Summer Self-Care Survival Guide
Ah summertime… Hot and humid days, lighter evenings, BBQ’s and beach time. But amidst all of the summer gatherings and festivities, remember to take the time to recharge yourself with daily self-care activities.
Self-care simply means doing the things that help you live well – both physically and mentally. Having daily self-care rituals has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, boost your self-esteem, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy!
So enjoy the season, elevate your mood, and prevent any summertime sadness with a little self-love, Vitamin D, and my top 10 secrets for your ultimate summer of self-care!
1. Sunscreen Self-Care
Protecting your skin from the harsh summer sun is one the most important things you can do for yourself this summer. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, sunspots, and photo-aging caused by the damaging UV rays. Dermatologists all agree that sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-wrinkle creams available. And mineral sunscreens are the healthiest for your skin as well as the environment.
2. Go For A Swim
Get a healthy dose of vitamin sea this summer and go for a swim in salt therapy. And if you don’t live near an ocean, going for a swim in a pool or lake can feel just as refreshing. Bring a float or noodle to make your swim even more relaxing. Swimming is a proven stress reliever, mood booster, and sleep enhancer.
So cool down, unwind, have fun, and go swimming!
3. Enjoy Nature Therapy
Getting outdoors and going for a walk, hike, kayak, bike ride or anything else you enjoy outside can be very therapeutic. Appreciating the fresh air, clear skies, and the sweet smells of summer is an incredibly effective mood booster. And exercising outdoors can elevate your levels of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin even more! Just going for a simple walk in nature is a form of active meditation that will help de-stress and clear your mind. So try nature bathing this summer to help you detox, detach, and recharge your senses!
4. Protect & Self-Care Your Hair
Healthy hair is hydrated but chlorine and salt water can dry out and damage your locks. Protect your hair from the harsh effects by applying a protective layer prior to swimming. Coconut oil is my go-to fav and one of the best options for preventing damage to your tresses. I saturate my hair with coconut oil and put it in a bun before I go swimming or Scuba diving and it works like a charm.
Alternatively, a leave-in conditioner also works well as a barrier of protection to help keep your hair silky and detangled. Try to rinse your hair with fresh water asap post-swim. Your hair is more delicate and prone to breakage when it’s wet. The longer you let the salt or chlorine stay in your hair, the more damaging the effects will be.
5. Declutter Your Space - And Mind
Ever notice how when you clean out and organize your closet, you feel so much lighter and happier afterwards? That’s because studies have found that decluttering increases feelings of self-worth, confidence, and even boosts productivity. A clean and organized home can also improve sleep, boost mood, and promote relaxation.
And summer is the perfect time to let go of the old and re-organize! Pick areas that need some deep cleaning – this could be your makeup collection, your kitchen, or even that miscellaneous drawer we all have that’s overflowing with stuff we don’t really need. Spend an afternoon clearing, organizing and refreshing your space. When you declutter your space, it helps declutter your mind as well.
6. Create A Summertime Playlist
Put together a mix of your favorite summertime songs for your auditory pleasure. Having a playlist dedicated to the season will help you have a more fun and memorable summer! I love the Reggae genre since it always seems to usher in the happy summertime vibes! A few of my favorite Reggae artists I recommend are; Bob Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and The Movement.
7. Take A Tech Break
Detox from tech and try not to be glued to your phone or computer all summer. There are so many fun summer activities you will miss out on if you are mindlessly scrolling through Tick-Tocks and IG. Take a social media hiatus and get outside to soak up some Vitamin D and find fun new things to do. Read a book outside, watch a sunset or go forest bathing to detach, de-tech, and reconnect with yourself.
8. Meditate Outside
Relax, refresh and recharge by taking your meditation practice outside. Meditating outdoors is great way to get in touch with nature and your inner-self. Feel the breeze and appreciate the sweet summertime fresh air. And if sitting still isn’t your thing, going for a walk outside is a form of active meditation that also helps quiet your mind and relieve tension. Listening to the sound of waves while relaxing or meditating has been shown to help calm and soothe your senses.
9. Light Summery Candles
Create the full sensory experience by adding some warmth and heavenly summertime aromas to your space. Light some beachy candles that remind you of tranquil waters and coconut-laced beach days for ultimate aromatherapy.
10. Enjoy A Self-Care Spa Day
Relax and recalibrate with a self-love spa day – or spa night! Put on a face mask, do a mani-pedi, and/or soak in a therapeutic bubble bath. Pamper yourself with anything that helps you to clear your mind and unwind. I love to recreate the spa experience at home by lighting candles and playing relaxing spa music. Some of my favorite spa playlists are by, Dean Evenson and Dan Gibson.
And to learn more about why self-care is essential to your year-round sanity, check out my 50 Favorite Self-care Ideas post here.
