Running through a sprinkler on a hot day. The taste of corn fresh from the grill. Swimming in a river, lake, ocean or pool. Savoring a meal with friends, cooling down with an ice cream. Riding the Cyclone or the Wonder Wheel. Watching fireflies twinkle as stars start to appear in a darkening sky.

These are but a few of the joys of summer. Make sure to be in the moment and savor the simple pleasures of these long, bright days.

Fight the FOMO

In order to fight the “Fear of Missing Out,” you have to be in the moment, present in your own life. We have all learned that our social media habits can be detrimental to our physical health (no movement) and our mental health.

So try putting down that phone more often! Disconnect from all digital devices and see how that feels. Scrolling though social media posts of other people’s vacations can bring up feelings of missing out, but here’s the thing: A highlight reel is not reality, and wherever you are on the planet, there are pleasures to be enjoyed.

Life is a balancing act

Set yourself up for summer fun with a good balance of planned outings and social events mixed with unplanned time to just relax and see where the day takes you. That feeling of playfulness and spontaneity is the secret that children know. Be open to a walk in the summer rain, where the colors of flowers and greenery become heightened and you just might spot a rainbow. Pay attention to your surroundings and follow your intuition to find new places to explore that pique your interest.

Play some games and sports, and try some new physical activity, whether that’s kayaking, hiking or whitewater rafting. Give yourself permission to take a full break from work and enjoy leisurely visits to the beach and a good book you can become absorbed in.

Research confirms that giving our brains a rest from work and stress is important for our health. It allows time to reconnect with yourself, your feelings and your creativity. Whether you’re drawn to making art, writing, playing music, dance or other performing arts, make time to allow yourself to find your muse and take pleasure in what you discover. Be open to learning a new skill and focus on enjoying the process, not just the end product.

If you need help slowing down, you can try mindfulness meditation, keeping a gratitude journal or a gentle form of exercise, such as yoga, tai-chi or qigong.

Be here now

The present moment is the best moment: In fact, it’s the only moment. So use all your senses to be fully immersed in this fleeting and beautiful world we live in. Summer is a great time to slow down, relax and get in touch with the deepest parts of yourself. Whether you’re working and have weekends off or are taking a long, leisurely break, remember to, in the words of Van Morrison: “Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”