I’m back with another collaboration with some of my blogger friends, 20 to be precise! All of our blog posts are part of the topic ‘seasonal self-care’ because we are from different parts of the world. So whilst it’s summer for me, it might be winter for someone else. I’m going to be sharing some of my favourite summer self-care ideas ☀
What is self-care?
The Cambridge dictionary definition is “The act of caring for yourself when you are ill or to stop yourself from becoming ill.”
For me, it is something I do to take care of myself. I first started practising self-care a few years ago when I was recovering from anorexia. It was tough and more than anything, I needed to take care of my brain. I’ve recently learnt that you also need to take care of your physical health. I always resonate self-care with mental health but it can be something as simple as having a shower – one thing that always makes me feel a bit better.
What I’m trying to say is that it doesn’t really matter what the definition is, you do what’s best for yourself!
Onto the summer self-care ideas
Reading
Summer is one of my favourite times to read lots of books. As a child, I always took part in my local library’s summer reading challenge which I loved. Nowadays, I seem to have continued reading lots in the summer months. I’m a massive fan of summer romance books which is what I read a lot of, the other week when I was on holiday. Summer is the perfect time to be reading outside on the beach or in your garden.
Follow me on Goodreads for more book updates 📚
Drink water
One of the most important things you can do to care for yourself is hydrating. It’s recommended to drink 8 glasses of water a day, and while I do drink a lot of water, I doubt I drink that many. So here is your reminder, have a glass of water!
Related post: 5 top tips for keeping cool in a hot country
Write down some affirmations
I’m new to affirmations but I’ve seen them lots on other blogs, such as Jenny In Neverland and Riyah Speaks. I think that writing them down will really enhance your manifestation!
A few of my favourites:
- I am beautiful in my skin/body
- Putting myself first is not selfish
- I am worthy
- Today will be successful
- I appreciate myself
Tick something off your summer bucket list
One of my favourite seasonal things to do is creating a bucket list! I haven’t posted one for this summer but you can check out my 2020 summer bucket list for some ideas. I love ticking things off, it makes me feel less stressed (yes, even if it is for fun!). I haven’t gotten around to ticking much off my bucket list for this year so that is definitely something I’m going to make time for.
Related post: My Bournemouth summer bucket list
Organise
If I’m having a bad day or I’m stressed out, organising will always help me feel a little better. My favourite thing to organise will always be bookshelves in rainbow order, but I do also like sorting out a drawer. I recently tidied up my dressing table and my mind just feels a lot calmer now.
Set some simple goals
I set myself monthly goals, but I think it’s really important to keep them simple. If they are too hard, it’s likely that you won’t have the motivation to start or finish them.
Some examples:
- Read x books
- Tidy a section of your room
- Make time for a hobby
- Take some time off
- Spend time with friends or family
- Learn to bake or cook something new
Include SPF in your skincare routine
Something that doesn’t get talked about enough is SPF. Essentially, it protects your skin from the sun – even if it’s cold or cloudy, you can still get sunburnt. If you think you might forget, maybe invest in a moisturizer that has SPF in it. I use Cetaphil which is SPF 50+.
If you want to read more on SPF, check out this SPF easy guide by The Grumpy Olive.
Take a break from social media
It seems a bit ironic that I’m saying this when it is likely that you have found this blog post via social media. But, taking some time off social media can be so important. It’s the same with anything really, you take a break to avoid burnout. When I was on holiday, the signal was practically non-existent. At first, it was a bit annoying but I actually felt some relief knowing that I didn’t have to be online all the time.
Have a go at a social media detox, even if it’s just a day or two.
Get creative
If you know me, you know how much I love doing creative things. Acrylic painting, digital drawing, creative writing, blogging, journaling my thoughts, photography, bullet journalling etc. I just love it and it is my favourite form of self-care. I love painting flowers, so what better time to do it than in the summer? (Apart from spring when tulips are out).
When I was having therapy, I remember my therapist saying that art is used a lot in mental health recovery. I still would love to join some kind of mindfulness art group but can’t seem to find one at the moment.
Check out Karalee’s post on how to practice self-care as a mother
Buy yourself something
I think it’s really important to treat yourself every now and again. It could literally be anything, maybe that necklace you’ve been eyeing up or a washi tape? After I completed my exams, I treated myself to a new Sims 4 pack.
