35 summer self care ideas

Radiant and Relaxed: 35 Summer Self-Care Practices for Mind, Body, and Soul

Summer is the perfect time to focus on self-care, with its longer days, warmer weather, and vibrant energy providing endless opportunities for rejuvenation and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, indulge in simple pleasures, or find moments of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, this season offers a wealth of possibilities to nurture your mind, body, and soul.

In this article, we explore a variety of summer self-care ideas that will help you make the most of this sunny season. From learning to flirt with your reflection to enjoying a refreshing cold brew coffee, each suggestion is designed to inspire you to embrace the warmth and vitality of summer, enhancing your well-being and bringing joy to your everyday life.

Dive in and discover how you can create a blissful summer filled with self-love and care.

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35 Summer Self Care Ideas

1. Take early morning walks. Put on your cutest athletic wear and get your Hot Girl Walk in before the day gets hot. Start with walking just 3 days a week, you’ll start the day feeling like you already accomplished something and you’ll feel so good moving your body. Learn 12 tips to have a Hot Girl Summer.

2. Make a summer playlist that makes you feel happy.

3. Visit a botanical garden or flower farm. Take time to observe and appreciate how nature takes form in so many different shapes, textures, scents, and colors. If you don’t have any public gardens nearby, take a stroll through the garden section of your local hardware store! (I’m only half joking)

4. Have a “I’ll only do what makes me happy” day. Put away your to-do list and spend the day only doing what feels good, even if it’s just sitting on the sofa watching your favorite show while eating watermelon and ice cream. True self-care happens when you purposefully do what feels good and stop shaming yourself for not being productive.

5. Make drinking water more enjoyable. We all know drinking water is important, but sometimes it can feel like a chore. Get a fancy cup or water bottle that you’ll want to use every day, add some frozen fruit or flavoring if you like, and throw some electrolytes in there if you need them (try the Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix).

Find a system that works for you. I’ve had my Simple Modern Tumbler Cup for years and it helps me have water on hand all day.

6. Be your own best friend. By this I mean, be kind to yourself instead of criticizing yourself. Whether you’re insecure about your body or you sometimes berate yourself for being ‘lazy’ and not checking off some list, choose instead to complement your body and allow yourself to relax instead of needing to be productive all the time. Listen to what your body and spirit needs instead of what society and social media says you should be doing.

7. Flirt with your reflection. Every time you look in the mirror, give yourself a complement. Tell yourself that you’re dazzling, cute as a button, sexy af, glowing, breathtakingly beautiful, etc. You don’t even have to believe your compliments at first, but with time you’ll start feeling so much more confident.

I started doing this a few months ago and I can’t tell you how much of a positive impact it’s had on my confidence. Try listening to a radiant beauty affirmation video to get used to complimenting yourself.

8. Remember to wear SPF. Skin cancer is no joke, slather on the sunscreen anytime you’ll be outside for more than 15 minutes. Here are my favorite options:

9. Enjoy a cold brew coffee or iced tea. Take a break to savor the cool, invigorating sip of a perfectly brewed cold beverage on a sunny afternoon. Whether it’s the bold richness of cold brew coffee or the crisp, refreshing taste of iced tea, indulging in these treats provides a delightful moment of relaxation and enjoyment.

10. Make tropical smoothies at home. Add all your favorite fruits, put it in a fancy glass, and pretend you’re at a beach resort. Play a beach ambiance video from Youtube on your tv to really set the mood.

11. Go for a nature walk or hike. Immerse yourself in the natural symphony of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and babbling brooks. Whether through wooded trails or open fields, a nature walk or hike rejuvenates both body and mind, offering a chance to explore and appreciate the wonders of the outdoors.

12. Treat yourself to a new summer outfit. Embrace the season’s vibe with a fresh, stylish ensemble that uplifts your mood and reflects your personal flair.

Shopping for a new summer outfit is not just about fashion; it’s a form of self-expression and self-care that boosts confidence and celebrates your unique style.

13. Dress up just for fun. Wear your favorite outfit to the grocery store or Target. Don’t wait for special occasions to look your best, dress your best on a regular Tuesday because you can.

14. Write your thoughts, feelings, and summer memories down in a journal. Try these summer journal prompts if you need help deciding what to write.

15. Have a picnic in the park. Pack up your favorite sandwiches, drinks, and snacks, grab a soft blanket and spend some time out in nature.

