Self-Care Ideas to Add to Your Summer

Summer is so close! While summer is often associated with lazy days, summers can stressful. Between vacations, more social plans, the heat, and sometimes a busier season at work depending on your industry, it can be hard to keep your cool. Here are some self-care ideas to help you live your best summer yet.

Journaling

Journaling is a new habit that I have recently acquired. It’s been really helpful to help me start my day positively. I usually look up writing prompts on Pinterest and go from there. It helps me a lot with my anxiety and keeps my racing thoughts at bay. You don’t have to buy a fancy journal. I started journaling in a classic notebook. I recently bought a wellness journal simply because it has habit trackers that are part of my goals, but it’s not necessary.

Hiking

I love hiking. Being in nature is good for the soul. It also helps you get your endorphins running. I don’t live near any mountains, but I love hiking in my local nature parks. Grab some friends and make a friend date! It’s so much fun to experience new areas of where you live. Be sure to bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and bear repellent if needed. Also, do some research if the area you are planning to hike is new to you. Many hiking areas have maps and markers on their paths. Make sure your phone is charged and bring a portable charger.

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Yoga

As far as self-care ideas go this is my favorite. Yoga helps ease the mind. Not only are you getting endorphins but yoga is such an introspective activity that it changes your life. Just focusing on your breath and your body’s movement is the perfect way to let go. You can find tons of yoga routines for free on Youtube. There’s a yoga routine for every mood or need whether that be burnout, a breakup, or sleep. When I’ve had a particularly stressful day I light some candles, turn off the lights and do yoga by candlelight. Or go to a local studio and try some classes and meet some new people. Studios usually have specials for new members.

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Buy Yourself Flowers

When your space looks good you feel good. Get yourself some beautiful flowers for your space. Go to your local farmer’s market and pick them up weekly. I know when you’re brainstorming self-care ideas this one may not come to mind, but it makes such a difference. There are few things I love more than when my apartment is clean and I have a vase full of beautiful flowers on my coffee table. If you have pets do some research on flowers that may be toxic to them.

Up Your Water Consumption

In the summer you are sweating more so you need to stay hydrated! When you’re dehydrated it can affect not only your skin but your whole wellbeing. I strive to drink a gallon of water a day! I feel much more energized throughout the day. It has also helped curb my cravings for not-so-healthy foods. Get yourself a water bottle with different times. I found mine at TJ Maxx, but you can also find them on Amazon.

Meditating

Meditating like yoga is an introspective activity. I like to meditate in the morning for five minutes. Your meditation session doesn’t have to be perfect! It could be five minutes while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew or your conditioning your hair. Sometimes I will do it right before bed to help me ease into sleep. There are some great apps to help you if you are new to mediation. I like the Oak app. You can also find a ton of guided meditations on Youtube.

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Make Your Bed

This self-care idea seems so small but makes a huge difference. It takes five minutes to do. It just makes you feel like you have your life together first thing in the morning. You just feel accomplished. Like if you didn’t accomplish anything at least you made your bed. Also when your space looks good you feel good. My room looks so much more put together when my bed is made and that makes me happier.

Buy A New Candle

I don’t know why but getting a new candle and burning it while I do various things around my apartments makes me feel so good. I switch mine up depending on the season. My favorite summer scents this year are all things coconut. I don’t know why but I’m absolutely obsessed right now. You also can’t go wrong with a lavender candle. Just make sure not to leave any candles unattended.

Have a Spa Day

You don’t have to go to a spa to have a spa day. You can have one at home especially if you have a bathtub. Buy a bath bomb, get some bubble bath, get some Epsom Salt, pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a good book, and relax. Buy some face masks from Target. Get a nice lotion. Deep Condition your hair. There are so many possibilities for you to spoil yourself. I could write a whole post on spa day self-care ideas. If you can afford a pedicure, I encourage you to get one! I get one once a month and it really does make a difference. Also, I feel so put together with manicured toes. I also recommend trying a float pod if you can afford it. I did one a few years ago and it was so relaxing. I plan on going again this summer.

What are some of your favorite self-care ideas?