Summer Self-Care 101
Self-care is essential at any time of year, but you can take extra care of yourself this summer with these tweaks to your routine. Whether you’re a sun-worshipper or you prefer a little shade away from the heat, there’s no reason not to make the most of warmer temperatures and longer days. To ensure you’re feeling your best this season, take a look at these top tips for summer self-care…
Plan a vacation
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Okay, travel may be off the agenda this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a vacation from your usual routine. Depending on what businesses and attractions are open in your area, you can play the tourist and experience your hometown all over again with a little imagination.
Alternatively, decide to take a few days off from your usual routine and responsibilities to give yourself some downtime. A vacation can be great for your mental health and emotional well-being, even if you forego travel and choose a staycation instead.
Declutter your life
You might be spending more time outdoors during the summer but that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from having a tranquil environment to return to. With a Spring clean now, you’ll be all set for Summer so start planning what needs to be done and get ahead of the game.
A tidy room equals a tidy mind, so take the plunge and tackle the jobs you’ve been putting off. From carpet cleaning and furniture polishing to cleaning behind the cooker and doing an inventory of your cupboards; there are endless ways to enhance your home. Decluttering is a great way to say goodbye to things you no longer need and maximize the space you have, so prepare to donate or throw items away if they no longer have a purpose.
Change your diet
Warmer temperatures mean a whole new menu is about to come into season, so be sure to make the most of it. From ripe fruits and locally sourced veggies, Summer is the best time to eat delicious, natural ingredients. Whether you’re a budding chef or an enthusiastic home cook, there are a myriad of recipes to try.
As well as being great for your physical health, enhancing your diet can be fantastic for your mental health too. When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, we tend to overlook the importance of a varied nutritious diet. As we need essential nutrients for our brains to work optimally, this can have a negative impact and leave us spiraling into a worse frame of mind. By focusing on nutrition and incorporating a whole host of fresh, Summer foods into our diets, we can enhance our well-being and enjoy every aspect of the season.
Spend time outdoors
No matter where you live, try to spend a little time outdoors every day. Whether it’s a walk along the beach or a stroll around your neighborhood, being outdoors is good for the mind and the body. Even sitting in your own backyard can be a great way to enjoy the warmer weather and benefit from the fresh air.
What’s more – a healthy dose of vitamin D can be great for your mood. Providing you wear sunscreen and monitor the amount of time you spend in the sun, being outdoors could be all the pick-me-up you need this Summer.
Try new forms of exercise
Exercise is one of the best forms of self-care because it boosts your physical and mental wellbeing. When you engage in exercise, your body releases endorphins, also known as ‘feel-good hormones’. With the potential to boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and minimize stress, exercise can transform your life and lift your spirits.
With Summer just around the corner, you can look forward to exercising outdoors, rather than in a gym or at home. Whether you’re training for a marathon or working your way up to a 5km jog, exercising in the great outdoors can be liberating and inspiring. Of course, you don’t have to engage in hardcore cardio if you’re not keen.
A session of yoga or Pilates in your back yard can be just as beneficial, so find an exercise style that works for you and incorporate it into your day-to-day routine.
Take the pressure off
Summer can be a fantastic time of year but, for many people, it can bring a whole lot of stress too. If you’re juggling full-time work and childcare issues, for example, you might feel more anxious than normal.
Alternatively, if you’re dealing with body image concerns, you may feel unsure about visiting the beach with friends or wearing your summer wardrobe.
When it seems like everyone else is enjoying Summer more than you, remember to cut yourself some slack and take a break. People tend to post their highlights on social media, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re having a care-free summer.
If it feels right, take a break from social media or technology this summer and allow yourself to enjoy the season in a way that suits you.
It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself, particularly during the summer months, but this can leave you feeling ‘less than’. Instead, make a conscious effort to give yourself a break, take the pressure off, and focus on having fun and taking care of yourself this summer.
Make Self-Care A Priority This Summer
Taking good care of yourself should always be one of your top priorities but it’s easy to overlook this essential aspect of your life. When you’re busy with work, childcare, family, and friends, it’s hard to find time to factor in time for yourself too.
However, failing to prioritize self-care can leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained.
By making summer self-care a top priority, you can ensure your physical and mental health is in tip-top condition.
Whether you carve out a few minutes every day to focus on relaxation or you add a few hours of self-care to your weekly schedule, be sure to spend time taking care of yourself this summer.
