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You are here: Home / Blog posts / Mental health / 14 summer self-care ideas

14 summer self-care ideas

July 31, 2021 Filed Under: Mental health, Blog posts

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.

bookshelf with books in rainbow order

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.

bee on knapweed flower

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:

Headphone Thoughts

Let’s Take A Moment

Riyah Speaks

Sophia Patel

Simply Alex Jean

This Brits Life

The Nutmeg Diaries

Faerie Lifestyle

What is your favourite summer self-care idea?

Best wishes, Cx

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About Caroline

Welcome to Enviroline Blog 💗
I blog to raise awareness about the environment and mental health - specifically eating disorder recovery.
I upload every Sunday and some Wednesdays.

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Comments

  1. Jaclynistic Vibes says

    July 31, 2021 at 10:26 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      Cold drinks are the best 😍

      Reply
  2. Melanee says

    July 31, 2021 at 11:25 am

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      So true x

      Reply
  3. Cristina Rosano says

    July 31, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      Thank you xx

      Reply
  4. Basic With Life says

    July 31, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    Loving these brilliant ideas. Thanks for sharing. 😃

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:16 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  5. Fadima Mooneira says

    July 31, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    Ohhh……I like all these ideas. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Sarah says

    July 31, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    What a great list it’s important for me to remember to do nice things for myself sometimes too not just everyone else

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:16 pm

      Very true xx

      Reply
  7. Headphonesthoughts says

    July 31, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    I love painting my nails. It was great getting to collaborate! Hopefully soon we can again

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:16 pm

      Definitely 🙂

      Reply
  8. JamieAdStories says

    July 31, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    Great ideas! I do some of these but need to do more.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      Self-care is super important 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jordanneleecreative says

    July 31, 2021 at 2:57 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you ❤

      Reply
  10. Sophie | Love and Literature says

    July 31, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    Oo, this is such a great list! Getting organised helps me feel less stressed too x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you x

      Reply
  11. Elle says

    July 31, 2021 at 5:05 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you xx

      Reply
  12. Nyxie says

    July 31, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you x

      Reply
  13. Mind Beauty Simplicity says

    July 31, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    Really loved this list! So many great ideas and reminders. I’m gonna go get a glass of water right now 🙂

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you! Haha xx

      Reply
  14. Jodie | That Happy Reader says

    July 31, 2021 at 6:19 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:19 pm

      No problem ☺

      Reply
  15. Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl says

    July 31, 2021 at 8:56 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:19 pm

      Aw, that sounds lovely ❤ Me too x

      Reply
  16. Katie says

    July 31, 2021 at 9:57 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 31, 2021 at 10:19 pm

      So true! Thank you 🙂 x

      Reply
  17. Pastor Natalie says

    July 31, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 10:43 am

      Thank you, me too x

      Reply
  18. Aimsy says

    August 1, 2021 at 9:26 am

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 10:43 am

      Thank you! x

      Reply
  19. Kelly Diane says

    August 1, 2021 at 10:04 am

    I love all of these suggestions. Waking up early and making the most of the day is one of my favourite things about summer.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 10:44 am

      I love how peaceful it is 🙂 x

      Reply
  20. Rachael says

    August 1, 2021 at 11:20 am

    Such a great post! I am a sucker for reading anyway but especially in the summer! x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you, I’m the same x

      Reply
  21. Eri says

    August 1, 2021 at 11:39 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you! I love that idea – sounds perfect xx

      Reply
  22. Della Driscoll says

    August 1, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    These are some really great ideas, it’s so important to take care of yourself! I love a podcast especially the guilty feminist x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      Thank you! I’ve added that to my list to listen to xx

      Reply
  23. Mariana says

    August 1, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 1, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      I relate, hope everything is ok <3 xx

      Reply
  24. Penny says

    August 1, 2021 at 11:02 pm

    Lovely post Caroline! I really want to make writing affirmations a habit this summer, fingers crossed xx

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 2, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      Thank you, me too x

      Reply
  25. Lauren says

    August 2, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 2, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      Thank you xx

      Reply
  26. Ali Duke says

    August 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
  27. Lynn says

    August 3, 2021 at 6:12 am

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 3, 2021 at 11:46 am

      Ice-cold drinks are the best 💖

      Reply
  28. Simona says

    August 3, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    Thank you for including us Caroline! That post on SPF has to be one of my favourites that I have written so far x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 3, 2021 at 9:01 pm

      No problem x

      Reply
  29. Sandra Ans says

    August 4, 2021 at 7:23 am

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 4, 2021 at 9:58 am

      Thank you, love that idea x

      Reply
  30. Fiona says

    August 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 4, 2021 at 2:18 pm

      So true xx

      Reply
  31. Holly says

    August 4, 2021 at 8:52 pm

    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! ♥

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 6, 2021 at 11:32 am

      Totally agree with you on all this! I’ll definitely check out your cat blog – sounds fun <3 x

      Reply
  32. Jenny in Neverland says

    August 5, 2021 at 10:18 am

    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!

    Reply
  33. Sarah says

    August 5, 2021 at 10:27 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 6, 2021 at 11:53 am

      So true x

      Reply
  34. Allison says

    August 13, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 13, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      Me too 🙂 x

      Reply
  35. Andrea's Book Corner says

    August 13, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      August 14, 2021 at 9:53 am

      Thank you xx

      Reply
  36. Tim says

    January 6, 2022 at 2:58 am

    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

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      January 7, 2022 at 10:08 pm

      Aw that’s a fun idea!

      Reply

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Welcome to Enviroline Blog. I’m Caroline and I am currently in my second year at Bournemouth University studying Environmental Science.

On my blog, I share tips & tricks on how to be more sustainable in your everyday life.

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