Take a break from the daily hustle and bustle and start some well-deserved self-care for this summer.
Say hello to sun-kissed days ahead!
Can you feel the happy singing of birds and feel that warm breeze against your skin? That’s right, summer is here.
We all know that summer brings its own good vibes and adventures, but for me, it’s also a time to welcome the season of self-care.
Are you the type of person who enjoys a refreshing drink in hand while lounging by the pool? Or do you like strolling barefoot on the beach as the soothing sound of the waves crashing soothes your soul?
Whatever your perfect summer self-care looks like, we’ve got a delightful mix of 20 ideas that are sure to lift your spirits and make your heart sing.
These are a few lists that I hope will motivate you to take time for yourself, indulge in things that make you happy, and take care of your body and mind. So grab your sunnies, slather on that sunscreen, and let’s dive into a well-deserved dose of self-care!
01 Create a cozy outdoor space
Create a welcoming outdoor area where you can relax and unwind to make the most of the summer. With cushions and blankets, create a cozy seating area. Add glowing lanterns or fairy lights for a mystical feel. This peaceful haven will offer the ideal backdrop for reading, contemplation, or just taking in the sun’s warmth while refreshing your mind and body.
Make summer nights more unforgettable by setting up cozy outdoor spaces. This is ideal when you have a backyard space. Set up a comfortable seating area with cushions and blankets. Add fairy lights or cute lanterns for a touch of magical ambiance. You can use this space to read your fave summer book or just to unwind after a long day.
02 Have a Movie nights with Summer-Themed Films
Grab some popcorn, refreshing beverages, or your favorite snacks and enjoy a relaxing night by having a summer-themed movie night. Choose movies that remind you of summer, whether they’re nostalgic road trips, beach adventures, or coming-of-age stories. It’s time to unwind and escape into the magical moments of summer. Make sure to turn your phone off and only focus on your viewing pleasure, whether alone or with your family or friends.
03 Indulge in Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
What better way to care for yourself than by providing your body with healthy foods? Take advantage of the bounty of summer by indulging in fresh seasonal fruits and veggies. Forget junk eating; summer is time for colorful salads and refreshing smoothies. Staying healthy and hydrated should be part of your self-care routine.
04 Make delicious summer recipes
If you like cooking, this one is for you. Get creative in the kitchen and try out new summer recipes that you’ve never tried before. There are plenty of recipes online to choose from. By trying out recipes you’ve never made before, you will expand your culinary skills. I recommend recipes that require ingredients that are easily available throughout the year. This way, if you like what you make, you can easily recreate it anytime of the year.
05 Technology detox day
Have you ever stopped to think about how much time you spend staring at your phone in a day? I know I’ve been guilty of this myself. That’s why taking a day for a digital detox during the summer is such an important act of self-care. Disconnecting from our devices allows us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. It gives us a chance to rest our minds, reduce stress, and find solace in activities that truly nourish us. By embracing a digital detox day, we can reclaim our time, restore our mental well-being, and rediscover the simple joys of life.
06 Create your own summer playlist
Summer is the perfect time to listen to fresh new beats and timeless classics. To enhance your summer experience, I recommend creating a playlist that captures some memorable moments, whether it’s the sound that reminds you of your childhood summer or laughter-filled road trips. Or just fill it with uplifting tunes that make you want to dance and sing along.
07 Setup a bonfire
We all know that summer is the season when a bonfire on the beach is practically mandatory. Gather around with friends or family, because it’s s’mores time! There’s nothing quite like having a bonfire night, the crackling of the flames and the of the twinkling stars while surrounded with friends and family, sharing stories, laughter, and that delightful melted chocolate mess. Embracing the magical moments with those who matter most to us is a form of self-care in itself.
08 Attend outdoor concerts
One of my favorite ways to soaking up the summer vibes is by attending outdoor concerts, festivals, and local events in my area. My tip is to plan ahead, check out event schedules, invite friends or family, and make a day of it. Whether it’s grooving to live bands in the park, or exploring street festivals, there’s always something that will suit your interests. The energy, the music, and the sense of community create an unforgettable experience. Take some time to relax and enjoy the music (and of course the foods!).
09 Treat yourself to a refreshing frozen treats
Treat yourself to a variety of tasty frozen treats or refreshments that you can make right at home. You can whip up some creamy homemade ice cream with your favorite toppings, or try your hand at making different color popsicles and sorbets. And that’s not even the best part, you can enjoy making these summer delights with your friends and family. An instant get together popsicle party!
10 Get active with yoga or fitness class
You don’t need to be a pro to start enjoying fitness class or yoga session. Trust me, watching myself struggle to hold those yoga poses or attempting to follow the instructor’s moves in a fitness class is pure comedy (hello? I wobbled and fell a few times). If you want you can even practice simple beginners yoga poses at the comfort of you home. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube you can follow. But if you can go outside and get active out in the sun the better. It is a fantastic way to take care of yourself. It’s a chance to stretch and improve your health while enjoying the great outdoors.