16. Swim in a lake, ocean, or pool. If you’ve got a pool or body of water nearby, take some time to cool down and relax.

17. Read a book on your patio or in a hammock (or whatever space you have access to). Here are my summer romance recommendations:

  • Just for the Summer“Justin has a curse. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up, and their curses will cancel each other’s out.”
  • The Unhoneymooners“For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during the Hawaiian trip of a lifetime—maybe even love.”
  • Beach Read“A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.”

18. Take a digital detox day. Unplug from the digital world and reconnect with the present moment, free from screens and notifications. A digital detox day allows you to reclaim your time, creating mindfulness, creativity, and deeper connections with yourself and those around you.

19. Declutter and organize your space. Cleaning your home counts as self-care in my opinion because it feels so good when you’re done and your space is tidy and peaceful. If you need some help decluttering here are 28 things to declutter.

20. Redecorate your home. Give your space a new look for summer to bring in fresh energy and make you feel happy to be in your home.

Introduce vibrant, seasonal colors through cushions, throws, or artwork to infuse energy and warmth. Add potted plants or fresh flowers to bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the air quality and aesthetics. Rearrange your furniture to create a more inviting and functional layout. Embrace light, airy fabrics for curtains and upholstery, creating a breezy, comfortable atmosphere.

By refreshing your home, you create a serene and welcoming environment that reflects the joy and vibrancy of summer, making it a perfect haven for relaxation and enjoyment.

35 summer self care ideas

21. Practice yoga outdoors. See if there’s an outdoor class in your area, or just enjoy your own practice. Try doing your practice at sunrise or sunset for extra good vibes.

22. Go for a bike ride. Feel the wind in your hair as you pedal along scenic trails or coastal paths, exploring new sights at your own pace. A bike ride is a liberating experience, combining exercise with adventure, and offering moments of solitude or shared joy with companions.

23. Take a nap in the shade. Find respite from the summer heat under a leafy canopy, where dappled sunlight and chirping birds create a soothing ambiance. Taking a nap in the shade is a simple yet luxurious act of self-care, refreshing both body and mind for renewed energy and focus.

24. Visit a local ice cream shop and try a new flavor.

25. Have a spa day at home. Put on spa music and light some candles to set the scene. Maybe make some cucumber or berry water. Then take a long bubble bath or an everything shower, scrub your skin, put on a face mask, do a mani/pedi, and have a good time taking care of you.

26. Take a scenic drive. Pack a few drinks and snacks, make a great playlist, and discover someplace beautiful.

27. Meditate in a quiet outdoor space. Focus on the sound of the wind and birds as you breathe. Checkout my Youtube channel for free meditations.

28. Have a photoshoot in nature. Capture the essence of summer amidst natural backdrops, where golden sunlight and vibrant flora provide the perfect setting. A photo shoot in nature is not just about snapping pictures; it’s a creative expression that celebrates the season’s beauty and your unique perspective.

29. Make a vision board. Hit up Pinterest and decide how you want your summer to look and feel, and what activities you want to do. Consult your vision board any time you need some inspiration.

30. Practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. Pause amidst the hustle of daily life to cultivate mindfulness through focused awareness or deep breathing exercises. These practices promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity, fostering a sense of calm and well-being.

31. Make a list of your accomplishments from the year so far. Give yourself credit for all your wins, big and small. Think about the good habits you’ve developed, the challenges you’ve overcome. It all counts and writing it down will help you realize how strong and smart you are, and that you can do anything you set your mind to.

32. Go stargazing. Reconnect with the universe and peace in the quiet expanse of the night sky. Stargazing is a serene and magical experience that invites contemplation, connecting you to the cosmos and the mysteries of the night sky.

33. Practice gratitude for 30 days. Challenge yourself to find 5-10 things to be grateful for each day. Write it down or make a list in your head every evening before bed. You’ll find that it’s easier to be positive when you train your brain to look for good things.

34. Play like you’re a kid again. What was your favorite summer activity as a child or teenager? Maybe it was painting, reading books, catching ladybugs, running through the sprinklers, or playing with Legos. Make some time to do whatever it is and let your inner child out to play.

35. Buy yourself flowers. Flowers will brighten up any room, pick some up next time you’re at the store and enjoy the colorful blooms in your home.


Here are more ways to have a great summer:

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