Today, we’re talking about self-care. Or really, self-care activities for the summer. Summer is my least favorite time of year, so I often find myself feeling down in the dumps this time of year. I basically have seasonal affective disorder, but in reverse.
This post is part of a huge blogger collaboration, with many of the same people as the Around the World Collab from the spring. Make sure you check out all of the other amazing bloggers that participated in this collab.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Summer Self-Care Activities
Go for a Walk
If you hate the warm weather like I do, then going for an early morning walk or an after dinner stroll is a great way to get fresh air. I’m always surprised that even a quick five minute walk has an impact on my mood and energy. Or, spend an afternoon hiking.
If you have a dog, walking may already be in your daily routine. Next time, change things up by listening to a podcast or an audio book instead of the same playlist that you’ve been listening to for the past six months. (I do it too, it’s ok!)
Give Yourself a Summer Manicure
My favorite self-care activity is painting my nails. Whether I’m doing a simple color, or intricate nail art, it’s something I’ve always loved to do. But, the smell of acetone and polish isn’t exactly pleasant. So, take your manicure supplies outside and work your magic in the fresh air! You’ll get your daily dose of vitamin D, and the breeze will keep the smell at bay.
I love experimenting with different brands and seeing what lasts the longest on my nails. So far, nothing has beaten out the Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat and the Essie Good to Go Top Coat. My favorite place to buy nail polish and other supplies? Beyond Polish! They have great sales, and an awesome reward program! Look below to see some of my favorite summertime shades to wear on my fingers and toes!
Polishes Shown (left to right): Essie Butler Please, Essie Mint Candy Apple, Essie Throw in the Towel
Read a Book
Have you read any books lately? Don’t let the summer go by without reading at least one book! I’ve been reading a ton of books through Prime Reading (included with your Prime membership!) and the Kindle app on my iPad.
I was always a person who enjoyed reading, but college wore me out. I found it hard to enjoy reading on a consistent basis. This past year, I’ve really fallen in love with reading again and find that it’s a great way to practice self-care, especially during the summer when I don’t want to move.
If you’re looking for books to read, check out this blog post or my Goodreads profile!
Sell/Donate Items
Did you do some decluttering recently? If not, here’s a great reason to start! Consider selling items on Poshmark, Mercari, or one of the other resale apps on your phone. It’s an easy way to make some extra cash while rehoming items you no longer want or need. This may not be a ‘traditional’ self-care activity, but, if you put the money you make towards something like a future trip, I think it counts.
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
I’m not a morning person (not even close!), but I hear that some people love seeing the sun rise in the morning. If you’re more of a night owl like I am, sunsets are going to be your thing. So this weekend, put together a picnic and head somewhere peaceful to watch the sun rise or set. If you’re an artist, maybe you’ll be inspired to draw, paint, write a poem, or anything else.
Take Advantage of Seasonal Foods
My favorite part of the warm weather is all of the fruits that easily available. Yes, we can now get a lot of summer fruits all year round, but they just aren’t the same.
Blueberries are my favorite- I could sit and eat an entire bowl of them. I love how they taste, and they make most meals look more appealing to the eye. Whenever I eat strawberries, blueberries, melon, and any other seasonal foods, not only does my plate look pretty, but I enjoy my food more.
Try a New Recipe
Longer days and no school tomorrow makes every day a great day to try out that recipe that’s been sitting in your Pinterest boards. Help yourself tomorrow night by making enough food for two meals. You’ll be doing the same amount of prep work either way!
Not sure which recipe to try? Check out these blog posts for inspiration!
Play with Makeup
Summer is the perfect time to try out some new makeup looks! If you want to create colorful looks, BH Cosmetics is the brand for you! They have so many affordable and cute eyeshadow palettes- good luck choosing only one! And, they have a great liquid lipstick formula- perfect for that bright summer look.
Not into colorful makeup looks? Then give yourself a night at home with face masks, lotions, and yummy snacks!
Plan a Trip
It’s great to go on trips, right? Who doesn’t love getting away from home for a bit? But, prices in the summer are much higher than other times of the year. Instead of trying to make a trip work during the warmer months, travel during the ‘off’ season. You’ll save money, have less crowds to deal with, and you will have something to look forward to in the near future.
If you are unable to afford a trip, plan one anyway! Pick a location and write out your dream trip. Then, start saving money for it! Even if you have to save money for several years in order to make it happen, each time you set cash aside, you’re reminded that it is ok to take time for yourself. And that kind of self-care, isn’t limited to the summer. And that makes it even better.
Start Your Holiday Shopping
I know, I know. It’s August. But, if you do it now, you won’t have to do it during the holiday season. Wouldn’t it be nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy the holidays instead of stressing out? Trust me, you’ll be glad you got a head start come November.
Check out these blog posts for all of my holiday shopping tips!
- The Most Important Thing To Do While Holiday Shopping
- Holiday Shopping Guide- Part 1
- Holiday Shopping Guide- Part 2
Seasonal Self-Care Blogger Collab Participants
Make sure you check out all of the talented people below! They’ve all written their own posts filled with seasonal self-care ideas!
- Deborah from Headphones Thoughts
- Pastor Natalie from Examine This Moment
- Seriah from Riyah Speaks Blog
- Sophia from Sopha Patel
- Alex from Simply Alex Jean
- Gemma from This Brits Life
- Caroline from Enviroline Blog
Did you read the spring blogger collab? Check out my post for the Places Around the World Blogger Collab here.
Looking for more summer self-care ideas? Lucky for you, I have another post that is filled with self-care activities.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Seasonal food is such a good point to make! Reading is an absolute self-care must for me. So glad we could do another collab 🙂 x
I love doing these collabs! It’s been a great way to get to know everyone!