15 Tips for a Summer Refresh

We all know that spring cleaning helps us feel renewed and recharged, but summer is a wonderful time to bring fresh energy into your life and make some improvements as well.

Summer is invigorating because we’re outside more in open spaces and new environments. It’s a welcome change from being inside our home, work, and/or school. So in this article I want to share some ways you can bring that excitement into all areas of your life.

Let’s discover some ways to mentally and physically improve and refresh your life this summer and maximize the good feelings that this season brings.

How to do a Summer Refresh Without It Feeling Like a Chore

These ideas are meant to make you feel good, but if you try to do everything all at once you’ll just set yourself up for disappointment. Instead, take the ideas you like and create a menu of activities that you’ll try.

Everyone’s taste is unique, so it’s important to explore activities that resonate with you personally. Incorporating these practices into your routine can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

When you order at a restaurant you don’t usually order a dish you don’t like and force yourself to eat it, instead you just order the things you’re in the mood for or that sound good. Treat these activities the same way. See how you feel in the moment and try what feels good.

However, make sure you’re not just doing the same thing everyday if your goal is to shake up your routine. Challenge yourself to try new things over the summer months and you’ll see an improvement in your overall well-being.

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15 Ways to Feel Refreshed This Summer

1. Create a Fresh Morning Routine

Start your day with intention by creating a morning routine that feels good. You might take a walk early in the morning, read a book outside as you sip your coffee, write a gratitude list, etc. This can provide a calm and positive start to your day, setting the tone for increased productivity and mental well-being.

Get free guided meditations on my Youtube channel.

See my favorite personal development books that have really improved my life.

2. Revisit Your Goals

Use the summer months to reflect on your goals and aspirations and see where you can improve yourself and your life.

Evaluate where you are in terms of personal and professional growth and make necessary adjustments. Set new goals or revise existing ones to ensure you’re moving forward in a direction that aligns with your values and passions.

Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up a creative hobby, or pursuing a fitness target, setting goals gives you a sense of purpose and motivation, boosting your overall well-being.

You can even use this time to get a jump start on next year’s goals. Imagine getting to the new year and realizing that you’ve already made massive progress on the things you want to accomplish!

When setting goals it’s important to have the right strategy, check out this post to learn the smart way to set goals.

3. Engage in Mindful Practices

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine this summer. Practice deep breathing exercises, use positive affirmations, engage in mindful eating, or take short breaks during the day to bring your attention to the present moment.

Mindfulness is proven to help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve overall mental clarity. There are lots of different methods to try so see what feels best to you. You don’t have to do them all, only the one that feels good!

Here is a 5 minutes meditation that’s a great way to start your day.

4. Journaling

Take time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions through journaling. Write down your experiences, aspirations, and challenges. This practice can provide clarity, promote self-expression, and serve as a therapeutic outlet for your thoughts and feelings.

Try out these morning journal prompts.

5. Engage in Creative Outlets

Explore creative activities that stimulate your mind and foster self-expression. This could include painting, playing a musical instrument, writing poetry, or engaging in crafts. Engaging in creative outlets can bring joy, boost self-confidence, and provide a sense of fulfillment.

Great options are paint by number kits, here are a few that I like:

Flower Girl, Moonlight on the Lake, Glowing Mushrooms

6. Take a Digital Detox

Consider disconnecting from technology for a while. Designate specific periods of the day or week to unplug and enjoy some screen-free time.

Instead, engage in activities like reading books, engaging in conversations with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, pursuing creative endeavors, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the present moment.

7. Connect with Loved Ones

Create meaningful connections with family and friends. Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in heart-to-heart conversations, or plan social gatherings. Strong social connections contribute to emotional well-being and provide a support system during challenging times.

8. Practice Self-Care

Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. This can include practices like taking relaxing baths, practicing self-compassion, getting quality sleep, taking early morning walks, or indulging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Here are 30 self-care ideas to reduce stress.

9. Upgrade Your Living Space

Sometimes making a small change in your home decor can make the space feel fresh and exciting. Whether it’s fresh flowers, throw pillows, wall art, rugs, bedding, or even a new color on the walls, there are lots of ways to update your home without spending a lot.

Start with a good declutter and cleaning, then find a few areas to give a makeover. What would make you happy to see (or no longer see) in your home?

10. Try New Activities

Summer is a great time to try new things. Consider taking up a new hobby or sport that interests you. It could be anything from learning to surf, playing a musical instrument, practicing photography, or joining a sports team. Exploring new activities can bring excitement and a sense of adventure to your life.

You may also enjoy this list of 50 Summer Bucket List Ideas, there is a free printable checklist too.

11. Refresh Your Beauty Routine

Give your beauty routine an upgrade this summer by refreshing your skincare routine and playing with a new look. Maybe your switch up is as simple as trying a new scented body wash, or you could get a few new skincare and makeup items if you wear it.

Here are a few new products I’m loving for my beauty routine:

• Naked Sunday’s Cabana Creme Daily Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF50
• Naked Sunday’s SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist – it’s good to spray over makeup
• Revlon Kiss Tinted Lip Balm SPF 20
• Electric Face Scrubber – great to fully get off all the spf and sweat and prevent breakouts
• Acure Radically Rejuvenating Cleansing Cream – this foams very nicely & works great with the scrubber I linked to above

12. Switch Up Your Wardrobe

If you’re like me and you don’t buy new clothes very often, or you tend to wear the same style every day, playing with your wardrobe is another great way to feel refreshed this summer. You don’t have to go out and buy all new clothes, just a few new pieces can make a big difference.

For example, I tend to just wear leggings and tee shirts so this summer I bought a few skorts (I’m so happy they’re back in fashion!) and three cuter tops. I can mix them up with clothes I already have but still feel like I’m keeping things new and exciting.

I’m also playing with jewelry a bit more, I found some delicate 14k Gold Titanium Stud Earrings that don’t irritate my sensitive skin and it’s a subtle upgrade that feels pretty.

Assess what you already have, donate anything that you don’t love anymore, and see how you can mix things up.

13. Challenge Yourself to Develop a New Habit

A great way to make your summer more interesting is challenging yourself to develop a new habit. What daily action would enhance your life? What have you always wanted to do but never really committed to?

It can be as simple as drinking more water, taking vitamins, or going to bed earlier. Or you can challenge yourself to daily walks, five days a week at the gym, a healthier diet, etc.

Pick something that you actually want to do, not something you think you should do.If you need ideas, here are 55 habits that will improve your life. Choose just one or two and find a way to integrate them into your current routines.

14. Plan a Getaway

If you have the opportunity, plan a vacation or a weekend getaway. It could be a beach trip, a camping adventure, or exploring a new city. Traveling allows you to break away from your routine, discover new places, and create lasting memories.

15. Volunteer or Give Back

Consider dedicating some of your time to volunteer work or giving back to your community. Find local organizations or charities that align with causes you care about and contribute your skills or services. Helping others can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life.

I hope you found some ideas that excite you in this list of ways to refresh and improve your life this summer! I’d love to hear how you’ll be bringing fresh energy to your life in the comments below.

Here are more ways to have a great summer:

• 35 Summer Self Care Ideas
• The Ultimate Summer Product Guide
• 50 Summer Bucket List Ideas
• The 7 Day Summer Glow Up Challenge
• 30 Summer Journal Prompts
• How to Have a Hot Girl Summer