READ MORE: 21 Self-Care Ideas for Summer You Need to Try
11 Start an attitude for gratitude
It’s nice to kick off every summer (or anytime really) with an attitude for gratitude. You can start by simply grabbing a pen and paper and beginning a gratitude journal. Each day, take as little as five minutes to reflect on the things that you’re grateful for and jot them down. For example, write down if you find gratitude in the sunny days, laughter-filled moments in your road trip, and the simple pleasures that make summer so special. I swear by this activity because focusing on what I am thankful for makes me happier and more content in my everyday life.
12 Engage in a creative activity
You don’t always need to spend a lot of money to enjoy different self-care summer activities. One of my favorite ways to unwind is by spending my time doodling on a sketchpad. It’s always satisfying to try and use your hands (and imagination) in a creative activity. You can try your hands at drawing using whatever pen or marker you have, or you can do knitting, or if you’re really want a challenge try an elaborate puzzle for adults. Embracing your inner creativity is incredibly therapeutic.
13 Set Summer Reading Challenge
Let the power of books transport you to new adventures and enrich your summer self-care experience. Create a list of books you’ve been meaning to read or explore new genres that intrigue you. Set goals for yourself, such as reading a certain number of books or completing specific number of pages. This challenge will not only encourage you to dedicate time to reading but also provide an opportunity to immerse yourself into different worlds, learn new things, and enjoy the beauty of storytelling.
14 Solo date
In this day and age being solo is the new cool, so why not treat yourself to a solo date night?. Grab some popcorn and head to a movie theater, try out that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, or simply spend an afternoon in a cozy corner of a coffee shop. Summer is all about connecting with yourself and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. So, why not embrace the freedom and enjoy your own company while indulging in delightful experiences? The secret is to plan a day just for yourself, focusing on activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
15 Prioritize your sleep
Okay, hear me out. One self-care activity that often gets neglected is sleep. I’ve realized that getting enough quality sleep is very important for my overall well-being. If I don’t get enough sleep the next day productivity would suffer. So, make sleep your top priority. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, and stick to it. Even before you sleep you can create a relaxing bedtime routine to prep your brain to sleep. You can read a book or take a warm bath. Additionally, you can help your body wind down by making your bedroom cozy and distraction free.
16 Say No
Setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ to commitments that don’t align with your summer priorities is an important act of self-care. Sure, you may find it hard to decline requests or invitations for fear that you would hurt or disappoint others. However, we have a limited time and energy everyday and it’s important to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. By saying no without feeling guilty, you will add more time and energy to enjoy summer season on your own terms.
17 Try new water sport
Why not step out of your comfort zone and try out a new summer water sport or activity? To add excitement and adventure out of summer. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with nature while creating your gorgeous sun tan. You can try activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or one of my all time favorite surfing, which are fairly easy for beginners to enjoy. So grab your swimsuit, soak up the sun, and have a great time.
18 A dip in the pool
Last summer, I had an unforgettable beach trip with my family. I still recall the refreshing dip in the ocean as the sun sets in the horizon. It is the feeling of diving into the cool water and basking in the warmth of the sun that was pure bliss. To make the trip even more fun, I recommend bringing along a good book, a beach ball or even a guitar so you can sing along as the summer sun goes down. Spending time near the water, feeling the rough sand beneath your toes, and taking in the soothing sounds of the waves is an essential part of summer. And that was a priceless experience.
19 Try forest bathing
Have you heard of forest bathing? The process of immersing yourself in nature and soaking in the atmosphere of the forest is also known as Shinrin-yoku. Forest bathing has several benefits for both physical and mental health, including lowering stress levels, enhancing mood, and improving general well-being. Try it in a forest near you; find a peaceful spot and take a slow walk. It’s good to take a break from the hustle and bustle and let the forest heal you.
20 Capture Summer Colors
Time to take out your polaroid or your smartphone camera and capture the vibrant colors of the season. Summer is filled with stunning hues and breathtaking sceneries. It is the perfect time to practice your photography skills. Take a photo of the blooming flowers, the peachy skies, or the Sunday brunch you had. Get creative using different angles and moods. Let each photo becomes a priceless reminder of the beauty of moments of your summer.
21. DIY spa night
Who says you can’t treat yourself like royalty? Create a do-it-yourself spa day this summer and pamper yourself like the true queen (or king) that you are. Prepare a nice bubble bath, light scented candles, and play calming music to create a spa-like atmosphere. Treat your skin to a face mask or body scrub with natural ingredients. Don’t forget the soothing massage using aromatic oils. A spa night allows you to unwind and recharge while indulging in much-needed self-care.
I hope that these summertime self-care suggestions will inspire and revitalize you. Spend some time alone (or with loved ones), bask in the warmth of the sun, and let these self-care rituals sooth your body, mind, and spirit.
Try them out to make your own summer of blissful self-care.