Trying to do it all this summer? Summer is the best! It is also soooo easy to over-do it because let’s face it, FOMO. So before you burnout, slow down and recharge with these fun and unique summer self care ideas.
Summer Self Care Ideas
Summer has a special kind of magic.
The longer days, warm sunshine, and carefree atmosphere create the perfect opportunity to make memories and have so much fun! But it’s also super easy to forget to prioritize your mental health and well being.
I know I sound like a broken record, but if you’ve read any of my other posts, you’ll know that I believe self care is a non-negotiatble.
It’s not just for self care Sunday, or for a season, or when you’re feeling burnt out. It’s most effective when you practice is consistently.
But I get it. Life is BUSY! I know it is too easy to put yourself last.
So, if you’ve been neglecting self-care this summer, now is the perfect time to reset!
Whether you want to refresh your routine, boost your energy, or simply embrace more joy, these simple summer self-care ideas will help you step into the season feeling your best.
Spend Time Outdoors
Get outside, enjoy the fresh air and soak up some of that Vitamin D! Studies have shown that spending time in nature can enhance your well-being, improve mental clarity, and help alleviate stress.
Outdoor Self Care Activities
- Go for a Paddleboarding or Kayaking Adventure – Enjoy time on the water for a peaceful yet active experience.
- Have an Evening Bonfire – Gather friends or family for a cozy night under the stars. We personally love having a drink by our Solo Stove during the summer.
- Try an Outdoor Class – Try beach yoga, book club in the park, or painting by the pool. There are all sorts of fun and unique classes you can take while enjoying the outdoors!
- Camp Under the Stars – Whether it’s in your backyard or at a campsite, sleeping outdoors can be a refreshing reset.
- Get Flower Power – Explore your local arboretum, botanical gardens, or flower farms. Take in the vibrant summer blooms or just enjoy a tranquil walk while soaking in the natural beauty around you.
Declutter and Refresh Your Space
A clutter-free environment can help you feel lighter and more at ease. Summer is a great time to create a fresh, open, and peaceful space.
Summer Activities at Home
- Create a DIY Cooling Spray – Mix water with peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils for a refreshing mist.
- Rearrange Your Living Space – Shift furniture or add summer-themed décor for a fresh feel. A bowl of lemons on your kitchen counter is a cheap and easy summer decor hack.
- Set Up a Reading Nook – A shaded corner outside with a comfy chair and a good book can be a perfect retreat. Too hot to read outside? Make a little reading nook by a bright sunny window. Need a good book rec? Find out my favorite books from last year!
- Create a Summer Playlist – Curate feel-good music to keep the vibes high.
- Host a Mini Decluttering Challenge – Set a timer for 10 minutes daily to tidy up small areas without overwhelm.
Revamp Your Skincare Routine
With heat and humidity in full swing, switching to a summer-friendly skincare routine will keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Summer Glow Up
- Use a Tinted Moisturizer with SPF – I don’t know about you but I’m all about pool and beach days during the summer. Combine hydration and sun protection in one step to enjoy the summer sun and protect your skin at the same time!
- Apply an Aloe Vera Mask – If you do happen to get a little too much sun, soothe over-exposed skin with natural aloe.
- Keep Cooling Eye Patches in the Fridge – Refresh tired eyes with a cool, de-puffing treatment. Don’t have any eye patches? Slice up a cucumber, cover your eyes for a few minutes and you’ll feel good as new!
- Try a Lightweight Body Oil – Swap heavy lotions for nourishing, quick-absorbing body oils.
- Protect Your Lips – Use an SPF-infused lip balm to prevent sun damage.
Has self care felt like a chore recently? Mix it up with my these fun and easy Self Care Challenges and Self Care Bingo Cards!
Nourish Your Body
Fueling your body with healthy food and movement will keep you energized and refreshed all summer long. Eating seasonally during the summer provides your body with the freshest, most nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, keeping you hydrated, energized, and nourished.
Summer Self-Care Activities
- Make Your Own Infused Water – Add fresh fruit, herbs, or cucumber for a refreshing drink.
- Try Making Your Own Acai Bowl – Grab some fresh fruits and make a masterpiece! Not sure how to make the base? Grab it from the freezer section of your grocery store or find a recipe on Pinterest!
- Go for a Sunrise Walk or Run – Beat the heat and start your day on an energizing note. If walking or running aren’t your thing, just find some way to move your body in a way that feels good to you.
- Host a Healthy Summer BBQ – Grill fresh veggies, lean proteins, and fruit for a nutritious meal.
- Join a Local Outdoor Fitness Class – Try beach bootcamp, outdoor pilates, or a group run for motivation.
Are you a list girlie? Create your own self care checklist or bucket list this summer!
Practice Mindfulness
Taking time to be present can help you feel more balanced and at peace during the busy summer months.
Simple Self Care Ideas
- Create a Daily Reflection Jar – Write down one thing you are grateful for or a positive moment each day and read them at summer’s end.
- Practice a Walking Meditation – Starting a meditation practice can be daunting. If you’re a beginner, simply focus on each step and breath as you walk mindfully.
- Start a Creative Hobby – Try painting, poetry, or playing an instrument to express yourself.
- Relax by the Water – Visit your local beach, lake, river, waterfall, or even pond! Research has shown that just spending time near the water has been proven to boost your mood, decrease stress, and improve your well-being.
- Write a Summer Manifesto – Set intentions and goals for how you want to experience the season. Try practicing a slower lifestyle this season.
Want more mindfulness for the whole family? Check out these fun mindful activities you can do with the kids too!
Switch Up Your Routine
Embrace the change of seasons by adding excitement and novelty to your daily life. Every day can be an adventure is you make it one!
Self Care During Summer
- Plan a Getaway – Even a short road trip or weekend getaway can do a world of wonders for your mental health!!
- Try a Different Workout Routine – Swap gym sessions for outdoor sports like tennis, pickleball or hiking.
- Wake Up for a Sunrise Adventure – Watch the first light of day while journaling or sipping coffee. I’m not a morning person. At all. But I can honestly say I’ve never regretted getting up to watch the sun rise.
- Experiment with a New Ice Cream Flavor – Treat yourself to something outside of your usual picks or try making it at home!
- Start a Summer Photography Project – Capture the beauty of the season through your own lens.
Nurture Your Mental Health
Take time to check in with yourself emotionally and prioritize your well-being.
Summer Self Care Activities
- Spend Time Journaling– Write a letter to your future self where you reflect on where you are now and set intentions for the future. Or you can dig deeper with these self love journal prompts.
- Do A Digital Detox Day – Spend a full day unplugged from screens. Does a full day seem impossible? Start small with an hour or two! Trust me, you will come away from this challenge wondering why you don’t do it more often!
- Start a Mood-Boosting Morning Ritual – Light candles, stretch, and enjoy a peaceful start to your day! Need more inspo? Grab my top tips on creating a morning routine that works for you!
- Organize a Girls’ Night – Studies have shown that connecting with others is crucial to our mental health and well-bing. Strengthen your friendships with quality time together.
- Practice Saying No Without Guilt – Protect your energy by setting firm yet kind boundaries. (This one can be hard!)
Grab these fun self care captions and quotes to add to your journal, social media, or use as Iphone wallpaper.
Focus on Self-Care This Summer
Summer is a season of vibrancy and fun, making it an essential time to prioritize self-care.
By incorporating these small yet meaningful practices into your routine, you can step into the new season feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace all the beauty that summer has to offer.
