Treating yourself should be a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer. After all, with the warm air and sunshine, your body is exposed to many elements. Having this season fall in the middle of the year can create a dull lull, so it’s time to shake up your routine. Check out these summer self-care tips.

1. Linger in Bed. Many people feel pressured to jump out of bed immediately in the morning, rushing into the day. Treat yourself by lingering in bed every once in a while. Give yourself permission to stay under the covers for an extra couple of minutes as you stretch and think about your plans for the coming day.

2. Meditate in the Mornings. The morning can set the tone for the rest of the day, so take some time to meditate and focus your mind. Center yourself by sitting still and breathing deeply. You can also come up with some positive affirmations to use throughout the season. Here are some examples:

• “I am grateful for the sun, the clouds and the beauty of the summer season. I’ll welcome all the adventures that come with it.”
• “Summer is all about radiating happiness and feeling an adrenaline rush. I am prepared to absorb the positive energy intentionally.”
• “As I dip into summer self-care, I promise to focus on myself and feeling good. If anything happens, I’ll continue to go with the flow.”

3. Head Out for a Walk. Head outside and take a leisure walk. Enjoy the scenery while taking your time. Studies show people who walk at least 20 minutes five days a week have 43% fewer sick days than people who exercise just once a week or less. Stretch your legs and boost your immune system. Don’t forget to bring water along and stick to the shade on hot days.

4. Check Out Summer Clothing. Treat yourself to some summertime clothing. Get tops and bottoms with breathable fabric so you don’t feel too hot. A sundress is also perfect for the occasion. If you have any plans to dip into the pool or ocean, it’s always fun to look for a new swimsuit.

5. Arrange Screen Breaks. Social media is a great way to pass the time, but some people often forget how long they’re scrolling. Make the most of summer by scheduling screen breaks. Think of a different fun activity, like painting or puzzle-making, to pass the time.

6. Make a Delicious Meal. The best form of summer self care is getting the food you love. While it’s good to order takeout occasionally, cooking has its own appeal. You can just blast your playlist and create meals like:

• Grilled chicken tacos: These grilled chicken tacos pack plenty of flavor and are perfect for brunch or an early dinner. Choose between soft or hard tortillas. Just make sure you use up chicken thighs so they’re juicy. Add pico de gallo, guacamole, onions, and sour cream for flavor.
• Steak kebabs: If you want to do assembly before cooking, consider making some steak kebabs. Dice up your sirloin steak, peppers and onions before skewering them. Bring over the steaks to a grill and enjoy. You can make a marinade mix to brush onto the meat and veggies while cooking. Enjoy every piece when it’s time to eat.
• Seafood boil: If you want an easy recipe to tackle this summer vacation, you should definitely make Cajun seafood boil. Boil water and beer together with Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Add some shrimp, crab legs, clams, potatoes and corn. It’ll be a flavor bomb for minimal effort. Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids in seafood can shield the skin from UV rays under the sun.

7. Get a Cold Snack. When summer gets too warm, fight back with cold food. Keeping an ice cream tub or two in the freezer is ideal for emergency snacking. However, you can also create your own concoctions in the kitchen. Here are some examples:

• Fruit smoothie: A frozen smoothie lets you enjoy fruits while getting all the vitamins and minerals. Pick out your favorites, like strawberries, blueberries and bananas. You can even mix them together in one blender with ice to test the flavors.
• Homemade popsicles: Popsicles can use up any leftover smoothie mix. Get a mold and pour in your liquids. Add a couple of solid pieces of the fruit. You can add the cap and freeze it overnight. Pop them out when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Chocolate mousse: A cold chocolate mousse can add an extra hit of sweetness. It’s easy to make— just use heavy cream, good-quality chocolate and vanilla extract. Whip everything together and refrigerate afterward.

8. Watch a Show or Movie. If you want to unwind, look for a new show to binge-watch. Invite some friends over and have a movie marathon indoors. Make some extra popcorn, turn on the AC and stay cozy in a blanket while enjoying the storytelling and visuals.

9. Pick Up a Book to Read. Look for a new book to read. There are endless choices, whether it’s an adventure novel or a poetry collection. Hit up your local bookstore and see if they have a “summer reads” display.

10. Rearrange Your Home. Revitalize your home for summer by changing up the layout and design. For example, you can move the couch to face the window to enjoy the sunny season. Extra decor like fresh flowers can make the inside more interesting.

11. Start Up a Garden. If you’ve ever considered creating your own garden, there’s no better season to start than now. Herbs, salad greens and carrots are easy to grow and kid-friendly. If you make too much, you can make pesto or salad. Give the extras to some loved ones.

12. Keep a Summer Scrapbook. Most people document their summer with photos or a journal. Get the best of both worlds and create your very own scrapbook. Add in dates and keep records of your memories. You can look back on the pages fondly in the future.

13. Simplify Your Makeup Routine. If you wear makeup, consider simplifying the steps. Adding too much product can feel a little heavy, given how humid it is. A skin tint can provide some coverage without being too overwhelming. You can use more creams instead of powder for your blush and bronzer to avoid cracks or cakiness.

14. Adopt a Skin Care Routine. You should use skincare products no matter what season it is. They can make your face and body look and feel good. That said, it is beneficial to have some focus items beyond the regular cleanser-toner duo.

• Sunscreen: The summer sun is pretty intense. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. You should also check out broad-spectrum formulations to avoid UVA and UVB radiation
• Lip balms: The lips can get pretty chapped when you’re dehydrated. While a cold glass of water can quench your thirst, it does very little to help out your lip surface. Swipe on a lip balm to soften it. You can also look for products with SPF for extra sun protection.
• Gel moisturizer: Cream moisturizers are incredibly soothing, but they can feel a little sticky during summer. Pick an alternative like a gel face and body moisturizer. It can lock in hydration without feeling too heavy.

15. Schedule a Hair Appointment. A new haircut is the best way to embody summer. Whether it’s a trim or a bob cut, getting off the extra length can feel fresh. You can also opt for getting extensions if you just want to look a little different than usual.

16. Get a Massage. If you feel any muscle tension from your physical activities, call for a massage appointment. Getting the knots out can make your body feel so much better. It can also be preparation for future plans that need plenty of energy.

17. Book a Summer Vacation. One of the most straightforward ways to treat yourself is to book a vacation. Clear out your schedule and head somewhere for a couple of days. It’s a refreshing change of pace in the long run. Here are some suggestions:

• Go to the beach: Whether you want to swim through the waves or lounge on the sand, the beach is just a classic summer spot. You can also explore other water activities like kayaking, surfing and so much more.
• Hike at a trail: People with a soft spot for nature should pick out a hiking trail and treat their eyes. Just remember to condition your body and choose a park or mountain with low difficulty if you’re just a beginner.
• Head to a festival: America has countless music festivals during summertime. If you want a more unique experience, you can go to events like the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming. More than 250,0000 attendees come over for cowboy culture.

18. See Your Friends. One of the best summer self care activities is to arrange meetings with your friends and family. Reconnect with loved ones over some coffee or tea in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you can also invite them to your vacation plans. All trips are best spent surrounded by the people you enjoy being with.

Have a Self Care-Filled Summer. Summertime can be peaceful, exciting or both when you plan it to be. Try to know what a self care-filled season looks like to you and bring it into a reality. Incorporate your favorite tips and have a blast this summer.

Credits:

Written by Cora Gold, a wellness writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She writes about self-care and healthy living for publications including Om Yoga and You Aligned. Read more from Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.