Summer is a season that is often associated with fun, relaxation, and adventure. However, amidst all the excitement and outdoor activities, it’s important for women to prioritize their self-care. Self-care is all about taking care of your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I’m sharing 5 ways to stay intentional about YOU to ensure you are taking care of yourself even in the summer season.
1. Get outside and enjoy nature
Summertime is the perfect season to get outside and soak up some vitamin D. Spending time in nature has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health and it is great for hormone health. Even just a short walk outside can help reduce stress and anxiety. Set the alarm on your phone for a morning (or anytime you can get it in) walk to explore a local park, go for a hike, or spend a day at the beach. Everyone, black women included, make sure to wear sunscreen. Melanin can burn also.
2. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings. It’s a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Summer can be a busy time, with lots of social events and activities. It’s important to take a break from the chaos and check in with yourself. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths throughout the day. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and focused, even during the busiest of days. Rewatch this episode from Dr. Selena sharing the power of mindfulness from the Success with Saneness podcast.
3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for your physical and mental well-being. During the summer months, it’s especially important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, make you feel hungry (when you are not) and even heat stroke. Make sure to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try infusing it with fresh fruit or herbs for a delicious and refreshing twist. I even drink my water out of a wine glass at times, it tastes ‘fancier’.
4. Take a break from technology
Technology has become a huge part of our daily lives, and it can be difficult to disconnect. However, taking a break from technology can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health. Social media and the constant barrage of notifications can be overwhelming, and it’s important to give your brain a break. Consider taking a day (or even just a few hours) to unplug and disconnect. Use this time to focus on self-care activities like reading, journaling, napping or taking a relaxing bath.
5. Get plenty of rest
Summer can be a busy time, with lots of social events and late nights. However, getting enough rest is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and even depression. Make sure to prioritize rest and relaxation, even if that means saying no to some social events (and everyone will be just fine). Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
I’ve been learning more about Chinese Medicine from my Acupuncturist as we work through rebalancing my hormones. You might find this article from The Frank Magazine useful as it shares some additional perspectives on self-care during the summer season. Read here.
By prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, you can make the most out of this season of fun and adventure. So, get outside, practice mindfulness, stay hydrated, take a break from technology, and get plenty of rest. You deserve it!
Now ease on into summertime WITH self-care. We are not going to abandon our harmony, our balance, just because the sun is out and our arms are out! Lol