Listen to a new podcast
Personally, I love listening to funny podcasts. I like to take my mind off reality and just laugh. My current favourites are The Secrets Out by Alfie Deyes and Shagged Married Annoyed by Chris and Rosie Ramsey. I’m warning you now, they both have some pretty gross secrets included!
Another podcast which I like listening to is Michelle Obama’s podcast – I find it really interesting, particularly the one with Barack Obama.
Do you have any podcast recommendations?
Do a puzzle
Something I haven’t mentioned yet is doing something to keep your brain active. In the first lockdown, I was doing newspaper puzzles every morning. I had finished college but wanted to have a bit of a routine and to keep my brain moving. I still like to do a word puzzle or sudoku now. Every Saturday, I make sure to have a go at the weekend crossword in the i newspaper.
Wake up early
Another summer self-care idea is to wake up early. As much as I like to sleep in, waking up intentionally is nice. A few months ago, I got up and walked to the beach at about 7:30 am. It was so nice because of how quiet it was, I sat on the beach and did a painting. By the time I got back to my flat, I had already been food shopping too. I often find that the morning is a good time to get things done because most people aren’t awake to distract you on social media!
Paint your nails
Although I sometimes go on about how self-care isn’t just taking a bubble bath or painting your nails. Sometimes it can be nice to do those things, especially if they make you feel good about yourself. I don’t paint my nails very often and have a lot fewer colours than I used to but it’s fun! It’s important to add a bit of fun into your life – so often we are brought down by other people or the news.
Check out other seasonal self-care ideas:
Sophia Patel
This Brits Life
The Nutmeg Diaries
What is your favourite summer self-care idea?
Best wishes, Cx
These are some great ideas. I’m also a fan of a good summer romance book! Staying hydrated and wearing SPF are definitely things we should be concentrating on at the minute. I’ve just invested in a large, insulated tumbler to make sure I’m drinking plenty of water. There’s nothing worse than cold drinks getting warm (urgh), so I love that it keeps my water nice and cold. And I’m a total SPF advocate too, we need it every day on our faces!
Cold drinks are the best 😍
Love these!! Especially the tale time off of social media – I think it’s so important to have those moments to just reconnect with yourself and life
So true x
Love all of these ideas! Reading and getting creative are two of my biggest self-care go to! I really love how your shelves look like, I am the same, so when I feel nervous or anxious I find fixing stuff helps me calm down. It sounds like you have spent some amazing mornings at the beach x
Thank you xx
Loving these brilliant ideas. Thanks for sharing. 😃
Thank you 🙂
Ohhh……I like all these ideas. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks!
What a great list it’s important for me to remember to do nice things for myself sometimes too not just everyone else
Very true xx
I love painting my nails. It was great getting to collaborate! Hopefully soon we can again
Definitely 🙂
Great ideas! I do some of these but need to do more.
Self-care is super important 🙂
These are great self-care Sumner ideas! I love setting goals and then reaching them, you doing think of it as self care but it really is. Also, painting my nails is a huge one for me, if my nails aren’t done I don’t feel like me.
Thank you ❤
Oo, this is such a great list! Getting organised helps me feel less stressed too x
Thank you x
I really loved this post and everything you’ve written down for self-care. Painting my nails and doing a proper in-depth skincare routine always makes me feel much better about myself. I need to defiantly get myself organised haha! Great post Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Thank you xx
Fabulous ideas here. I’ve spotted a few that I really need to get on top of, and a few I’ve never tried to begin with.
Thank you x
Really loved this list! So many great ideas and reminders. I’m gonna go get a glass of water right now 🙂
Thank you! Haha xx
These are such great ideas! I agree with taking a social media detox once in a while as part of self care. I also need to drink more water so thank you for this reminder!
No problem ☺
Fabulous self care ideas here! I love doing puzzles, especially if they are big ones. My uncle and I used to do them all the time before he passed. Also, listening to a podcast is my new favourite, so nice listening to someone chat.
Aw, that sounds lovely ❤ Me too x
I love that you have “buy yourself something” on here! It’s something that you wouldn’t necessarily think of but it’s important to treat yourself now and again.
