I’m a winter gal. But I sure love a long summer day doing the things I love. In that spirit, it is a good season to freshen up your self-care routine.
With the warm weather and longer days, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage in activities that nourish our body, mind, and soul.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable self-care tips specifically tailored for the summer season.
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Stay Hydrated and Refreshed
Staying hydrated is a must no matter the season. For many people, the summer months are the most dehydrating due to the hotter temps and increase sun exposure.
One of the essential aspects of self-care during summer is staying hydrated. Here are some tips to keep you refreshed throughout the day:
- Infuse water with fruits for added flavor and an extra dose of nutrients.
- Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go to ensure you have water readily available.
- Explore other hydrating options like herbal teas and refreshing coconut water.
- Try an occasional (or even daily) fresh-pressed green juice in the morning to start your day
- Clean electrolyte powders once a day, ideally when you are sweating more (at the beach, working out, etc.) will help replenish electrolytes
- I love Redmond’s Re-Lyte Powders. They are slightly salty but are some of the best quality on the market. And tasty!
As a general rule of thumb, try to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces throughout the day. If you are sweating a lot, consider drinking even more.
Protect Your Skin
Regardless of your complexion, it is critical to protect your skin. Fairer people are generally more prone to sunburns, but no one is truly safe from the risks of sun damage.
Remember, protecting your skin from the summer sun is crucial for your overall well-being. It also will help prevent common skin-related side effects from aging down the road.
Having sun damage can have a lasting effect. Minimize your exposure to prevent serious health conditions down the road.
Consider the following tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing:
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- I love Coola SPF 50 to protect my fair skin. It blends in nicely without that icky residue typical sunscreens leave. Likewise, you can feel good about its clean and organic ingredients.
- Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when spending time outdoors.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize exposure.
Fortunately, I was never big into tanning. Even if you were, it’s not too late to take better precautions going forward. Your skin will thank you!
Engage in Outdoor Activities
Once you have made sure to protect your beautiful skin, go out and get some fresh air and vitamin D.
I always feel better having been outside even for 15-20 minutes. I live in a snowy climate during the winter months so getting out in the warm sunshine is something I prioritize especially in the summer.
Trust me, I definitely make it a priority to get more than 15-20 minutes.
Make the most of the beautiful weather and enjoy outdoor activities that contribute to both your physical and mental well-being:
- Take leisurely walks or go jogging in the park to soak up nature’s beauty.
- Explore hiking trails and reconnect with the serene environment around you.
- Cool off by swimming in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean.
- Practice yoga outdoors for a refreshing mind-body experience.
- Have a picnic in the park with your friends or family.
There are endless possibilities to take advantage of during the summer. Even a quick Google search for things to do in your area is a good way to find new ideas.
Prioritize Mental Well-being
Mental health is important year-round. For some people, the colder months bring in seasonal depression that has us yearning for the summer.
Even if you finally feel a sense of relief from the winter, stay mindful of how you feel mentally and emotionally.
Here are some tips to maintain and improve your mental well-being:
- Practice mindfulness exercises or meditation to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
- I enjoy listening to calming summer music while doing work or chores like this Lofi Summer Vibes playlist on youtube. It can really help put me in a happy and calm summer mood.
- Keep a gratitude journal to foster a positive outlook and appreciation for the present moment.
- Spend quality time with loved ones, whether organizing a picnic or simply enjoying each other’s company.
How can I improve my mental health in the summer?
As much fun as summer can be for people, it can sometimes bring its own set of challenges.
For many, there are boundless activities that are enjoyable but also hectic.
Do you ever get that feeling of “I need a vacation from my vacation?”
Unless you are spending your whole summer relaxing on a tropical island, you are likely bouncing around from one activity to the next.
With that in mind, it’s important to take care of your mental health during this season. Try the following:
- Prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Set realistic expectations and take breaks when needed.
- Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if you’re struggling.
- It is always okay to ask for help no matter who you are or what season it is.
Have fun staying busy during the summer, but take care to unwind.
Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods
There is an abundance of amazing fruits and vegetables available during the summer. No matter where you live, take advantage of what is in season. It’s usually more affordable, too!
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables supports your overall health and adds freshness to your meals. I get into this topic more in my post about the benefits of a plant-rich diet.
Consider these simple suggestions:
- Enjoy nutrient-rich summer produce such as berries, watermelon, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
- Incorporate these ingredients into delicious and refreshing recipes like smoothies, salads, and light meals.
- The bonus is these will keep you cool and your house will stay cooler by not using the oven as much.
Unplug and Recharge
With a plethora of activities to enjoy during the summer, it’s usually easier to tune out the technology during the summer.
However, nobody is perfect and technology does not go away just because we took a beach day. Your social media will still be waiting for you when you get home.
To truly embrace self-care, it’s important to unplug and recharge from the demands of technology. Regardless of the season, taking time away from mindless scrolling can do wonders for your mental health and is a great way to practice self-care.
Here are some ideas:
- Set designated time slots to disconnect from screens and enjoy a digital detox.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, painting, or gardening.
- Take leisurely walks in nature or spend time in serene environments.
Take Time For Self-Care
If you are still busy all summer, prioritize a self-care day on a regular basis. Whether it is once a week or once a month, you deserve it.
How do you have a cozy self-care day?
Creating a cozy self-care day involves focusing on activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
You can utilize any of the previous practices I mentioned above or whatever feels cozy to you. Likewise, even if you have an hour for self-care and not a whole day, that is still better than none!
Here are some of my favorite ways to have a self-care day:
- Set aside time for activities that bring you comfort, such as taking a warm bath, cuddling up with a good book, or enjoying a soothing candlelit meditation.
- Treat yourself to a nourishing face mask or indulge in a DIY spa session at home.
- Prepare your favorite cozy beverage, whether it’s a herbal tea or a comforting hot chocolate.
- Create a cozy atmosphere by playing soft music, lighting scented candles, and surrounding yourself with plush blankets and pillows.
How can I make self-care more fun?
Self-care doesn’t have to be dull or monotonous. Inject some fun and excitement into your self-care routine with these ideas:
- Try out new physical activities or join a summer sports league to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
- Explore creative outlets like painting, pottery, or writing to engage your mind and nurture your creativity.
- Arrange a self-care day with friends, where you can enjoy activities like spa treatments, cooking healthy meals together, or having a movie marathon.
What are daily self-care activities?
Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
I love a regular self-care evening or full day, but I don’t always have the time. Likely you don’t too. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t practice self-care on a daily basis.
Consider these simple self-care activities to practice every day:
- Start your day with a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation.
- Take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, move, or practice deep breathing exercises.
- Prioritize quality sleep by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you unwind, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing a hobby.
- Practice gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of your day before going to bed.
Self-Care is For Everyone
As summer arrives, it’s the perfect time to prioritize self-care and embrace the opportunities it brings.
By staying hydrated, protecting your skin, engaging in outdoor activities, prioritizing mental well-being, nourishing your body with seasonal foods, and creating cozy moments for yourself, you can make the most of this refreshing season.
Remember, self-care is a personal journey, so feel free to tailor these tips to your preferences and discover what works best for you. Embrace the summer vibes and make self-care an integral part of your lifestyle.
I hope you found these self-care tips valuable. Share your favorite self-care practices for the summer in the comments below!
