Now that summer is upon us, we can take advantage of the wonderful weather and activities that revolve around it. It’s important to practice self-care and prioritize our mental health for a happy, fulfilling life. There are plenty of opportunities to shake up your routine and make the most of the summer months. Here are 10 self-care activities you can do this summer.
- Go Outside
Take advantage of the summer months, and spend your time outdoors. Instead of lounging on the couch while you read a book, lay in a park or in your backyard. Spending time in nature can relieve stress and improve your mental well-being.
2. Wear Sunscreen
We should be wearing SPF every day in every season, rain or shine, but sunscreen is essential when spending time under the hot summer sun. Sun damage is the biggest cause of premature aging. Protect your skin and your youth. Make sure to apply SPF 30 at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply when needed.
3. Grow Something
The summertime is a great time to start a garden. If you don’t have the outdoor space to grow one, you can always plant in pots on a balcony or windowsill. You can also see if there’s a community garden you can get involved with in your neighborhood. Gardening can be a great way to practice mindfulness. Connecting with the earth and getting your hands dirty can have be very therapeutic and have a calming effect. You’ll also get a sense of satisfaction and achievement when you finally see your new garden start to bloom.
4. Hydrate
Water just might be the answer to all your problems. Practice drinking more water. It’s so important to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months. Try adding a squeeze of lemon for a vitamin C boost and a little flavor.
5. Explore a New Place
Take a summer road trip and explore somewhere new that you’ve never been before. Research has shown that travel is good for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Learning about new places can teach you new things about yourself, relieve stress, and boost overall happiness and creativity.
6. Refresh with A Mask
Forgot to reapply that SPF? Soothe sunburned skin with a simple, cooling DIY face mask from ingredients in your kitchen. All you need is yogurt, aloe, and honey. Yogurt contains lactic acid that promotes cell turnover. Aloe is a common ingredient used for sunburns that relieves pain and redness. Honey is a natural antiseptic and humectant to clean and protect your skins. These three ingredients together do wonders to heal a sunburn. Combine these three ingredients, apply to face, and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off gently with warm water.
7. Have A Picnic
Now that the weather is nice, shake up your normal routine and have a picnic outside with friends. Spending time outside in the sun can boost your mood and relieve stress and anxiety. Pack up a blanket and bring your favorite snacks.
8. Take A Dip
There’s something about water that has a healing effect. If you need a pick me up, find the nearest body of water, even a pool. Studies show time spent in or by water has a positive impact on people’s overall mental health.
9. Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise is a priority for our physical well-being. However, it’s also good for our mental health as well. Exercise lowers stress hormones like cortisol while boosting endorphins which make us feel good. Also when you look good, you feel good. Try to incorporate physical activities into your day that fit your lifestyle.
10. Get Creative
Summer is a great time to get those creative juices flowing. Use your free time to do a fun activity or start a passion project. Try a DIY tie-dye party outside, or refurbish that old dresser of yours. Getting creative is a great way to be more mindful, express your emotions, and relieve stress.
Conclusion
Summer is a great time to create self-care rituals in your life. Self-care is vital to our mental well-being. If you are experiencing any mental health concerns and finding it difficult to cope, it could be helpful to reach out for support. MyTherapist is an online counseling service that can match you with a licensed therapist that best suits your needs. They can provide you with other strategies to improve your mental health and well-being.