Summer Self Care Ideas: 10 Ways to Relax and Refresh

Last Updated on September 26, 2023

Self care is essential all year round, but it’s especially important during the warmer weather of the summer months. The weather is nicer, we’re out and about more, and there are plenty of opportunities to relax and refresh.

In this article, we’ll discuss 10 summer self care ideas; ways that you can take care of yourself this summer, practice good, healthy self care, and find some self care activities for summer fun. From taking a nature walk to treating yourself to some peaceful time near the water, there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re feeling your best!

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Benefits of Ongoing Self Care

Taking care of yourself isn’t just important when you’re going through a tough time – it’s essential for your overall wellbeing. When you make self-care a priority, you’re more likely to be happy and fulfilled, and less likely to experience feelings of anxiety and stress.

When you take care of yourself, you feel better both physically and emotionally. Taking care of yourself can also help you be more productive and efficient in other areas of your life. Additionally, self care can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost your immune system. 

Furthermore, taking care of yourself can help to prevent future health problems, as well as improve your existing health. So what are some examples of self-care? Well, it can be anything that makes you feel good – from taking a relaxing bath to going for a walk in nature.

It’s important to find what works for you and make it a part of your daily routine. Remember, when you take care of yourself, you’re not being selfish – you’re investing in your health and happiness.

How about Summer Self Care?

Summertime is a great opportunity to relax and recharge, but it’s important to take care of yourself during the hotter months. Here are three summer self-care tips:

1. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending time outdoors in the heat. Keep a water bottle with you all the time!

2. The sun is wonderful and feel so good, but remember to use caution and protect your skin. Be sure to wear sunscreen when you’re outside for protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

3. Take breaks if you’re feeling overheated, and find the shade or air conditioning if possible.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer while taking care of yourself at the same time.

Okay, now that we have the summer ‘ground rules’ covered, here are some summer self care ideas for you!

10 Summer Self Care Ideas

1 | breathe the fresh air

Summertime is the perfect season to focus on your well-being, and one of the simplest ways to do that is by spending time outdoors. Breathing in fresh air helps to improve lung function, increase energy levels, and reduce stress. So go ahead and take those deep breaths.

It also exposes you to natural daylight, which can help to improve your mood and regulate your sleep cycle. So next time you’re feeling sluggish or stressed, step outside and take a deep breath. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

2 | eat the season’s fresh fruits and veggies

Summer is the perfect time to fill up on fresh fruits and veggies! Not only are they in season, but they’re also packed with nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. Plus, they’re a great way to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. So make sure to stock up on all your favorite fruits and veggies the next time you’re at the grocery store.

And if you need some inspiration, here are some of our favorites: watermelon, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, and basil. Just remember to wash them thoroughly before you eat them. Bon appetit!

3 | enjoy a summer picnic at the park

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy a picnic in the park with family and friends. Pack a lunch or dinner and head to your local park for an afternoon or evening of relaxation.

Make sure to bring along a blanket or towel to sit on, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Picnics are a great way to enjoy the nice weather and spend time with the people that are important in your life. If you’re looking for something different to do this summer, why not try a picnic at the park? It’s a fun, easy, and affordable way to enjoy the warmer months.

4 | get your hands dirty in the garden

One of the best ways to relax and de-stress during the summer months is to get your hands dirty in the garden. Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio, spending some time tending to your plants can be incredibly therapeutic. And, as an added bonus, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor come harvest time!

So, what are some of the best summer self care gardening tips?

• First, choose plants that are low-maintenance and easy to care for. This will help reduce your stress levels and allow you to enjoy the process more.
• Second, make sure to water your plants regularly – but don’t overwater them! Applying too much water can actually do more harm than good.
• Third, give yourself permission to take breaks when you need them. Gardening can be taxing on both your body and your mind, so it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when you feel like you need them.
• Fourth, enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed. Gardening is more fun when it’s done with someone else, and it’s also a great way to bond with those you love.

5 | head to the farmer’s market

One of the best things you can do for your mind and body is to eat seasonally and locally. And what better way to do that then by taking a trip to your local farmer’s market? At the farmer’s market, you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are picked at the peak of ripeness.

This means they are not only more nutrient-dense, but they also taste better. Eating produce that is in season also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, it’s a great way to support your local farmers.

So next time you’re looking for a summer self-care activity, head to the farmer’s market and stock up on some seasonal goodness.

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6 | plan a day trip

Summer is the perfect time to explore your own backyard. If you live in a place with lots of natural beauty, take advantage of it! Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day hiking, swimming, and just enjoying the great outdoors. If you don’t live near any natural attractions, that’s okay too.

Plan a day trip to a nearby city or town that you’ve always wanted to visit. Go exploring, visit some museums, and treat yourself to a nice dinner. Taking a break from your everyday routine will help you relax and recharge, so you can go back to work refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

7 | evaluate the winter wardrobe

One way to take care of yourself this summer is to evaluate your winter wardrobe. As the weather gets warmer, you might find that you’re no longer reaching for the same heavy sweaters and coats that you wears several months ago. Instead, you might be more interested in lighter fabrics and brighter colors.

Evaluating your winter wardrobe can help you to identify the pieces that you no longer need or want, and it can also help you to make a plan for summer-specific items that you might need to purchase. Additionally, evaluating your winter wardrobe can help you to free up some space in your closet, making it easier to find the things that you do want to wear.

So take a few minutes this summer to go through your winter clothes and make sure that they still work for you. You’ll be glad that you did when the weather starts to cool down again!

8 | open up the windows

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather and open up the windows. Not only does this help to circulate fresh air, but it also helps to keep your home cool and reduce your energy costs. In addition, opening the windows can help to improve your mood and concentration.

Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can help to increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is linked to feelings of happiness and well-being. So next time you’re feeling sluggish or down, try opening the windows and letting some fresh air in. You may be surprised at how much better you feel.

9 | spend some time near the water

You can’t always control what’s happening around you, but you can always control how you respond. When the world feels like too much, take a break and spend some time near the water. It doesn’t matter if it’s a lake, ocean, river, or even a swimming pool.

The important thing is that you take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and relax in its calming presence. If you can’t get away to a body of water, try putting on some soothing music and imagining yourself in your happy place. Just a few minutes of relaxation can help clear your mind and improve your mood.

10 | read a summer-themed book

Reading is a great way to relax and unwind, and there’s no better time to do it than during the summer. To make the most of this summer self-care activity, try to find a book that has a summer theme. Maybe it takes place on the beach or is centered around a road trip. Maybe it’s a coming-of-age story set during those long, hazy days of summer.

Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that you’ll enjoy and that will transport you to another place. Curl up with your book in the shade, or take it with you on your own summer adventures. Let yourself get lost in the story and forget about your troubles for a little while. You deserve it!

Final Thoughts about Summer Self Care

These self-care tips are simple and probably activities you might engage in without even realizing that they’re part of your overall physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

And that’s okay, my friend. Self care should be second nature to us, right?

Hopefully, these self care ideas have given you some food for thought, for planning your summer activities, and a simple reminder to take care of yourself every single day!