Summer Self-Care Rituals That Don’t Feel Like a Chore
Summer is the season of warmth, relaxation, and now that Izzy’s doesn’t have softball for the month of August, I feel like we finally get to pause before school starts. I am focusing on a little bit of extra time to focus on myself. But while it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and spontaneity of summer activities, it’s also an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate with self-care rituals that refresh both your body and mind.
The problem I’ve found is, too often self-care can start to feel like a chore. Whether it’s committing to long skincare routines, exercising, or the pressure to meditate every day, self-care can become another task on your already overflowing to-do list. However, self-care doesn’t have to feel like an obligation. It should be enjoyable, restorative, and, most importantly, fun!
Here are some summer self-care rituals that feel like a treat, not a task:
Morning Movement
As someone who has battled depression and anxiety for 10 years now, the best I feel mentally is when I am moving my body first thing in the AM. As you know, last year I decided to really make this a priority. My week has a mix of high and low intensity workouts, they can look like this:
If you prefer a gentler, more controlled form of movement, Pilates is a fantastic option. It focuses on strengthening your core, improving flexibility, and enhancing posture. You can easily do a 15-30 minute Pilates routine on a mat outdoors or in the comfort of your home. I love that I am working not only my body, but my mind. I leave the studio feeling refreshed and energized.
I have always had a love for lifting weights, I just needed to find a workout that was stimulating for me. For years Orangetheory was great, but I would quickly get bored of the workouts being so repetitive. This is also why I like to have 2-3 workout options (pilates/lifting/walking) because it makes it easier for me to get bored. The gym I go to now (Beartooth Performance) used to be a Crossfit gym and still has (some) Olympic lifting but is focused a lot more on functional movements.
Alternatively, if you're someone who enjoys getting outdoors, a walk in nature is another excellent option. Whether you’re strolling through a park, along the beach, or even just around your neighborhood, walking provides a wonderful way to get your body moving, clear your mind, and soak in the morning sun. Plus, it’s easy to do and doesn’t require much prep time aka less excuses.
To learn more about my fitness routine, read here.
Create a Hydration Station
Summer heat can quickly leave you feeling dehydrated, and drinking enough water is essential for maintaining your energy and skin health. Make hydration fun by creating a "hydration station" with infused waters.
Fill a pitcher with cool water and add fresh fruits, herbs, or even a splash of cucumber for an extra refreshing kick. The key is to make it something you want to reach for throughout the day—whether it’s a mason jar, a colorful bottle, or a pretty glass. You could even use this opportunity to experiment with different flavors and create a mini “hydration bar” for yourself.
Mindful Eating
If there is anything I have learned while being in the fitness industry, you feel how you eat. If you are eating like shit, expect to feel like shit.
Food is an important aspect of self-care, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal fruits, veggies, and light meals. Instead of sitting inside at the table.
From seasons of bodybuilding, to eating processed foods to now having a balanced diet (70/30) I recommend finding what suits your lifestyle the best. I worked with a registered dietitian, you can read more about that here.
Mindfulness Moment
I used to claim that I was not a morning person, but I have now made the mornings my favorite time of the day. Being a coach at Orangetheory, I would have to wake up at 3:30 AM to coach the 5AM classes so that helped (forced) me to start waking up early. I found that I loved having that hour before everyone else woke up - I didn’t have to worry about running Izzy to practice, e-mails, etc. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment for yourself.
I personally take the mornings to sip my coffee a little slower, spend time with God in my devotional or do a 5-10 minute meditation before heading to my 6AM workout. Sometimes rather than feeling like you “should” be doing something productive or working through your to-do list, sometimes it’s needed to just be still and mindful before your day starts.
If waking up a little earlier is hard for you, start in small increments. I also love the Hatch alarm clock, waking up to waves and a sunrise = way more peaceful waking up.
Disconnect and Rest
Lastly, one of the most important rituals is the practice of disconnecting from technology. THIS is something I really am going to focus on this month. I found that I would justify HOURS of scrolling because I would ask, what’s the difference between this or watching a Netflux series? Well, I have found that the comparison game is getting out of control and I really need to strt protecting that better.
August is intentionally going to be time to take a break from my phone, emails, and social media. I grabbed a couple new books to start indulging in for a couple hours to unwind and spend time doing things that don’t involve screens.
Whether it’s spending time in nature, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a good book, disconnecting allows you to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Self-care should always feel like a gift to yourself, not a chore. Summer is the perfect season to indulge in simple rituals that nurture your body and mind while allowing you to soak in all the beauty this season has to offer. By turning your self-care routine into something enjoyable, you’ll feel more rested, rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever the summer throws your way.
So, go ahead and take that walk, sip your infused water, and enjoy those peaceful sunsets. Your body and soul will thank you!