Here in Maine, we’re only gifted a few short months of sunshine, lake swims, porch dinners, and long daylight hours. We know the time is sacred, and yet, how often do we let summer pass us by, caught in the hustle of client care and to-do lists?
Slowing down and stepping back can be tough. There are sessions to schedule, documentation to catch up on, maybe even a business plan you’ve been meaning to complete. And yes, sometimes guilt for stepping away. But summer doesn’t wait. And neither should your rest. With some simple planning, you can create more space to enjoy the season and care for yourself the way you encourage your clients to.
Ways to Flex Your Summer Schedule
One of the great benefits of private practice is autonomy and the ability to make your own schedule. Here are a few ideas to help rearrange your calendar to make room for what fuels you:
- Summer Fridays (or Mondays) – Designate one day a week as a no-client day. Use it to explore, rest, or just soak up some sunshine.
- Flexible Hours – Play around with new hours. For example, consider shifting sessions to earlier in the day to free up late afternoons for beach walks or BBQs.
- Take the Day – If multi-day vacations feel out of reach, don’t overlook the power of one day. Long weekends can make a big difference. Schedule a few here and there to reset.
- Change Your Scenery – If your setup allows, a change of scenery can bring a breath of fresh air to your week. Telehealth from your porch? Sounds nice! Just remember to keep patient privacy top of mind.
Tips for Vacation-Goers
If you’re planning time away and uneasy about the logistics, consider the tips below or read our guide to preparing for out-of-office time. Proper planning can help you minimize disruption and reduce stress while away.
- Plan Ahead & Communicate Early – Set your vacation dates in advance and give clients plenty of notice. This cuts down on rescheduling and allows clients to prepare. Consider offering check-ins before you go and clear follow-up plans for your return.
- Plan for Coverage – If possible, arrange for a trusted peer or colleague to be available to your clients in case of emergencies. Ensure you have a clear agreement on what constitutes an emergency and the process for contacting coverage. (We have a network of statewide clinicians and case managers to help form those trusted connections.) Importantly, don’t forget to obtain a signed release of information (ROI) form so the covering clinician has legal access to client information. This helps ensure continuity of care and protects both you and the client.
- Protect Your Time, Communicate Boundaries – Set up an automated email response that reiterates your absence and provides information on who to contact in case of an emergency. Always include 988 or the statewide crisis hotline (1-888-568-1112). If you have a practice website or online booking system, update your availability there as well. Turn off notifications and let your break be a break!
- Ease Back In – Give yourself room to re-acclimate and reconnect with clients. Consider not booking a full caseload your first day back.
Maine’s summer is fleeting. But with some planning and flexibility, you can enjoy it more fully—without sacrificing your practice or your clients’ care.
