10 Self-Care Tips for Hot Summer Days
“Keep calm…summer is coming!”
If you can feel your stress levels rising, the much-anticipated summer season is the perfect time to indulge in some much needed “me time”.
“Self-care, is vital to physical, emotional and mental well-being,” says Psychology Today. Yes, taking time to rejuvenate and refresh yourself is good for your body and state of mind.
Read on for 10 self-care tips that will help you to cool off and avoid a mental burn-out this summer.
1. Positive Perspective
One of the top tips for self care is to feel good about yourself. Throw out those trashy magazines that tell you that you’re not good enough – you ARE good enough!
Summer is a time of beach bodies and unrelated expectations. Stop comparing yourselves to others, especially distorted reality shown through the media. Make it your goal to enjoy your summer, just as you are.
Be grateful for what you have. Try to jot down a few things you are thankful for each day. This gratitude list can help you to start each day on a positive note.
And above all, be kind. It’s contagious. Helping others really can help yourself.
2. Go Somewhere
It doesn’t matter if it’s a staycation or vacation, taking time out for yourself is one of the best tips for self care.
Take a road trip off the beaten track, sightsee around the city, visit museums and art galleries, or just have a picnic in the park. These simple, fun activities can give you some time to relax and unwind in an interesting setting.
If you can, go off the grid. Whether you travel to a tropical island or deep into the mountains, just take time to re-energize.
3. Pamper Yourself
One of the key ways to self care is to take time to pamper yourself. Head to a spa, have some beauty treatments done, go shopping, or just take time to relax in a bubble bath at home.
Head out and buy a new outfit. Instead of following the latest unflattering fashion fads, try to choose clothes that make you look and feel confident.
If you’re not one for heading to the spa, there are many treatments you can do at home. For instance, adding essential oils to your bath can create a luxurious time-out session. Add a few candles and some relaxing music, and you’ll be totally chilled out.
Another way to use essential oils is to have an aromatherapy massage. Therapeutic massages are one of the best self care methods as they can help to ease a variety of aches and pains. Even if you ask your partner to give you a DIY massage from home, you’re guaranteed to feel like a million dollars.
We recommend Banyan Tree essential oils for all your aromatherapy needs. Their products will refresh your senses and restore your spirit.
4. Get Out There
Head outside and breathe in the warm fresh air of summer. Take advantage of the extra sunshine and spend time doing some outdoor activities.
Pick an activity that you know you will enjoy. For instance, hiking, gardening, swimming, biking, yoga, or outdoor fitness classes.
A really easy way to get outdoors is to take a casual stroll in natural surroundings. Give your mind a chance to relax and admire the surrounding beauty.
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! Frolicking under the scorching sun might catch you off guard, and you’ll spend several days looking and feeling like a snappy lobster.
5. The Power of Water
Our everyday lives are flooded with overbearing technology and stressful situations. Spend time near water to give your mind a much-needed break. “Being around water gives our brains and our senses a rest from overstimulation,” says Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist.
Whether you head to the beach, a pool, or a bubbling stream, the sounds and sights of water can help to soothe your soul. Take long showers and hot baths. Or try a fun water activity, for instance, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or sailing.
One of the most important self care tips in the summer is to always keep hydrated. Drink more water than you usually would as it’s easy to become dehydrated without realizing in hot weather.
6. Let Them Eat Veggies
Eat well in the summertime by taking advantage of the large variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Make it your goal to try something new each week.
Try to learn about the benefits of eating certain foods. Fill your diet your researched superfoods your body and mind will both feel great.
Some fruits and veggies that are filled with antioxidants include tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon, oranges, celery, nectarines, peaches, cantaloupe, berries, figs, pears, and the ultimate avocado. Add some nuts, green tea and anything dark green and leafy into your diet – and your body will feel well looked after.
7. Tech Timeout
Summer is a great time to take a break from the online world. Give yourself a chance to unwind and reconnect with real life. Limiting your time on social media and avoiding endless browsing sessions will also help you to use your time more wisely during the precious summer months.
Try not to use your devices an hour before bed, or give yourself screen time limits. If you feel really addicted, go cold turkey and try to take a few days away from technology.
8. Rekindle Your Youth
Think back and recall what you loved doing as a child.
Was it biking to the park? Rollerblading around the block? Screaming on rollercoasters?
Whatever your inner child is telling you to do, why not use some of your summer rekindling those happy memories?
9. Lose Bad Habits
Some more self care tips include getting rid of those bad habits you’ve been holding onto. The longer days and positive vibes in the summer months can give you extra time and motivation to improve yourself.
For instance, get up 30 minutes earlier than normal. That extra half an hour can rejuvenate you and give you some quiet time to savor your morning cup of coffee instead of rushing to go out.
10. Think Outside the Box
One of the best self care techniques is to challenge yourself and do something outside of your comfort zone.
Try out a new hobby, go on a luxury vacation, go stargazing, experience the great outdoors, or do anything you wouldn’t normally do. Make a summer bucket list and check them off as you do each amazing thing.
Try These Self-Care Tips This Summer
This list of self-care tips can actually be used all year round, but why not try starting this summer? Go on, treat yourself, you deserve it!
For more lifestyle hacks and health advice, take a look at our blog!