Summer Self-Care: 10 Ways to Revive Your Mind and Body

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Soaking up some rays after work on these long summer days sounds like paradise. But is finding the energy to do anything when you get done with your workday sounding like a distant yet hopeful dream?

On the contrary! You make time for what you want to make time for. Maybe it’s catching some rays, taking a quick power nap, or just getting out of the house.

Practicing self-care is essential to unify your mind and body. No one can do it for you – you have to put yourself first. Here are a few ways to do just that.

1. Drink Your Water

No matter what you do or where you go, don’t forget your water bottle. The heat will take its toll on you regardless, but water will equip you to handle it better. It’s recommended that women drink around 11 cups of water a day, while men drink 16 cups.

When you sweat, your body loses water. Some of the best things in life will make you sweat, too. It’s good for you. Just make sure you’re replenishing your body with plenty of water. Your brain and your body will thank you.

2. Get Some Vitamin D

While ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful to your body, sunshine is still good for the soul. Everything is best in moderation, right? Be sure to protect your skin by applying sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and wearing a hat outdoors. Get yourself a cute pair of sunnies to rock on that next boat outing or lake day.

Get outside. Whether you like to garden or would rather sit on your porch in a lawn chair, enjoy the nice weather. Evenings are the perfect time for this since it usually isn’t as scorching out. A little sun can go a long way.

3. Pick Your People

Choose to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you and ignite joy in your life. Being around positive people will most likely cause a ripple effect. Feeling supported and loved is the best mood booster. If you have friends who drain your energy every time you’re around them, they might not be your friends after all. Everyone is entitled to their bad days, but it may be time to look for a more uplifting circle if it’s a constant.

4. Be the Light

On a similar note, you want to bring positive vibes to your friendships. If you constantly feel like your fire is burning out, try looking inward to light it back up.

Do some soul-searching and discover your burdens. Work through them on your own or with a therapist, but make sure you get them out of there so they stop hurting and hindering you. You can’t excel and move forward if you have an anchor holding you back.

5. Eat Your Veggies

Eating healthier in the summer just seems easier, doesn’t it? The warmer weather does something to those veggies that seem blah in the winter. They are crisper, juicier, and much tastier in the summer months. Lighter foods like fruits and salads are healthier for you than loaded-up fries or hearty steaks.

Take advantage of your healthy cravings and sway on the lighter side of food this summer. When you eat better, you feel better. Your body’s response to what you put into it matters. Plus, when you eat lighter, you can swim longer. It’s a win-win!

6. Treat Yourself

What makes you feel good? Take a minute to think about it. It’s not what other people expect to make you feel good. What really and truly just makes you all warm and fuzzy inside?

Is it a pedicure? Is it shopping at the mall? Or is it driving on some backroads with the windows down and the music cranked up?

The sky is the limit. Find that thing that makes you feel a little more like you and a little less like the person you’re supposed to be. Now, do it. Indulge a little. You deserve it.

7. Hug Your Pet

Hug or pet your cat or dog or whatever animal you have. If you don’t have an animal, find someone else’s and go pet them. Your neighbor probably has one. If not, your spouse or child will have to do.

Hugging is proven to boost oxytocin levels in your brain and strengthen your immune system. How cool is that? It also puts you in a better mood and lowers your blood pressure. Who knew that hugging has such a psychological effect on the body? It can also build your self-esteem.

8. Try a New Hobby

Take the time to try something new. You might find that you love it or you might find that you don’t, and that’s OK, too. You tried, right? Try again. If it doesn’t work out, keep trying new things until you find something that sparks your interest.

Find a hobby that makes you happy. Engaging in a fun, energizing activity can help ease your stress and take some much-needed me-time. 

9. Clean Out Your Closet

Metaphorically and physically speaking, cleaning out your closet is a great way to cleanse your soul. Having stuff cluttered around could be preventing you from living life to its fullest. A cluttered environment can make your brain less productive at processing and can lead to anxiety.

Haven’t you ever wondered why spring cleaning always makes you feel better inside?

Yes, it’s nice to have your house clean, but it also makes you feel more organized in your mind. Rearranging furniture can also help you feel like you have a new and refreshed space.

10. Immerse Yourself in Fiction

There’s no greater feeling in the world than getting lost in someone else’s. Cozying up under a blanket doesn’t just have to be for the winter months. Crank up the A/C and do just that, or bring your book to the beach. Whatever floats your boat.

Reading is good for your health and is a great way to practice self-care. Reading fiction especially inspires and develops critical thinking, empathy, and theory of mind. In other words, the cognitive muscles in your mind get a workout when you read fiction.

Be True to You

You’re the only one who truly knows what will make you the best version of yourself. Summertime is hot and sweaty and there are bugs everywhere. There are also sun rays and tan lines and beach balls and pretty flowers. It’s all about perspective! Take the time to take care of yourself and put yourself first – whatever that means.