Summer is my favorite season. I love the warm weather, swimming in pools, taking trips to the beach, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. It means more daylight, relaxing, going on adventures and vacations, and living each day to its fullest potential. The longer days also mean that there is more time for taking care of yourself.
Since summer is when our work schedules tend to not be as busy, and kids are home from school, it’s the perfect time to focus on self-care. It’s all about relaxing and enjoying yourself after a long cold winter season. With long sunny days and warmer weather, there are more opportunities than ever to switch up your routine and enjoy what the season has to offer.
Summer is on June 21st this year and there are many things that you can do to take care of yourself. Read on to see how you fill your summer with love and care.
Make a summer goal list
As a kid, I loved making a list of all the activities that I wanted to do during summer vacation. It was a bucket list of things that I wanted to accomplish and places I wanted to visit. Why not create a list like that for yourself? You can have serious items on the list like clean out your closet but you should also have fun activities on your list like visit a waterpark or learn how to do a cartwheel.
Take a vacation
We all love to escape our normal lives and routine for a couple of days by taking a trip somewhere. Why not plan a vacation to a retreat spot where you can recharge and come back refreshed. It doesn’t have to be a big expensive trip either, it can be a day trip to a lake or beach or even to another town to explore.
Drink more water
I say this phrase so often that people make fun of me for it. DRINK WATER! It’s such an important part of our diet and we need to stay hydrated in order to function properly. Especially in the summer heat, when we are sweating a lot, you need to keep track of how much water your drink. Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go.
Spend time outside
Summer is the time to go outside and soak up the sun. There is so much that you can do to enjoy your time outside. I suggest going for a walk, eating lunch outside, or watching the sunset.
Have an outdoor picnic
If the weather is beautiful, why not have lunch or dinner outside? Bring your meal outside on your patio table or on a blanket in the grass at a local park. If you don’t have time for that, try sipping on your morning coffee by an open window or in your garden.
Unplug from technology
This is a big self-care item for me in general. Staying off your phone and social media can do wonders for your mental health. Remember when we were kids and didn’t need technology to have fun outside? Try to find that magical feeling again and connect with nature.
Treat yourself to ice cream
Ice cream is the perfect summer food to treat yourself with! Whether you have some in the freezer from the grocery store or you are able to buy some from an ice cream store or truck, treat yourself to some yummy cold ice cream that will hit the spot on a hot summer day. Bonus points if you have a make your own ice cream sundae party with your friends and family.
Wear comfortable clothing
The only thing worse than the summer heat is your clothing sticking to you because it’s so hot outside. During these sweltering months, try wearing loose-fitting clothing that will keep you cool.
Create a calming space
Create a space that you can easily retreat too, whether that be inside your home or outside in the backyard. You could have a little reading nook or could install a hammock outside to lounge around in the shade of two trees. You could also furnish your porch to be a getaway retreat area.
Enjoy the sun and warm weather
Summer is the time to go outside and soak up the sun. Even though the heat can sometimes be miserable, get creative, and find a way to get outside and enjoy the warmth and the sunlight.
Go swimming
Spending time in the water is my idea of an ideal summer day. I grew up swimming at our local community pool and loved it so much. You don’t even have to know how to swim, just grab your swimsuit and towel and relax on the lounge chairs.
Exercise outside
If you have a daily workout routine, why not take it outside? You can run around the neighborhood, take your yoga mat outside in the backyard, swim laps in a pool, or go on a long hike.
The fact that the rest of the world is currently in Summer right now whilst we’re experiencing Winter gives me so much fomo but I absolutely loved this post and your self care tips !
Love these ideas! It’s so funny that as I was reading your post and came across “drink water” , I immediately had a sip of water, haha! I love the summer too, and can’t wait to do all of these things. I definitely want to take my workouts to my yard + have summer picnics! Thanks for sharing these ideas.
Much love always,
GABBY
I’ve waited a long time for summer this year to go to the beach and now all I can do is fantasize about it 😦 Nevertheless, these are good tips and a large part of this list is still applicable – especially wearing loose clothing. Thanks for sharing! Yes, gotta remember to drink more water (:
Shuana
howivebeen.com
These are some great ideas. I love treating myself to an ice cream every now and again, especially when its hot and sunny.
I love hiking, canoeing, kayaking and camping during the summer months – that chance to get out and connect with nature is so important. We’re actually packing up to head out on a 9-day camping trip this coming weekend and I can’t wait! It’s going to be GREAT relaxing and spending time with my husband and our dogs away from the stresses of regular life.
Good advice in this post. I made a point of buying loose, comfy clothing this summer because I am tired of being hot and sticky. And I also indulge in ice cream. It just tastes better in the summer heat.