Summer Fun That Leaves You Needing a Vacation From Your Vacation

Lisa Hooks
Jul 4
2 min read

Let’s be real—summer is supposed to be fun. It’s sunshine, flip-flops, road trips, and backyard BBQs. But somewhere between chasing the “perfect summer” and trying to make all the memories, we end up more burned out than our hot dogs on the grill. Ever come home from a vacation and feel like you need another one just to recover? Yeah. Same.

When Fun Becomes Frantic:

There’s this unspoken pressure to make summer epic—especially if you’ve got kids, a busy social calendar, or that inner voice that says you should be doing more, going more, being more. Suddenly, you’re booked solid with amusement parks, pool parties, family reunions, fireworks, concerts, and last-minute “let’s squeeze it in” trips.

It’s all fun and games until your body (and your bank account) taps out. You come back sunburned, sleep-deprived, and slightly grumpy, wondering how something that was supposed to refresh you left you running on empty.

The Signs You Need a Real Vacation:

You’re more exhausted after the trip than before it.
You need a nap just thinking about unpacking.
Your social battery is gone—and so is your patience.
Your wallet is crying (and so is your toddler in the backseat).
You’ve started dreaming of a solo staycation with zero plans and nobody talking to you.

Why We Do It:

Part of this is cultural. We live in a world that glorifies busy. We’ve been sold the idea that the more we pack into our schedule, the more fulfilled and #blessed we’ll feel. But the truth? Constant activity doesn’t equal lasting joy.

Sometimes we’re running not just from event to event—but from soul to soul, trying to outrun emptiness, comparison, or the feeling that we’re not enough unless we’re doing something epic.

The Better Way: Choosing Rest On Purpose:

What if this summer looked different? What if the goal wasn’t to fill every weekend, but to fill your soul?

Here’s how to flip the script:

Schedule Slow Days: Literally block off days with no plans. Protect them like you would an important meeting. Your heart and mind need breathing room.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: One or two meaningful adventures can create richer memories than five frantic ones.
Say “No” Without Guilt: Not every invite deserves a yes. It’s okay to protect your peace.
Build in Recovery Time: After any trip or big event, plan for a “reset” day. This helps you land softly instead of crashing.
Invite God Into Your Summer: Sometimes what we’re really craving isn’t another activity—it’s presence. His presence. That quiet, steady rest only He can give.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Let This Be the Summer That Fills You:

You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to chase memories until you’re too tired to enjoy them. Summer was never meant to drain you—it was meant to refresh you, body, mind, and spirit.

So here’s your permission slip: Do less. Rest more. Say yes to moments that matter and no to chaos. Let this be the summer that doesn’t leave you needing a vacation from your vacation—but one that fills you with joy, gratitude, and peace.