Summer Self-Care: How to Thrive During the Warmest Months of the Year
/Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. It’s one of the biggest reasons we’re so busy at our wellness retreat during the summer season. It’s all about he feeling, the energy, the renewal that summer brings with it. Longer days, warmer nights, sunshine on your skin, and that sense of ease that comes with a slower, more spacious rhythm. It’s the perfect time to lean into connection, nature, joy, and rest—all essential components of a healthy self-care routine.
If you’ve ever felt like your self-care routine slips in the summer, gets overwhelmed by the pace of vacations, visitors, or to-dos, or maybe you just want to take advantage of the season to ramp up your self-care, this guide is your reminder: summer is an invitation to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself in fresh, feel-good ways.
Embrace the Energy of the Season
Each season offers a different energy—and summer is all about lightness, connection, and movement. Instead of fighting the natural shift in routines, lean into what summer brings:
Longer days → more time for you
Warm weather → more reasons to get outside
Seasonal foods → a colorful refresh for your meals
Social events → opportunities for joy and connection
Beach, pool, parks → playful ways to stay active and grounded
When you choose to adapt your self-care with the rhythms of the season, it doesn’t feel like another task—it becomes a lifestyle that supports your body and mind. It also keeps your self-care routine fresh. Seasonally changing routines can be great for your mind in a number of ways.
Ground Yourself in Nature
Spending time outside is one of the simplest yet most powerful forms of self-care—and summer makes it easy. Whether it’s a beach walk, a picnic on the grass, or lounging in the backyard, being in nature regulates stress and brings you back to the present.
Try:
Walking barefoot on sand or grass (hello, grounding!)
Ocean swims or lake dips for natural calm
Morning sunlight exposure to support your circadian rhythm
Outdoor reading, journaling, or breathwork
Pro Tip: Bring awareness to how you feel after being outdoors. You’ll likely notice an uplift in mood, energy, and clarity.
Move in Ways That Feel Good (and Keep You Cool)
Summer isn’t the time to force high-impact indoor workouts unless that lights you up. Instead, use the season to get creative with movement:
Pool workouts that are low impact and refreshing: Try our Pool HIIT Summer Bundle
Beach circuits with bodyweight exercises in the sand
Early morning walks before the heat sets in
Paddleboarding, biking, or hiking for fun-focused fitness
Ocean swims, snorkeling, or shelling make great ways to get in movement while enjoying the water
The key? Make movement part of your lifestyle, not just a workout block. Movement should energize you, not drain you.
Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods
One of the best forms of self-care? Eating fresh, vibrant foods that nourish and satisfy. Summer produce makes this easier than ever.
Think:
Hydrating fruits like watermelon, berries, peaches
Colorful salads loaded with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs: Grab The Mediterranean Diet Blueprint for fresh inspiration!
Grilled proteins and veggie skewers
Smoothies and protein shakes that are light yet fueling
Not only do these foods support your health goals—they also taste amazing. Eat with the season and your body will thank you.
Stay Cool & Hydrated
Don’t underestimate the power of hydration and cooling practices in your summer self-care.
Tips:
Keep a reusable water bottle with you everywhere
Infuse your water with lemon, mint, or cucumber for a flavor boost
Add electrolytes if you’re sweating a lot
Take breaks in the shade or AC during peak heat
Wear breathable, lightweight clothing
Feeling physically comfortable and well-hydrated boosts mood, brain function, and your ability to handle stress.
Create a Summer Self-Care Ritual
Build in little rituals that anchor you—so summer doesn’t just fly by.
Examples:
Morning journaling with a cup of iced coffee or tea
Evening stretch or meditation outdoors
Sunday night wind-down with a face mask and book
Digital detox days to soak in presence and nature
Weekly adventure (new beach, trail, market, or recipe)
These don’t have to be elaborate. It’s the consistency that creates grounding and renewal.
Protect Your Peace & Energy
While summer is often a more social season, it’s still important to set boundaries and protect your mental and emotional energy.
Remind yourself:
It’s okay to say no to invitations that don’t align
You can choose rest over hustle
You don’t have to do it all
A slower day doesn’t mean you're unproductive—it means you're listening to your needs
Self-care also means stepping back to recharge, even during a season that encourages going out and doing more.
Quick Summer Self-Care Ideas:
Start your morning with sunshine and stillness
Unplug from screens for an hour each evening
Make a summer bucket list with fun and relaxing activities
Refresh your environment—declutter, add fresh flowers, swap out heavy scents
Listen to your body (if you're craving rest, take it!)
Keep a “joy journal” where you track what lights you up each day
Attend a wellness retreat to reset and recharge - The Sanctuary Experience
Let Summer Be Your Self-Care Season
Self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days and bubble baths. Sometimes, it’s simply choosing to be present, move your body in the sunshine, drink more water, and say yes to what lights you up.
This summer, let your self-care be:
Simple
Seasonal
Supportive of your whole self
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Just lean in—and let the season take care of the rest.
SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW SELF-CARE PARTNER
Daily self care activities (customizable)
Inspirational quotes
Daily reflections
Daily affirmations
Self care foundations
Journal prompts
Affirmation collections
Wellness Meal Plans - support your inner wellness with meal plans focusing on brain health, skin health, happiness and more
Bodyweight Workout Guide - self-care is well care and that means moving your body with easy to follow (and take on the go) bodyweight workouts
Summer Glow Meditation & more!