August 2023
As summer draws to a close, I contemplate the remaining weeks of sunshine and heat. I brainstorm ways to fully enjoy the last moments of the season and incorporate self-care practices into my daily routine. Self-care is always important, but there is something special about this time of year. The summer season offers countless chances for us to explore different methods of self-care.
Taking care of yourself is a means of letting go of any negative emotions that your body may be carrying. It dispels negative energy from your body and makes room for more positive thoughts and ideas. Let’s say, for example, you had a rough day at work, finding a healthy outlet can help you release the stress and tension of the day and replace it with a more positive outlook. Some perfect self-care activities after a long, stressful day include taking a walk, listening to a guided meditation, or practicing gentle yoga. Self-care is important because it provides you with an opportunity to reset and take on new challenges with clarity and a sense of purpose. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a list of summer self-care activities. I know my future self will thank me for taking advantage of this time when winter rolls around again.
Here are 5 self-care examples to help you reset this summer:
- Plan a beach day.
Even spending a short amount of time at the beach is a perfect way to relax and reset. Bring a book or take a walk. The sea air and scent of the ocean create instant relaxation.
- Wake up a little earlier and enjoy the quiet morning.
Drink coffee outside while listening to the morning birds. Practice mindfulness by focusing on your senses while you sit in stillness. Take a walk before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Enjoy the tranquility that summer mornings bring.
- Channel your inner child.
Remember summers when you were a kid? The days were filled with adventures and fun. Running through sprinklers and riding bikes filled the days until the evening hours. Rediscover the fun activities you used to do as a child and include them in your summer plans. Go swimming in the pool, stop the ice cream truck, or go for a bike ride. Allow yourself to be easygoing and carefree.
- Break the routine.
Why not try something new? Summer is a time of infinite festivals, concerts, and other activities. Try something different. Stroll around a farmers’ market or catch a free concert in the park. Try to break away from your daily routine and try something you have not experienced before.
- Find ways to incorporate nature into your day.
The days are warm, and the sunshine is bright for many hours. Take advantage of the weather by spending time outside. Have lunch outside. Take a walk after dinner. Find a bench by the lake and read that book you have been hoping to read all summer. Take a few deep breaths while walking through the woods. Even incorporating a few minutes of nature day into your day can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
As the summer begins to wind down, allow yourself time for self-care by embracing the treasures summer has to offer. You will improve your mental health by managing stress, embracing a positive mindset, and permitting yourself to release the negative emotions you have been carrying. There are so many ways to practice self-care in the summer, what are some of your favorite ways to decompress and feel more energized and carefree?