Japanese summers can be brutal — the heat and humidity just zap your energy, and staying indoors often feels like the only option. But boredom can sneak in fast when you don’t want to move much! Here’s what works for me to keep cool, entertained, and sane during those scorching days.
Teaching Is the Best Part of My Day
Luckily, my teaching sessions give me a burst of energy and purpose — it’s hands-down the most fun part of my day these days. But when I’m not teaching, I try to keep things light and easy.
Building My Cozy Nest
When the heat is just too much, I build a little nest of pillows in my favorite corner and settle in with an audiobook, an ebook, or a Netflix series. It’s the perfect way to rest without feeling guilty about “just sitting.” Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need!
Keeping It Moving — But Gently
For minor cleaning and cooking, I try to keep my activity slow and steady so I don’t overheat. And on weekends, my husband and I work on 3D puzzles together ( see other blog on our new hobby )— a great way to bond, challenge our brains, and stay indoors where it’s cool.
Tips for Your Own Summer Survival
- Invest in a good fan or cooling spray to keep comfortable.
- Create your own “lazy day nest” with pillows and your favorite entertainment.
- Pick low-energy hobbies that still keep your mind active — like puzzles or reading.
- Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the quiet moments.
If you’re looking for some recommendations or have recommendations for me -- come have a chat !
Japanese Summers & Heat
brutal extremely harsh or unpleasant /BROO-tuhl/ Often used to describe weather, workouts, or criticism
humidity the amount of moisture in the air /hyoo-MIH-dih-tee/ High humidity makes hot days feel even hotter
zap your energy take away your energy quickly /zap/ Informal, figurative phrase
scorching very hot; burning /SKOR-ching/ “Scorching days” = extremely hot days
Feelings & Mood
boredom the feeling of having nothing to do or interest /BOR-dum/ Noun form of "bored"
sneak in to appear quietly or unexpectedly /sneek in/ Figurative – boredom comes in quietly
sane mentally healthy, not overwhelmed /sayn/ “Keep sane” = stay mentally balanced
guiltyfeeling bad for doing something wrong or lazy /GILL-tee/ “Feeling guilty about just sitting” = thinking rest is not productive
Teaching & Work
burst of energy a sudden increase in energy /burst/ Common phrase, usually positive hands-down definitely; without a doubt /hands down/ Informal expression; used for strong opinions
light and easynot difficult or stressful /lite and EE-zee/ Casual, often used for activities or mood
Resting at Home
build a nest create a comfortable space for resting /nest/ Figurative – like a bird’s cozy home
settle in to get comfortable and relaxed in a space /SET-uhl in/ Often used with watching movies or reading
without feeling guiltynot blaming yourself for relaxing /wih-THOUT/ Highlights self-permission for rest
Summer Hobbies
slow and steady calm and consistent pace /SLOH and STED-ee/ Common idiom – good for managing energy
bond to connect emotionally with someone /bond/ Verb – build closeness or friendship challenge our brains to think hard or critically /CHAL-uhnj/ Good for mental exercise stay indoors remain inside the house /IN-doors/ Often used for weather or safety reasons
Tips & Advice
invest in spend money wisely on something useful /in-VEST in/ Often used for practical purchases
lazy day nest a soft place to relax during downtime /LAY-zee/ Informal and cozy-sounding phrase
low-energy hobbies relaxing, non-physical activities /loh EN-er-jee/ Contrast with “high-energy” like sports
give yourself permission allow yourself to do something /per-MIH-shun/ Encourages self-care mindset
quiet moments peaceful, calm times /KWY-it/ Associated with rest, reflection, or comfort
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