Summer is typically associated with rest and relaxation. Between kids being home from school, and more activities and holidays, it can quickly become a hectic and stressful time of year. This is why it is so important to make time for yourself and ensure that you’re practicing self-care regularly this summer. This is a great time of year for self-care with longer days and often better weather. Whether you choose to spend an hour reading a book while poolside or take a walk outside in nature, practicing self-care is doing whatever you can to take care of your mental, emotional and physical health.
Understanding Why Self-Care Is Important
Let’s face it, life gets hectic. Between keeping up with work responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and making time for family, you may feel like you’re constantly running from one thing to the next without taking time to enjoy the moment or consider simply your personal needs. In time, this constant state of business can lead to problems like anxiety and depression. You may be so busy that you’re struggling with issues beneath the surface without realizing it, such as burnout, low-self esteem, or resentment. Sometimes people mistake self-care with being selfish when it is truly the exact opposite. You cannot care for others to the best of your ability until you take care of yourself first. Self-care is taking the time during your day to do just that. It is incredibly important not only for your mental health but your physical well-being as well. Self-care looks different from person to person, and what works for someone might not be the right fit for you. It may take time to figure out what works for you, but once you do, make sure to pencil it into your everyday schedule.
Self-Care Ideas That Are Perfect for the Summer
#1.) Take a break from the constant hustle and bustle and distractions of everyday life by going on a camping trip. Consider turning your phone on silent (or even leaving it at home) and enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors. You can reflect on the beauty of the outdoors, take photographs of nature, do some hiking or even spend some time journaling. You may find that when you return home, you’re more relaxed, recharged, and rejuvenated.
#2.) Spend some time out on the water. Being outside is incredibly beneficial for mental health and summer is a great time to do that. Whether you choose to go swimming, kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding, don’t let the summer pass by without having some fun on some open water.
#3.) Consider picking up photography. Between the blooming flowers, blue skies, and vibrant colors associated with summer, there is so much beauty to be found this time of year to capture. Photography can help you to begin appreciating the beauty of the little things in life.
#4.) Try starting a garden. Not only is this practice very calming, but it gets you outside in the sun. This can be a project that you do yourself or that you share with friends or family members. Plus, you’ll later get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, whether it be beautiful flowers or fresh produce.
#5.) Have a picnic outside. Picnics are a great way to spice up your routine and make what would be just an ordinary meal feel a little bit more fun and special.
#6.) Make a new summer playlist to listen to whenever you need to cheer yourself up.
#7.) Visit a local farmer’s market and take time just to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
#8.) Work on your physical health. If you’ve wanted to get back into shape, summer is the perfect time to do it. Consider investing in a gym membership or working with a trainer to come up with an exercise plan that works for you. If you tend to struggle with making healthy food choices, working with a nutritionist can help you develop a better diet.
Additional Self-Care Ideas
Some additional self-care ideas you could try this summer include:
- Getting a babysitter so you can have some time for yourself
- Practicing yoga or some other form of meditation
- Creating some art
- Listening to your favorite music
- Having a dance party around your house
- Taking a relaxing bubble bath
- Trying out a new recipe
- Enjoying a cup of tea before bed
- Reading an uplifting book
- Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed
- Taking a day off from work so you can take care of yourself
- Reconnect with an old friend
Life can get very busy and hectic. You may find yourself running from one thing to the next without ever taking the time to consider how you’re feeling. In time, this can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This is why self-care is so incredibly important for maintaining good mental health. Self-care is different from person to person and involves doing whatever you need to do to take care of your mental, physical and emotional well-being. This summer, consider practicing self-care by going camping, picking up photography, spending time out on the water, or working on your physical health. You may also consider practicing yoga, journaling, having a picnic outside, or trying a new recipe. At Achieve Concierge, we want to help you achieve your best possible mental health. Call (619) 393-5871 today to learn more about the services we provide.