Summer is the perfect time to take care of yourself and indulge in some well-deserved pampering. Are you looking for some ideas to help you relax and treat yourself this summer? Keep reading!
How to Pamper Yourself this Summer
Take a self-care day
Set aside a specific day for self-care. This could be one day a week or twice a month, whatever works best for you. The key is to set a specific date and time and then keep it. Be sure to clear your schedule, turn off your phone and spend time indulging in activities that you don’t normally take time to enjoy. Maybe you would love to have uninterrupted time to read a book, take a yoga class or start that novel that you’ve always wanted to write. A day of self-care should be centered around you and what you enjoy. It is an intentional act of caring for yourself physically and mentally.
Plan a spa day
If you have the time and your budget allows, book a day at the spa. Or, if that doesn’t work, create your own DIY spa night at home! With a little planning, you can soothe your mind, body and spirit without leaving the house. First, make sure you have dibs on the bathroom and an uninterrupted schedule. Use candles and soft music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Slather on a hair mask or a hydrating face mask. Break out the luxurious bath products and soak in a steamy tub or relax in a hot shower. Pamper your feet with a foot scrub and use one of your favorite moisturizers. Finally, slip into your favorite comfy robe and slippers. Then enjoy a great night of sleep!
Listen to your mother
Mother Nature will never steer you in the wrong direction so spend some time getting to know her. Take advantage of the warm weather and go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or find a tranquil spot by the beach or a lake. Spending time outdoors can improve our overall health and wellness. We experience improved sleep, boosted immune function and mental restoration when we spend time in nature. Make a habit of spending regular time outdoors to get the full benefit of all Mother Nature has to offer.
Find your bliss
Summer is a great time to try a new hobby or activity. It could be painting, gardening, cooking, photography or learning to play a musical instrument. Whatever that something is, it’s not too late to find inspiration and create a true passion for a new hobby. Studies show that people who spend time pursuing enjoyable activities also benefit from a variety of health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, lower stress and better overall physical function. Pick a hobby that makes you happy and you will find that it will be both fulfilling and revitalizing.
Get lost
If possible, plan a vacation or a mini-getaway to a destination that you find relaxing. Or, take a staycation at home. Things like having a movie night or board game night are great ways to have fun without blowing your budget. Going camping is another great way to get away for a long weekend without travelling too far. Or, try exploring your city with fresh eyes. Are there local museums, historical sites, art galleries or gardens that you have wanted to visit? If you live in a popular city, you might be able to benefit from a Go City or City Pass. They offer savings to popular attractions and are usually a good value.
Wine a little
Do you live close to a winery? Why not consider taking a tour. If you don’t live near one, try hosting your own wine tasting at home. Gather your friends and ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine to share while you provide the snacks. Or, create your own charcuterie and cheese board. You can even sign up for a monthly wine club membership that will send you bottles of wine by mail. Check out California Wine Club, Firstleaf and Naked Wines just to name a few.
Unplug
Find your offline self and take a break from technology. Ditch the social media and limit screen time. Disconnecting allows you to be present in the moment and pamper yourself with quiet relief from the tech world. This is a good time to consider taking up a mindfulness practice with activities such as journaling, meditation or deep breathing exercises. Reflect on your goals and what you want to accomplish. Consider the things that bring you joy.
Get some z’s
With summer’s slow down, make relaxation and good sleep a priority. Taking time to relax reduces stress and muscle tension, improves brain function and memory and helps keep your heart healthier. Getting enough good sleep is essential to our mental and physical health. Getting adequate rest and relaxation is essential for overall well-being and allows you to fully enjoy your summer activities.
Enjoy
Self-care and pampering can mean different things to different people. Remember to focus on the activities that make you feel good, relax, and recharge. Take this summer as an opportunity to prioritize yourself and embrace a well-deserved break.
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Sophkins
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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