Summer is a great time to reinvigorate habits and routines that may have fallen to the wayside. Longer days and warmer temperatures do wonders with encouraging mindfulness within your diet and lifestyle. It may even assist with the rediscovery of hobbies too.
Self-care during summer is all about balance - between movement and stillness, adventure and rest, connection and solitude. Between increased social demands, disrupted routines, fatigue from excessive heat and the pressure to enjoy everything more often than naught leads to feeling more drained, stretched too thin and even burnout.
Practical Ways to Energize Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
Soak in the Sun (Safely)
Start your day with sunshine—on your porch, balcony, or a quick walk. Use SPF, wear a hat, and stay hydrated while enjoying vitamin D. Let the light naturally boost your mood and regulate your sleep cycle.
Hydrate with Intention
Infuse water with lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing treat. Carry a water bottle as a reminder to stay hydrated in the heat. Make hydration part of your self-care ritual, not a chore.
Eat Fresh, Vibrant Foods
Focus on seasonal produce—watermelon, berries, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers. Try light, energizing meals like salads, smoothies, and grilled veggies. Have fun with colorful, nourishing snacks and new recipes.
Consider frequenting local farmers markets to partake in fresh seasonal
produce that is more often than not budget friendly.
Move Your Body with Joy
Dance in your kitchen, swim, hike, or try outdoor yoga. Focus on movement that feels energizing, not exhausting. Use nature as your gym—play, explore, and stretch outside.
Unplug and Be Present
Take breaks from screens to connect with real life. Have tech-free mornings, meals, or sunset hours. Be where your feet are—physically and mentally.
Take “mindful snapshots” of summer memories.
Plan Mini Adventures
Explore your local area with a new lens—parks, lakes, trails, or pop-up events. Take spontaneous road trips or create themed days (e.g., “beach day” or “ice cream crawl”). Adventure doesn’t have to be big—just meaningful and fun.
Create a Summer Wind-Down Routine
Balance all the stimulation with calming evening rituals. Try cooling showers, herbal teas, light reading, or gentle stretches. Let your evenings be about slowing down, not scrolling.
Reconnect with Play
Do something purely for fun: fly a kite, finger paint, play cards, or stargaze.
Let go of “being productive” and lean into simple joy. Ask yourself: What did I love doing as a child?
Declutter and Simplify
Lighten up your space: donate, sell, or organize. Create a capsule wardrobe or simplify your routines. Summer is a natural time to shed what’s
heavy—physically and emotionally.
Strengthen Your Social Wellness
Host a casual picnic, coffee date, or outdoor game night. Be intentional about who you spend time with—seek uplifting connections. Say no when you need solitude; say yes when it brings you joy.
Lean Into Rest and Stillness
Rest isn’t just for winter—summer rest might look like napping in a hammock or floating in water. Give yourself permission to slow down—even when life feels full. Ask: Where can I build more space into my days?
Create Simple Summer Rituals
Morning: Lemon water, sunlight, stretch, gratitude list.
Afternoon: Outdoor break, mindful breath, iced tea pause.
Evening: Sunset watching, journaling, light music or poetry.
Reset Your Goals Gently
Mid-year is a great time to check in: What’s working? What needs to shift? Set seasonal intentions instead of strict goals. Align your plans with how you want to feel, not what you think you “should” do.