Wondering how you can take care of yourself this Summer? That’s a great question to be asking. Luckily, these Summer self-care ideas will help you slow down and enjoy the longer, lazier days of the season, right along with the rest of your household.
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5 Simple Summer Self-Care Ideas
Whether you’re adjusting your existing self-care routine, or just starting one, Summer is the perfect time to practice self-care.
How to Take Care of Yourself This Summer
First, let’s talk about what self care is and isn’t.
Self-care has a reputation for being long, leisurely baths, extended time without kids, or expensive luxuries like massages and manicures. Let’s get rid of those ideas right now. While those things can be a part of self-care, they pale in comparison to other, more long-lasting endeavors.
Establish Boundaries
Just say no to entertaining your kids all day, e’ery day. The obvious choice is to sign your kids up for as many VBS’s and camps as you can find. I’m just kidding. Camps are great, but it’s okay if your kids aren’t constantly entertained.
In fact, a little boredom is actually healthy. Research shows that sometimes being bored is exactly what kids need. Letting your child occasionally work through boredom motivates creative problem solving. In fact, in an article for psychology today, Michael Unger, PhD says,
The antidote to boredom is to provide children with an environment that lets them experience autonomy (the ability to work a little on their own), control (the right to have a say over what they do), challenge (a small push beyond their comfort zone), and intrinsic motivation (the motivation comes from inside them).
Michael Unger, PhD
If not constantly engaging your kids causes some guilt, I can relate. I remember the disappointment I felt in myself as I sat in silence across the table from my daughter. We were at DisneyLand. The guys went off to ride Tower of Terror. I saw this time alone with my daughter as an opportunity for some quality mother-daughter time. A chance that felt rare since she lived thousands of miles away. (Yes, I’m talking about a grown child.)
“I expected myself to be ‘on’ for my daughter at all times. But my family never asked me or expected me to give them all my time and energy.”
Sharon
I wrestled over the guilt from that day even after we returned home from our trip. After talking it over with my counselor, I realized how hard I was being on myself. That I expected myself to be ‘on’ for my daughter at all times. That I assumed quality time couldn’t come from just sitting together, taking comfort in each other’s presence.
That realization seemed to wake me up to the fact that I’d assumed that responsibility throughout my daughter’s entire childhood. But my family never asked me or expected me to give them all my time and energy, as in every bit of it. So, if you’ve taken on that burden, I’m giving you permission to let it go. (It’s very freeing.)
Let Go of Comparison
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat at a community pool or on the beach comparing my body to the other women there, envying friends and family who have vacation homes or who can afford to travel to fancy islands or other countries, or wrestling with guilt over not being about to take my daughter on trips or send her to various camps.
I can tell you that comparison stole my joy.
Once I let go of thinking I was missing out, or that those other versions of Summer were the way it’s supposed to be, I was able to make my own fun. And the reality is, there really isn’t a right or wrong way to spend your Summer. As long as you’re spending it on the people, places and pursuits that you value most, that’s what matters.
Set Up Kids for Independence
Setting up ways for the kids to be independent will cut down on their need for help, creating more peace for all of you.
- designate a place to hang wet towels and swimsuits from the pool, waterpark or beach. Show your kids where it is and how to use it.
- pare down the kids closets to just their summer wardrobe and let them dress themselves
- assign a daily drawer or basket for each kid or each bathroom that contains bath and body products they need to get ready for the day and to get ready for bed.
- create an outdoor toy zone in your garage or backyard for balls, bikes, riding toys, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, etc that the kids can easily access and put away.
- set up a self-serve area in the pantry for the kids. Of course, fill it with mom-approved choices.
- establish an evening reset routine at the end of the day where everyone pitches in to pick up from activities of the day. It’s okay if they don’t put things back exactly how you would. The goal is for them to use the storage solutions you set in place and establish independence.
It takes time to implement new systems and routines, so be to model the process until your kids feel confident using it on their own.
Check Ideas off Your Summer Bucket List
Keeping in mind that self-care is anything that nurtures your soul and fills your cup, write a bucket list of activities you would enjoy. My list of summer self-care activities includes:
- permission to just sit and read for hours
- going stargazing
- visiting the aquarium downtown
- many day trips to the beach, a week long stay would be even better
- rocking on the front porch as many nights as possible
- go swimming often
- attend at least one concert in the park
Then, schedule time on your calendar to do something off your list.
Letting your family see you do for yourself, whether that’s enjoying a hobby, spending time with friends, or taking a little time to relax, provides them with a more well-rounded, realistic view of not just motherhood, but womanhood.
Get Your Summer Glow Up On
Anything that makes you feel confident and beautiful, inside or out, counts.
- Summer is the perfect time to try a new hairstyle or color. I worked up the nerve to try red highlights a couple of summers ago. Seeing my reflection in the mirror took me back to my youth when the sun would bring out the naturally red highlights in my hair. I felt like me.
- Summer is also a good time to experiment with fashion and hone in on your style. One Summer, I decided I was sick of wearing one-piece swimsuits. Having tight fitting material against my skin is uncomfortable and makes me more self-conscious. So I ditched my old one-piece for a couple of cute two-piece suits that are comfortable and better reflect my style. I’m also creating personal outfit formulas that guarantee no matter what I wear, I’ll look and feel fashionable.
- Take advantage of the more relaxed mornings of Summer to check in with yourself before you even get out of bed. Notice how your body feels, what emotions you’re experiencing, the thoughts that are going through your mind, and think about how you can meet those needs during the day.
- Try journaling. You can free write in the morning to clear your mind or write down what your grateful for at the end of the day. Or you can try art journaling. Whatever method you choose, journaling is a great way to lift your mood, provide clarity and nurture your soul.
- Start the day with sunshine. There’s something so grounding about connecting with nature, especially the warmth of the sun, early in the day. For me it’s a reminder of where my help comes from. But, basking in the sun early in the day also helps reset your circadian rhythm, giving you a better night’s sleep.
- Spend time with your people. There’s nothing like the connection and community of fellowship to remind us we’re loved and supported and that we belong.
- Unleash your creativity. Creativity, in my opinion, is any outlet that is a natural, organic form of self expression. If you love to cook, try new recipes. If you’ve always been interested in photography, try an iPhone photography class or learn how to use your DSLR. Maybe this is the year you take up travel journaling.
Making time for self-care this Summer will replenish, restore, and renew your soul, one small act at a time.
Keep going with your Summer self care:
- The Summer Self-Care Tip You’ve Been Missing
- 5 Cool Summer Beach Reads
- The Truth About Self-Care for Women
Wishing you an amazing Summer!
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