July Slow Living To-Do List | Seasonal Summer Living

July is a dreamy month of blooming lavender, balmy evenings and the beginning of the school Summer holidays - a perfect time to practice slow living. Its long, warm days and nature in full bloom encourage us to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

The 1st of July marks the midpoint of the year. The first six months are gone and we’re entering the second - often more intense - half. July invites us to pause, take internal stock and reflect on the year so far and how we’d like to move forward.

Explore my slow living to-do lists for each month of the year here.

We're now past the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year – and although the sun being at its peak, the days are beginning to shorten. Although the change won’t be visible immediately, the wheel of the year is always turning. There is something very nostalgic for me in knowing that despite the long, golden days and warmth, the power of the sun is waning, leading us to the dark and calm of Autumn. 

Watch My Most recent Vlog - Seasonal slow living, cosy homemaking & baking from the English countryside

Even more so, I think we should make the most of these wonderful days of Summer and I hope this blog post will help you do just that. Here’s my monthly thoughtful "to-do" list for July to inspire you to live slowly and cherish each day this month.

1. Nature Walks

The days are warm and with many daylight hours, this has to be my first point this month – spend time outdoors! Walking in nature is my favourite way to deal with life in general: it calms my nervous system, helps me see things from a different perspective, reminds me how everyday problems are just a nuisance in the grand scheme of things. 

The fields are turning golden, the roses, lavender and hundreds more flowers are blooming and fruits and vegetables are ripening in the garden – what better way to slow down and disconnect from the hamster wheel chase than simply be and notice all this beauty around us?

Go for walks in the countryside, walled garden or your local park and take the time to notice the small details – the way the light filters through the leaves, the sounds of the birds, the smell of freshly cut grass. Be fully present and enjoy the beauty and abundance of the season.

2. Admire the Changing Fields

I wanted to make this a separate point in line with our Autumn Countdown – this July, pay special attention to the changing fields of the English countryside – some are already turning gold and hay bales are appearing on the fields. July is a time when the fields are full of life and growth, and you can often spot tractors working on the farmlands. It's a lovely occasion to pause and contemplate where our food is coming from and the time and work it takes to grow grain, fruits and vegetables that end up on our tables. 

3. Celebrate Long Evenings

One of the joys of July are the long, balmy evenings. Make the most of these extended daylight hours by throwing windows wide open, spending time in your garden or in the countryside. 

As a mum of a 6-year-old, I rarely have a chance to go out in the evening (we don’t really have any help with childcare; my husband’s parents and my mum live abroad), but if I get one evening free this July, I’d choose a sunset walk in the fields surrounding our village in a heartbeat.

If a walk is not possible for you too, consider spending time in your garden or balcony – take your yoga mat out and practice outdoors or simply sit in silence, enjoying the ambience of July’s evening and the golden sunset.

4. Harvest Home Decor

Yesss, the point I’m really excited to write about. Traditionally the harvest begins August the 1st, so as we move through July and near its end, it’s a time to start planning and preparing to update our home decor to reflect the beginning of harvest. Use natural elements like wheat, dried flowers, seasonal products in rustic baskets and YR Studio candles like Almond & Apple "Farmhouse" and sweet and fruity "Cosy cottage" to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, ready to welcome a new month into your home. Decorating your home in tune with the seasons and occasions is one of the simplest ways to practice seasonal living. 

5. Visit a Local Fete, Market or Festival

July is filled with local festivals and events that celebrate the Summer season. I’m not a party person, so I can’t talk much about music festivals, but I know they are abundant – and if they bring you joy, do it! Our family likes to visit local fairs, fetes, food or craft markets. These events are a great way to become a part of your community and support local businesses.

6. Peak of Lavender Season in the UK

Middle of July is the peak of lavender season in the UK. If you can, visit a lavender farm, plant lavender in your garden or in a decorative planter on your windowsill. Lavender has been a cherished plant for centuries and in English folklore, it was often tucked under pillows to ward off nightmares and invite peaceful dreams. I'm not superstitious (I'm little-stitious, lol! I hope you get The Office reference :D) but I can totally see how the gentle scent of herbal lavender adds to the overall calm atmosphere in our bedroom. 

P.S. Check out our calming lavender candle – perfect for relaxing July mornings and evenings.

7. Cook and Bake with Seasonal Produce

Embrace slow living this July by cooking with seasonal, ideally locally sourced produce. July offers an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and including them in your meals is a must. You’ll find them by visiting your local farm shop or market. This way you support local farmers while also enjoying food that is in season and at its freshest.

Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackcurrants
Vegetables: Courgettes, peas, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, new potatoes, carrots, spinach

8. Reflect on Mid-Year

The beginning of July marks the middle of the year, making it a perfect time for reflection. Take some time to look back on the past six months and think about what you have achieved and what you would like to focus on for the rest of the year. Be gentle in the process, but also realistic. It’s a great way to stay on track with your goals and make adjustments if needed.

What have been your successes? What challenges have you faced? Reflecting on these will give you valuable insights and help you plan for the coming months. You might also set new goals or adjust existing ones... Remember, things change and we as humans change too, so if your goals need to be updated at this point in time, don’t hesitate. This mid-year reflection will bring clarity and a renewed sense of direction and motivation.

9. Practice Gratitude

With all the beauty and abundance of the natural world, gratitude comes easily. Take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for. It could be something small, like a sunny day, your husband bringing you coffee in bed or a washing machine (imagine washing all clothes by hand like our great-grandmothers did...). Noticing these small moments and things is a great way to cultivate happiness by remind yourself of all the good things that are happening in your life.

Closing paragraph

This is my Slow Living "To-Do" list for July. I hope some of the points inspired you or reminded you of things that might have slipped in the everyday rush. Don’t ever feel guilty – slow living is a practice, not a performance and no one has it completely right. I hope by following these simple points, you can embrace slow living and find joy in the simple things this month. Wishing you  a peaceful and happy July!

Thank you for reading,
Adriana x

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