We need to practice self-care all year round. It helps all areas of our lives, from friendships to mental health to work.
Self-care ideas for the summer often involve getting outside and enjoying the sunlight. It’s definitely something you should prioritize. But being outdoors isn’t the only way to practice self-care during the hot months.
Today, we’ve got twenty self-care ideas for you to try this summer. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to get out and work on your tan or stay inside and keep cool.
1. Take Morning Walks
Using the heat as an excuse to stop going for walks in the summer is easy. But if you go out first thing, you can avoid most of the heat while still getting in your Vitamin D. Morning sunlight also has benefits such as increasing energy and improving your sleep.
2. Make a Summer Reading List
Summer reading lists aren’t only for kids. Make a list of books you’ve been meaning to read and promise yourself a reward if you read them all by the end of the summer. Or, if you don’t want to make your own list, consider joining your local library’s summer reading program. Most of them have adult challenges with prizes!
3. Create a Sleep Schedule
Having a consistent sleep schedule is vital to improve sleep quality. Use this summer to figure out how much sleep your body needs and how to get it. While you’re at it, consider working on your evening and morning routines to help you sleep better and have more energy throughout the day.
4. Make a Summer Playlist
Create your own playlist to celebrate summer with all your favorite bops. You can listen to it whenever you need a pick-me-up or extra summer vibes.
5. Go On a Solo Beach Trip
Visiting the beach alone means you get to do whatever you want. Swim, read, soak in the sun, or do whatever your heart desires. Don’t forget to take a long walk along the shore to ground your body and strengthen your feet.
6. Read Outside
There’s something special about reading outside on a warm summer evening. Leave your phone inside to make it a more tranquil experience. You might be surprised by how far you get in your book without a device distracting you.
7. Make a Summer Bucket List
Write down everything you want to do this summer in your journal or planner. If you need ideas for what to include, search for summer bucket lists on Pinterest. Then, all you have to do is work through it!
8. Have a Picnic with Friends
Plan a picnic with your friends in a nearby park. Have everyone bring food to share and set up a Pinterest-worthy spread. You could also try having a themed picnic with matching outfits, food, and activities.
9. Visit a Museum
Wandering through a museum is a wonderful way to spend a hot afternoon. You could visit a local museum or take a day trip to a nearby big city one. Who knows what treasures or information you’ll discover?
10. Do a Mid-year Review
Falling behind on your goals is stressful. So, doing a mid-year review to check in on your progress and make a plan for the rest of the year is a great way to practice self-care. It’s not as glamorous, but think how good you’ll feel when you accomplish your goals.
11. Have a Coffee Date with a Friend
Another way to catch up with your friends is to plan a coffee date at Starbucks or a local coffee shop. Taking time for your friends is essential as an adult. They’ll appreciate the chance to hang out as much as you do.
12. Rearrange Your Room
Feeling discontent in your current space? A simple way to refresh it is by rearranging your bedroom. Try putting your bed in a new spot. Switch your furniture from one room to another. Learn about feng shui and try applying the principles to your space.
13. Buy Fresh Flowers
A vase of vibrant blossoms makes any space feel brighter and happier. Grocery store flowers are great, or you can look at local farmer’s markets for fresh-cut bouquets. The flowers will be seasonal, and you’ll get to support a small business.
14. Make a Seasonal Smoothie
Eating local, in-season fruits and vegetables is healthier for you. So try enjoying them in your smoothies instead of frozen or out-of-season produce filled with preservatives.
15. Try Meal Prepping
No one wants to spend all day making food in the hot kitchen during the summer. Try meal prepping instead, cooking most of your meals in one day to enjoy throughout the week.
16. See a Drive-In Movie
Drive-ins have been growing in popularity recently. It’s a fun, retro way to watch a movie from the comfort of your car. It also makes a great date night or night out with the girls.
17. Make Ice Cream
Making ice cream at home is healthier and more customizable than anything you can find in-store. It’s also a load of fun. Don’t worry if you don’t have an ice cream maker; there are plenty of ways around that.
18. Explore Your Local Library
Take a few hours and work through your local library shelf by shelf. It’s like going to the bookstore, but all the books are free! You never know what kind of treasures you’ll find in the stacks.
19. Limit Screen Time
It’s well-known that we spend too much time on our phones. Make a goal this summer to spend less time on your devices and more time out in the world. This could look like putting your phone away during certain hours or even having phone-free days.
20. Make Something By Hand
Creating things by hand is quickly becoming a lost art. But making something by hand is relaxing, confidence-boosting, and good for your mental health, so why not try a handicraft this summer?
Self-care doesn’t have to end because it’s hot outside. There are plenty of ways to care for yourself inside with the AC or outside under the sun.
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