Summer is here, and it's time to take care of ourselves. With the warm weather and longer days, we have the perfect opportunity to focus on our well-being and practice some self-care. Whether it's taking a break from work or school, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing in the sun, there are plenty of ways to prioritize our mental and physical health this season. From trying new foods to practicing mindfulness, there are endless ways to prioritize our well-being this season. Let’s take a look at how to prioritize yourself this Summer season.

Summer Self-Care Routine

Creating a Routine

The first step in creating a summer self-care routine is to set aside time for yourself. This can be as little as 10 minutes a day or as much as an hour. Whatever time you can spare, make sure it's consistent and that you stick to it. For me, it works if I add that time to the calendar because it helps me focus and make sure that I don’t put my self-care off.

Next, think about the activities that make you feel good. For me, that includes exercise, yoga, and playing the guitar. Make a list of the things that make you feel good and incorporate them into the time that you set aside. I make sure that at least three times a week I am practicing guitar and learning a new song.

When it comes to exercise, try to get outside as much as possible. Whether it's going for a run, a bike ride, or a hike, being in nature can be a great way to boost your mood and get some exercise at the same time. Right now it is pretty hot here in the South, so I still get outside, but I just do it early and go to the pool to stay fresh at the same time.

Food and hydration are also important parts of a summer self-care routine. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. A refreshing salad or a glass of lemonade can be a great way to stay hydrated and cool down on a hot summer day.

Finally, make sure to take time to relax and unwind. Whether it's reading a book, taking a nap, or just sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine, make sure you're taking time to do things that make you happy.

By creating a summer self-care routine that includes exercise, healthy food and hydration, and time to relax, you'll be able to enjoy all that summer has to offer while taking care of yourself at the same time.

Outdoor Activities for Self-Care

Getting outside in nature is a great way to recharge and reset. Here are some outdoor activities that I enjoy doing to take care of myself during the summer months, you might find them helpful too:

Nature Walks and Hikes

One of my favorite ways to get outside is by going on a nature walk or hike. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but you also get to explore the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there are options for everyone. I like to research local trails and parks to find new places to explore.

Beach and Water Activities

Another way to enjoy the outdoors is by spending time at the beach or engaging in water activities. Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all great ways to get moving and cool off on a hot day, these are ways to see new places too. Just remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!

Gardening and Plant Care

Planting flowers or a vegetable garden can be a rewarding experience, and caring for plants can be a calming and meditative practice.

Mindful Practices for Self-Care

When it comes to self-care, sometimes it's the simplest practices that can have the most profound impact. By incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine, we can cultivate a greater sense of awareness and connection to ourselves, which can help us to feel more grounded, centered, and at ease. Here are a few mindful practices that I find helpful:

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and reducing stress. By taking a few minutes each day to sit in stillness and focus on our breath, we can train our minds to be more present and less reactive to external stimuli. There are many different types of meditation, so it's important to find a practice that resonates with you. Some people find it helpful to use guided meditations, while others prefer to meditate in silence. Whatever works best for you, just remember to approach your practice with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude. I use guided meditations, as I find them easier and more calming, my favorite app is the Meditation Studio App. There are many other apps and videos on YouTube you can try out.

Journaling

Journaling is another powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. By taking the time to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves and our lives. There are many different types of journaling, from free-writing to gratitude journaling to prompt-based journaling. Whatever type of journaling you choose, just remember to approach it with curiosity and compassion. I love this journal.

Gratitude Practices

Practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to cultivate a more positive mindset and reduce stress. By taking the time to focus on the things we're grateful for, we can shift our attention away from negative thoughts and emotions. There are many different ways to practice gratitude, from keeping a gratitude journal to saying a daily gratitude prayer to simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things in our lives. I take 30 minutes at the beginning of my day to write three things I am grateful for every day, it helps me open my heart and mind for a day of wonderful possibilities.

Self-Care at Home

As much as I love going out and exploring during the summer, sometimes a lazy day at home is just what I need. That's why I like to take some time to focus on self-care at home. Here are some ways you can practice self-care at home too:

Decluttering Your Space

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to declutter your space. A clean space helps with a clean mind. It's amazing how much better I feel when my home is clean and organized. I like to start by going through my closet and getting rid of clothes that I don't wear anymore. Then I move on to other areas of my home, like my desk and my bookshelves. It's amazing how much more relaxed I feel when my space is clutter-free.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Once you've decluttered your space, it's time to create a comfortable environment. I like to add some plants to my space to bring a little bit of nature indoors. If you have a hammock, now is the perfect time to set it up and relax in the sun.

Home Spa Day

Finally, I like to treat myself to a home spa day. I start by taking a long, relaxing bath with some bath salts and essential oils. Then I do a face mask and give myself a manicure and pedicure. It's amazing how much better I feel after taking some time to pamper myself.

Social Self-Care

Spending time with friends and engaging in social activities is an important part of overall well-being. Here are some ideas for social self-care:

Spending Time with Friends

One of the best ways to boost your mood is to spend time with people who make you feel good. Whether it's going out for brunch or having a movie night at home, being around friends is a great way to relax and unwind. Here are some ideas for spending time with friends:

• Have a game night: Board games, card games, or video games can be a fun way to spend an evening with friends.

• Go for a walk: Walking and talking is a great way to get some exercise and catch up with friends at the same time.

• Host a potluck: Everyone brings a dish to share, and you have a fun and low-key evening with friends.

Solo Activities

While spending time with friends is important, it's also important to have some solo time to recharge, and if you’re like me, this is super important. Here are some ideas for solo activities that can still be social:

• Join a book club: Reading a new book and discussing it with others can be a great way to connect with people who share similar interests.

• Take a class: Whether it's a cooking class or a dance class, taking a class is a great way to learn something new and meet new people.

• Volunteer: Volunteering can be a great way to give back to the community and meet new people at the same time.

Overall, social self-care is an important part of my overall well-being. Whether I'm spending time with friends or engaging in solo activities, I make sure to prioritize social connections in my life.

What are your favorite self-care activities during the Summer?