Summer is here. It is a great opportunity to have a new and positive perspective on life. And what better way to enjoy it than by basking in some summer sun, jumping in the pool, and having more informal parties with our loved ones?
You do need to change your routine with the seasons, or at least make slight adjustments. The days are longer, and the weather makes you want to go outside, kick off your shoes, and walk barefoot on the beach every day.
Regardless of your plans, taking time for self-care is always a good idea. Whether it be to have very productive summer activities, carefree days at the beach, or laid-back afternoons on the patio, I got your back.
Here are a few simple and practical ideas on how to take care of yourself this summer.
1. Level up your hydration. Add fresh mint to your ice cubes for summer drinks.
2. Take more naps. As much as we like to be all-out productive during the summer, allow yourself some time to take naps. You can take twenty minutes to rest after lunch. Take it from the Spanish, who took siestas very seriously.
3. Host a summer party. What better way to spend the summer than by inviting your close friends and having a cute summer party? No need to spend much; just a few bottles of wine, simple summer snacks, and good stories are enough.
4. Make yourself some refreshing iced tea. It’s a great way to refresh during those hot summer days. Mix the prepared tea with your favorite fruit. Serve over ice. I like to make a batch of either mint or cucumber lemon iced tea and stash it in the fridge.
5. Watch summer films with your friends. Instead of spending time feeling nostalgic about your childhood summer days, why not invite your friends to a night watching your favorite younger summer films? Bring out the movie projector, some snacks, and have fun.
6. Treat yourself to a lunch out. It’s so easy to get caught up in your work all day and not spend time for yourself. So whenever you can, go out for lunch and try a new place near your workplace. Or just simply bring your lunch box out and eat in the nearby park.
7. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin. Use moisturizing soaps like shea butter, coconut butter, or aloe vera to prevent dry summer skin.
8. Keep a sunhat in your car. Even if you forget to apply sunscreen when you’re out and about, you have something to pull out from the back seat of your car and be stylish too.
9. Take care of your hair. Tuck away your blow dryer. Instead, slick your hair with some hair cream when it’s still damp. When it’s really humid and hot outside, you wouldn’t want to fuss with a blow-dry and too many styling products.
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10. Use candles to set the mood in your room. Use something light and sweet that smells like you’re in a vacation vibe, like citrus-y or floral-scented candles. Or if you want a dual-purpose candle, you can use citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away.
11.Get a new haircut. Simplify your hair care routine by sporting a fresh cut. Not only will you reduce the products you use in your hair, but it can also make the summer heat more bearable.
12. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure to take advantage of fresh produce now that it is in season. Eat locally grown food and support the small farmers in your area.
13. Send cute handwritten letters. Send them to friends you haven’t spoken to in a while.
14. Grow herbs on your windowsill. If you live in an apartment and your window gets a lot of sunshine during the summer, lucky you! It’s a sign to grow your own herb in that little spot. Not only will you have an aesthetic window, you’ll also get to add them to your cooking.
15. Simplify your fashion style. As the saying goes, simplicity is beauty. When the temperature rises, you can still achieve a great style without having to “dress up.”
16. Refresh your nail color. Try paler colors for your nail polish, like pastels, seashell, or white shades. Summer nails look great with just a touch of barely-there color polish.
17. Go hiking. Hiking is a great opportunity to enjoy the summer weather and spend time outdoors. Plan your hike with a buddy in the area near you. There is no need to go very far. Just a bit of a break from your old routine.
18. Brighten up your hair. Try to add extra highlights to your hair for the summer.
19. Take a swim under the stars. Nothing says summer night quite like being on the beach and admiring the starry night sky.
20. Get good sunscreen. The urge to just go out and have fun in the sun without putting on sun protection might be strong. But I’m sure you’ll regret it later. I know I learned the hard way. Choosing a good sunscreen goes a long way.
21. Start a new summer activity. Try gardening, sketching, or yoga. Choose activities that you can do outdoors. And make sure to get your daily dose of vitamin D while you’re at it.