- Cold drinks and good music on a quiet afternoon
- Phone-free walks
Intentionally unplugging supports mental clarity and emotional regulation more than you might expect.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to maximize summer—you need to make it meaningful. A well-balanced summer plan gives your brain room to recover while still helping you grow.
Need help setting structure that works with (not against) your brain? Our coaches can help you create a custom summer plan and build habits that last long past August.
