Summer is an easy time to get run down. If you fill your days by working hard, playing hard, and not taking any time to recharge or care for yourself, you’ll probably find yourself pretty burnt out (and sun burnt) come September. Days are longer and hotter which makes it easier to exert yourself all day long without thinking of being hydrated, sunscreened, or rested. So whether you’re planning on working hard all season long, or you’re taking weeks of vacation, don’t forget these 10 important ways to take care of your mind and body this Summer:
Get outside—whether you can take morning walks, workout in the backyard, read by the pool (or your favorite body of water), just get outside! Sunlight has incredible health benefits, especially first thing in the morning, and not to be a broken record, but Studies show that getting outside can help us relax by reducing our cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates. So get in some of that natural stress relief and fresh air!
Read—There’s nothing quite like picking up a good book and traveling to other worlds, especially during the Summer. And digging into a new read by the pool or in a hammock? Yes, please! Whether you prefer paperback. kindle, or audio books, reading is an incredible way to relieve stress and take a moment for yourself. Here is NPR’s list of the best Reads for Summer 2023 to get you started.
Hydrate!! It’s easy to get carried away drinking iced coffee, teas, and fun cocktails while you’re soaking up the sun. But remember if you’re spending extra time outside this Summer, you also need to be getting extra hydration. Luckily, there are more ways to hydrate than just drinking the suggested 1 ounce of water per body weight daily. Here are several hydrating foods that you should plan on bringing the next time you’re heading outside for the day: melons, tomatoes, cucumber, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, and lettuce to name a few.
Schedule some time offline— Whether you turn off notifications, limit screen time throughout the day, or make a rule that you won’t go on social media until after lunch, make some changes to your online habits and see how you’re feeling after a week or so. Too much screen time can contribute to insomnia, headaches, neck pain, and more. So limit your time online and see how you feel after a week!
Keep covered in SPF— Yes, we’ve mentioned this in every Summer post, but it’s because if we could leave you with one tip all season, it’s this one! Getting sun is important for your mental health, but protecting yourself from the harsh effects of UV rays is just as important for your physical health. Its better to play defense with SPF and sun coverage than damage control with aloe and ice packs.
Shop fresh local fruits and veggies— Not only is strolling around your local farmer’s market a great way to get outside and relax, its the perfect place to support local farmers while picking up your favorite fruits and veggies to make you feel your best. (P.S. this is the perfect place to pick up those hydrating fruits and veggies we mentioned before!)
Curate your summer playlist— Another great way to mindfully get into the season is by putting together your perfect Summer playlist. Fill it with hits both new and old that make you want to roll your windows down and throw your hands up. And if you need some inspiration, check out the 55 best Summer songs for your playlist. Or any of Spotify’s curated playlists like this one thats perfect for Summer 2023!
Plan meet-ups with friends— Plan a game night, backyard BBQ, lake day, or any kind of gathering to get you out and connected. Summer is, after all, the best time to get together and enjoy the company of others.
Do a home-refresh— Out with the old and in with the new, right? Whether you swap out your linens for something more seasonally appropriate or its time for a DIY bathroom remodel, it can be incredibly therapeutic to dust-off some of the less-used spaces in your home and redo them to better suit your needs and style.
Take time off and take time out— This might be the most obvious one, but take your vacation days. And we mean, really take them! It’s easier than ever to be reachable and working from anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you should. If anything, it probably means you should be protecting your vacation time more than ever. And if you’re worried about leaving your business or home while you’re gone, it’s never too late to entrust one or both with an assistant.
So if you do nothing else this Summer, be kind to yourself. Make the next few months about how you can care for your mental and physical health by utilizing all the benefits the season has to offer.
