Summer brings longer days and more activity, which can be refreshing but also overwhelming.
Practicing self-care tailored to the season can help you feel grounded, energized, and balanced.
Here are some summer-focused self-care routines to keep you feeling your best.
Self-Care Routines for Summer: How to Stay Grounded and Energized?
1. Stay Hydrated with Refreshing Beverages
With higher temperatures, hydration is essential for maintaining energy and focus. Staying hydrated not only prevents fatigue but also helps keep your skin glowing.
How to Practice: Start your day with a glass of water and keep a refillable bottle nearby. Try adding natural flavors like cucumber, lemon, or mint for a refreshing twist. Herbal iced teas and infused water can be both hydrating and enjoyable alternatives.
2. Establish a Morning Routine that Embraces the Sun
Summer mornings are bright and inviting, making them a perfect time for grounding activities that harness sunlight. Sun exposure early in the day can regulate mood and sleep by boosting vitamin D and supporting your circadian rhythm.
How to Practice: Begin your day with a few minutes of sunlight—enjoy breakfast outdoors, practice morning stretches, or take a short walk. Spending 10–15 minutes in natural light helps boost energy and sets a positive tone for the day.
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3. Incorporate Light and Seasonal Foods
Summer offers a variety of fresh produce, which can be both energizing and hydrating. Eating seasonally aligns with the warmer weather and can help you feel lighter and more refreshed.
How to Practice: Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables like berries, melons, leafy greens, and cucumbers into your meals. Opt for lighter meals like salads, smoothies, or grain bowls, which provide essential nutrients without weighing you down.
4. Practice Mindful Movement Outdoors
Warm weather makes it easier to take your exercise routine outside, where you can enjoy nature and boost your mood. Outdoor activities can provide both physical and mental benefits, helping you stay grounded.
How to Practice: Choose activities that bring you joy, whether it’s hiking, biking, swimming, or practicing yoga in a park. Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of movement a few times a week, allowing you to soak in nature while staying active.
Related: Top 45 Self Care Day Ideas at Home To Kickstart Your Self Care Ritual
5. Protect Your Skin with SPF and Sun-Care Rituals
Sun protection is essential for self-care during the summer. Incorporating SPF and skincare rituals can help keep your skin healthy, reduce the risk of sun damage, and support overall well-being.
How to Practice: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 each morning, and reapply throughout the day if you’re outside. Include after-sun care, like using aloe vera or moisturizing lotions, to soothe your skin and maintain hydration.
6. Embrace Cooling Breathwork and Meditation
Staying cool, both physically and mentally, can be challenging in summer. Practicing cooling breathwork and meditation helps calm the mind, regulate body temperature, and ease stress.
How to Practice: Try “Sitali” or cooling breathwork by rolling your tongue (or breathing through pursed lips) and inhaling slowly, then exhaling through the nose. Practicing for a few minutes can help reduce body heat and bring a sense of calm.
Related: How To Start A Self Love Journey? Top 10 Powerful Ways to Love Yourself More
7. Create an Evening Routine to Wind Down After Long Days
With longer daylight hours, it’s easy to feel overstimulated. Establishing a calming evening routine helps you unwind, signaling to your body that it’s time to rest.
How to Practice: Dim the lights and engage in soothing activities like reading, journaling, or taking a warm bath with essential oils. Try to disconnect from screens at least an hour before bed, creating a gentle transition from day to night.
8. Practice Grounding Techniques in Nature
Summer is an ideal season to practice grounding, which involves connecting with nature to balance energy and relieve stress. Walking barefoot or sitting in nature helps you feel rooted and calm.
How to Practice: Spend time outside, whether it’s in a park, by a lake, or on the beach. Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, or simply sitting against a tree, allows you to experience the grounding effects of nature.
Related: Best 10 Grounding Meditation Exercises
9. Prioritize Rest and Listen to Your Body
With summer’s social activities and events, it’s easy to overextend yourself. Prioritizing rest and listening to your body helps you maintain balance and avoid burnout.
How to Practice: Schedule rest days or downtime to recharge, even if it’s just an hour of quiet time. If you feel drained, honor your need for rest without guilt, recognizing that relaxation is key to staying energized.
10. Embrace Joyful Moments and Practice Gratitude
Summer often brings opportunities for fun and connection. Practicing gratitude for these moments enhances your mood, allowing you to savor the season’s unique joys.
How to Practice: At the end of each day, take a few minutes to write down something you’re grateful for, such as a fun outing or a moment spent outdoors. Reflecting on positive experiences helps you feel fulfilled and present in the season.
Related: Top 10 Exercises to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
11. Declutter Your Space for a Fresh and Light Environment
A clean, organized space promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Summer is a great time to clear out excess and simplify your environment.
How to Practice: Dedicate time to declutter one area at a time, starting with frequently used spaces like your bedroom or kitchen. Add fresh, seasonal touches like flowers, plants, or light colors to create a bright, inviting atmosphere.
Conclusion
Practicing these self-care routines can help you stay grounded and energized throughout the summer.
By nurturing your body, mind, and surroundings, you’ll be able to fully embrace the season while maintaining a sense of balance and calm.
