Aloe Bud

Longer days and warmer weather are here; for many of us, it’s time to take a vacation. And while a vacation can be an act of self-care in itself, it can also be stressful, so it’s just as important to engage in self-care through the summer months.

Take Your Usual Self-Care Outdoors – Take a self-care activity you like to do indoors and take it outside (don’t forget your sunscreen). Whether reading a book, gaming, or exercising, it’s good to spend some time in the sun.

Drink Extra Water – Make sure to keep yourself hydrated when you’re out in the summer heat. Eating fruits and veggies with high water content, like watermelon, will also help you stay hydrated.

Garden – Gardening is a great way to get outside and create something that will give back. Whether it’s flowers that will beautify your outdoor space or fruits and veggies you’ll be able to harvest later on; gardening provides an abundance of self-care.

Go Fruit-Picking – Don’t have space for gardening in your yard? Find out if any farms or orchards nearby allow you to pick your own. Summer is a great time for picking blueberries and peaches.

Cook/Bake What You Harvest – Cooking and baking are both excellent self-care activities, and it’s even better when you get to use fruits and veggies you’ve harvested yourself. Try making blueberry muffins or fresh salsa!

Look Up Community Events – Find out if your town is hosting any fairs or festivals, movie nights, concerts, or farmers markets, and go check them out. Maybe invite a friend along!

Get Moving – In the Water – Hop in the pool, run through your sprinkler, or head to a natural body of water to get moving without getting too hot. There are many options other than beaches – lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are great too!

Cool Off at the Library – Summer is a great time to get outside, but when it’s time to take a break from the sun, find something to check out at the library. If you’re not into reading, don’t forget libraries also have movies and video games. Many libraries have summer reading programs for kids, and some have also started offering them to adults.

Make Flavored Ice Cubes – Do you want to keep your beverages nice and cold, but don’t want them watered down? Put fruit juice, Kool-Aid, or coffee in an ice tray, or use frozen fruit instead.

Watch the Sunset, and Stay Out to Watch the Fireflies – Catching the sunset is another great way to get outdoors, and you’ll get to see two beautiful, natural light shows as the fireflies begin to twinkle at dusk.

Whatever you do, remember to take time to destress from both work and your vacation. And make sure to protect yourself from the summer heat with plenty of water and sunscreen.