Summer naturally takes us outward—out of our homes, routines, and comfort zones.
But what if we also chose to live it as a return inward? A return to the body, to natural rhythms, to our most authentic energy.
As temperatures rise, we often feel drained, more sensitive to stress and fatigue. And yet, this very season can be the ideal time for a small but powerful reset. A moment to make space, breathe deeply, and restart with fresh vitality.
Small gestures and a new rhythm, closer to nature
Days grow longer, light becomes more intense, and nature flourishes around us. Even if we stay in the city or choose less conventional holiday destinations, we can still recalibrate ourselves to what summer offers: light, air, and time.
“It’s important to realign with what the season offers us, rediscovering our natural rhythm and that of nature itself,” explains Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva, Scientific Director at Palazzo di Varignana and founder of the Acquaviva Method, which guides our retreats dedicated to health and longevity.
Her advice for a reset begins first thing in the morning—with a smart breakfast like natural yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, and oat flakes. Simple, yet highly effective.
During the day, staying in contact with nature—even through a short walk—is one of the best ways to reconnect with your breath. In the kitchen, letting seasonality guide your choices benefits not only your taste but also your body.
At Palazzo di Varignana, we harvest the fruits of our own agricultural estate, where every ingredient is cultivated in tune with the seasons. Summer fruits and vegetables—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids—not only nourish and reduce chronic inflammation but also positively influence the gut microbiome, with effects that impact mood, energy, and sleep quality.
“Today we know that the gut is truly a second brain,” says Dr. Acquaviva. “It produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential to our wellbeing. What we eat genuinely changes how we feel.”
The right rhythm: when summer exhausts you, recalibrate
Paradoxically, in summer—when we’re supposed to feel more relaxed—we often feel more fatigued. Disrupted routines, irregular sleep, late nights, and skipped breakfasts throw off our internal balance. In reality, this is exactly when we should try to reconnect with our circadian rhythm.
A few simple habits can help restore it. “Looking at natural light upon waking, taking a morning walk, or ending your shower with a burst of cold water are effective strategies for boosting energy and mood,” says Dr. Acquaviva. “In the evening, allow yourself to wind down gradually. Avoid blue light before bed; instead, try calming rituals like reading, herbal teas, or mindful breathing.”
Light, nature, nutrition, and breath: these are all part of a deeper reconnection. A return to self—one of the key goals of the Acquaviva Method, a science-based approach that integrates the five pillars of health to restore vitality and lasting wellbeing.
The retreats at Palazzo di Varignana are inspired by this method and support guests on a transformative journey of deep regeneration for body, mind, and spirit. The personalized guidance of Dr. Acquaviva is key to helping restructure habits with a long-term, longevity-focused vision.
Each retreat takes place among the hills and gardens of Palazzo di Varignana—an immersive experience that combines:
- functional nutrition
- mindfulness techniques
- conscious movement
- deep sleep rituals
- personalized nutritional and cosmetic supplementation
A unique opportunity to slow down, breathe, and truly reconnect—with yourself.
