How I’m Keeping My Body Happy on the Longest Day of the Year

June 21st is the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year.
And let’s be honest: that much daylight can be a little… deceiving.

You look outside and think:
“Wow, I’ve got plenty of time—might as well pull some weeds, go to the store, wash the car, reorganize the garage, walk the dog twice…”

And next thing you know, your back’s tight, your knees are grumpy, and you’re wondering why you thought you were 30 again. 😅

Here's how to plan to enjoy the extra light without paying for it later.

☀️ 1. Move Just Enough in the Morning

Not a full workout. Just something to get the blood moving early—before the heat sets in and before your joints decide they’re off-duty.

That might mean:

• A few stretches on the deck

• A lap around the yard

• Or using the roller ball massager under your feet while sipping coffee

It doesn’t have to be impressive—it just has to help.

🧠 2. Pick One Thing (Not Six)

With so much daylight, it’s easy to feel like you should accomplish something big.  But just because the sun’s out for 15 hours doesn’t mean you have to be.

You’ve only got so much energy in the tank—and if you push past your limit trying to do it all, you might end up missing the best part of the day because you’re sore, stiff, or too worn out to enjoy it.

Choose one activity that feels good, and stick to it. Maybe:

• Backyard games (cornhole, soccer, whatever makes you feel young again 😉)

• Taking your dog—or grandkid—for a slow walk around the block

• Light water activity like floating, wading, or a short dip
  

Just because the sun’s up, doesn’t mean I need to be. Lesson learned.

🪟 3. Take a Window Break

Weird tip? Maybe.
But when I find myself doing too much, I pause and just stand by a window—or step outside—and breathe. That’s it.

It’s my way of saying:
“Hey body, I see you. We’re not sprinting to bedtime today.”

Sometimes I’ll even do a quick shoulder roll or stretch while I’m there. It adds up.

🧊 4. Midday = Maintenance Time

Instead of waiting until you're too sore to deal with it, build in a little maintenance around midday.

• Try rolling out your feet with a ball massager,

• rubbing on some Outback for your knees or back,

• or putting on compression socks if you’ve been standing or walking.

Trust me: if you treat your body well at 2 p.m., it’ll thank you at 9.

🌅 5. Wind Down Before the Sun Does

The sun might not set until late, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep going.

After dinner, slow down with a light walk, a few gentle stretches, or maybe a relaxing foot soak or some quiet porch time.

Not because you’re “old,”
but because waking up the next day feeling good is worth it.

💡 Final Thought: More Light Doesn’t Mean More Pressure

You don’t need to fill the whole day to make it count.
You just need to do what feels right for you.

So if you’ve got plans for June 21st, great.
But even if your big “accomplishment” is rolling your feet and drinking lemon water in a lawn chair?
You’re doing it right. 😉

Take care of yourself this solstice,
Mark