So true! Thank you 🙂 x
Some great ideas Caroline! Get creative, making puzzles and painting your nails are some of my favorites. It was fun collaborating with you this summer. Looking forward to doing more again in the future.
Pastor Natalie
letstakeamoment.com
Thank you, me too x
So many great ideas on this list. I love that you have included other activities of self-care like getting creative.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thank you! x
I love all of these suggestions. Waking up early and making the most of the day is one of my favourite things about summer.
I love how peaceful it is 🙂 x
Such a great post! I am a sucker for reading anyway but especially in the summer! x
Thank you, I’m the same x
Great self care ideas! I loved the break from social media and the waking up early when nobody is awake to annoy you.
My favourite summer self care is visiting a quiet beach with a book and spending the hole day there just liing, reading and listening to the sound of waves.
Thank you! I love that idea – sounds perfect xx
These are some really great ideas, it’s so important to take care of yourself! I love a podcast especially the guilty feminist x
Thank you! I’ve added that to my list to listen to xx
Loved this ideas! Summer is always a difficult time for me. I’m taking care and focusing on myself this year so I feel like this Summer will definitely be better <3
I relate, hope everything is ok <3 xx
Lovely post Caroline! I really want to make writing affirmations a habit this summer, fingers crossed xx
Thank you, me too x
These are some really positive self-care ideas. I like to look after myself more now I have been diagnosed with disabilities. Thank you for sharing some great suggestions!
Lauren
Bournemouthgirl.com
Thank you xx
I keep saying that I want to read more but never seem to find the time. I think I need to make this more of a priority in my life.
Aw, I love this list! I love having an ice-cold drink and sitting outside and soaking up some sun! I also have going for s refreshing swim. Lovely post, Caroline xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Ice-cold drinks are the best 💖
Thank you for including us Caroline! That post on SPF has to be one of my favourites that I have written so far x
No problem x
I love your self-care ideas! They all are great and I am practicing about 80% from your list 🙂 I would also add some small day trips. They let your brain concentrate on the moment and get a little bit out of your comfort zone. You receive new energy, experience, and photos. 🙂
Best regards,
http://www.mysmalltravelguide.com
Thank you, love that idea x
What a lovely post! Self care is so important and sometimes it can be really little things like having a shower and painting your nails. Only over the last couple of weeks I’ve been painting my nails and it really does make a difference xx
So true xx
Caroline, I adore this post. 🙂 These are some amazing ideas to show some love to ourselves, just as we do for others.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about organizing. It is said that when we feel stressed and find something to organize, our internal environment begins to match our external environment. Organizing our room (or books) tells our brains that it’s time to come to order. Pretty neat, huh? It works though – we can both attest to this!
As you know, I’m also a fan of setting simple goals. Especially when life gets hectic and tough, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Having goals that are too lofty only adds to that feeling of stress because we know it just won’t happen. Like you said, even if it’s a “fun” checklist, go for it! It feels good to tick those boxes!
Podcasts and puzzles are more favorites around here too. Looks like we think much alike!
P.S. I’m a cat mama too and actually run a cat blog, as well as Wholeness Haven. I’d love for you to come on over and visit us at Cat Care Solutions. It always makes me smile when I hear other people’s stories of their kiddos!
Enjoyed this post, thank you for sharing! ♥
Totally agree with you on all this! I’ll definitely check out your cat blog – sounds fun <3 x
I’ve loved these collaborative posts you’ve all been doing! Summer is a great time to indulge in self care; I’ve really upped my game with SPF lately too!
Love these tips! Self-care is so important and I love the ‘taking time away from social media’ one. It can be tricky to do it at times but it’s so good to not sit and scroll!
So true x
Love our post! So glad we did another collab. I’m glad that you mentioned waking up early can be a form of self care, instead of a punishment (like how I tend to see it!). I’m not a morning person, but whenever I do wake up earlier, I do feel better and have a more productive day.
https://thenutmegdiaries.com
Me too 🙂 x
I really enjoyed reading these self-care tips! I think reading and organizing are the two that resonated with me the most. They make me so happy and I really should do more of it!
Thank you xx
I love your option of reading books in the summer! I always try to find a book that fits a niche of what I am doing at the moment. If I am taking a train during my vacation than a murder/mystery on a train. It is always fun to try and match the book with the activity
Aw that’s a fun idea!