Summer is supposed to be relaxing, right?

Longer days, warm weather, and time outdoors are all the ingredients for feeling calmer and lighter. But in reality, July can bring its own kind of pressure. Work doesn’t stop, family schedules fill up, and social invitations roll in. Before you know it, you’re overwhelmed, wondering where the calm went.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Stress is part of being human, but it doesn’t have to rule your days. With a few simple strategies, you can shift from “just getting through” to actually enjoying the summer on your own terms.

Here’s how to stress less and live more this July:

Tune Into Your Body’s Stress Signals

One of the first lessons from Your Health Comes First is that our bodies send us signals long before burnout sets in. Tension in your shoulders, shallow breathing, or a racing mind are all red flags that you might be carrying too much.

Instead of pushing through, pause. Even a 60-second body scan can help you spot tens...