Published September 03, 2025 | By Dayae Kim, LMFT, Collectors MD Referral Network

With summer coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on how we’ve cared for ourselves—and how we can carry those grounding habits into the seasons ahead. Summer is a season of warmth and light—a natural reminder to slow down, connect deeply, and find grounding. By weaving small but meaningful activities into our daily routines, we can create space for balance, clarity, and self-therapy.

Early Morning Walks
Starting the day with a walk before work sets a peaceful tone. The cool air and stillness of the world waking up create a perfect backdrop for setting intentions. Research shows that morning sunlight can improve alertness, promote Vitamin D production, and boost serotonin levels, leaving us calmer and more focused.

Exercise For The Body & Mind
Movement is a powerful grounding tool. Whether yoga, running, or a workout, physical activity releases tension and sparks endorphins—the body’s natural stress relievers. Beyond fitness, it’s about reconnecting with yourself, easing the mind, and rebalancing energy.

Additional Grounding Activities
There are countless other ways to ground yourself while it’s still nice outside:

• Baking or Cooking

• Gardening

• Reading

• Journaling

• Art and Craft

• Puzzles

• Meditation

No matter the season, these practices offer grounding when life feels chaotic and provide connection when things feel overwhelming.

The goal isn’t to follow a rigid list, but to experiment—discover what works for you, and notice how it shifts your mood and focus.

In Collecting
Justust like in life, collecting can pull us into extremes—always chasing the next item, next purchase, next “big win”. But the same principle applies: grounding. Taking time to sort, organize, or simply sit with what you already own can be just as therapeutic as buying something new. It shifts the focus from what’s next to what’s here, turning your hobby from a source of stress into a source of calm.

Grounding yourself—whether through daily habits or mindful collecting—takes intention. Wherever you are in your journey, give yourself permission to slow down, reconnect, and carry balance forward.

If you or someone you know is looking to start therapy or a new therapist, feel free to schedule a consultation with me.

#CollectorsMD
Just like the seasons shift, our routines—and our collecting—can shift too. Grounding reminds us to move with intention, not impulse.

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