10 Summer Self Care Ideas for a Blissful Summer
Summers are the best time of the year for some, but that’s not me. I just don’t like summer. That makes Summer Self Care very important for me to keep my sanity. Summer heat and sweat just take away my energy so to stay productive, enjoy my time, and be bearable for people around me ( I get irritable in summer) I have to prioritize self-care in summer. In this post, I am sharing my 10 Summer self-care tips that keep me sane. I like to take it as a summer self-care challenge to keep me going. If you are looking for self-care this summer you must try these 10 things I do in summer.
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Summer Self-Care Challenge
Here are 10 summer self-care ideas that you must include in your summer self-care list to have a blissful summer.
1. Adjust your routine
Adjusting your routine to accommodate the challenges of summer can be helpful to ensure self-care. You can schedule outdoor activities and errands during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and avoid the peak heat hours.
Adjusting your morning routine activities such as exercise early in the morning or evening can be a good idea. If possible include afternoon rest time to beat the heat and feel relaxed. I remember when I was in college, even if my lectures were over I would sit in the library to study till evening just to avoid traveling back home in the sun. Reviewing your current routine to adjust to seasonal needs is a good way to ensure self-care consistently.
P.S. If you want to build a routine you can read my posts on how to build a morning routine, How to Create a Daily Routine Schedule with the 8-8-8 Rule.
2. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
I am someone who forgets to drink water. Trust me that’s a thing. If there is one self-care that I need to ensure it’s staying hydrated. This is more important in summer to stay energized and refreshed. One thing that helps me with staying hydrated is carrying a water bottle with me wherever I go. If I have a water bottle at my desk during work I drink, if it’s out of sight I may not. I started to use this water bottle with marks on it for time and this is a game changer for me.
This simple habit not only serves as a constant reminder to drink water. By making it a habit to sip water regularly throughout the day, you can prevent dehydration, boost your mood, and enhance your overall well-being during the summer months. So, invest in a durable water bottle, keep it by your side, and make hydration a top priority for a happier, healthier summer.
3. Enjoy Summer Cuisine
Enjoying summer cuisine can be a delightful form of self-care. Each season calls for some recipes that are best enjoyed in that season. Take time to enjoy your favorite summer recipes to make summer more fun. Explore local farmers’ markets or grocery stores to discover fresh produce that’s in season. Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals not only ensures optimal flavor but also provides essential nutrients to keep you feeling healthy and energized. Try experimenting with colorful salads, refreshing smoothies, grilled vegetables, or relive your childhood with ice cream and sorbet.
4. Adjust your diet for summer
Adjusting your diet to align with the demands of summer is a proactive form of self-care. Try to include lighter, more hydrating foods that are easier to digest in hot weather in your diet. Incorporate plenty of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. You can try salads, smoothies, and cold soups like gazpacho. I prefer to have curd every day after lunch in summer to keep me cool.
You can also reduce your intake of heavy, rich foods that can weigh you down and make you feel sluggish in the heat. Choose lighter protein sources such as grilled chicken or fish, and whole grains like quinoa or couscous over heavier starches. By adjusting your diet to prioritize hydration and lighter food, you can support your overall well-being and feel your best throughout the summer months. Adjusting your diet to summer needs can keep you feeling energized, hydrated, and nourished even in summer heat.
5. Do summer-appropriate exercise or sport
Exercise and fitness are often neglected in summer with the excuse of heat and sweat. However, you can prioritize fitness even in summer by engaging in summer-appropriate exercises or sports. You can do indoor less extensive exercise or indulge in yoga and meditation. One best exercises for summer is swimming to beat the heat and stay cool while working out.
Depending on the extent of summer you can consider taking advantage of the longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or playing beach volleyball. These activities provide excellent cardiovascular exercise, and allow you to soak up vitamin D and connect with nature. By choosing exercises and sports that are well-suited to the summer climate, you can stay active, healthy, and happy all season long.
6. Summer clothes
An easy way to ensure your comfort in summer is to choose the right clothes. Although it may sound so basic it makes a great difference to keep you calm and cool. Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials that allow air circulation and help to wick away sweat. Choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays and minimize heat absorption, keeping you feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the day. When stepping out use wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
I love to wear loose cotton pants and tops in pastel or floral prints in summer.
7. Make your environment summer-ready
Make your environment summer-ready. It can be your home or workspace. Attempt to make the space cool and refreshing. You can do this by bringing elements of nature into your indoor space by adding houseplants, fresh flowers, or botanical prints to evoke a sense of summer freshness.
Open windows and doors to let in natural light and fresh air, allowing the outdoors to flow seamlessly into your home. For sections of the house that receive strong sunlight and heat the room I put on blind curtains and for those that do not receive significant sunlight, I keep sheer curtains. Summer-inspired environment uplifts your mood, lets you relax, and lets you deal with heat. If you use air conditioners make sure to get them cleaned and serviced before the summer arrives.
8. Skin Care
Adjust your skincare to summer needs. Sweat and oiliness in the skin during summer make it more prone to acne. hence it is best to adjust your skincare routine to summer needs. Ensure you keep your skin hydrated and use summer-appropriate products like water-based creams, hydrating masks, etc. Make sure to have sunscreen on your skin every day to protect your skin from sunlight damage.
You can also consider wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, to shield your skin from direct sun exposure. After spending time outdoors, soothe and hydrate your skin with aloe vera gel or after-sun lotions to help alleviate any sunburn and replenish moisture. With these simple skincare practices in your summer routine, you can enjoy the season safely.
Use pleasant fragrances such as perfumes or deodorant to help you feel fresh all day.
9. Make a relaxing bedtime routine
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine is a wonderful way to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, especially during the summer months when the heat can make it difficult to relax. I like to take a shower before sleep to help lower my body temperature and promote relaxation, then slip into lightweight, breathable pajamas to feel fresh. You can add soothing activities to your nighttime routine like meditation, and listening to calming music to quiet your mind, or have a soothing aroma in the air to ease stress and help you sleep comfortably.
P.S. Read 10 Things to Do Before Bed for Best Nighttime Routine.
10. Plan trips or vacation
Planning trips or vacations can be rejuvenating. If you live where summers are pleasant you can try local trips and picnics for a day or 2. But if you stay where summers are difficult to bear go for a vacation to cool places such as a nearby hill station or someplace lush green to have fresh air and ditch the city heat. Plan to save in advance to ensure you have the budget to take the vacation. Whether you’re traveling solo, with loved ones, or with friends, planning a trip or vacation can be a transformative act of self-care that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.
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Conclusion
So these are the 10 things that I think are essential to be part of summer self-care. While summer may not be everyone’s favorite season, it’s essential to prioritize self-care to get through it with grace and maintain our well-being. As someone who struggles with the heat and humidity, I’ve found that ensuring these things as part of my summer self-care routine helps me enjoy this time of year to the fullest.
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