Here are 33 self-care tips to try before summer is over
The season of sunshine and ice cream cones isn’t over yet, and Summer 2016 is still the perfect opportunity for you to revitalize your mental health. Throughout the rest of the year, school or work can wear us out both physically and emotionally; our mental health is often swept under the rug. It’s important to make time for self-care, and you might be surprised by how much better you’ll feel, both physically and emotionally, if you invest in improving your mental health. Here are 34 self-care tips to try this summer that might make all the difference. Try out one, or two, or all 33 – up to you!
Try meditating
Do it in a yoga studio, or even on your own, with a phone app.
Challenge yourself to read more
Give yourself time to read some of a book everyday. We don’t have to be as “busy” as we claim to be.
Declutter your living space.
Do a thorough cleaning of your home. It’s hard to have a clear mind when you are overwhelmed with clutter. Get rid of material items that don’t make you feel good.
Reassess your wardrobe
Only keep the clothes that make you happy.
Start journaling
This can be as simple as writing about what happened during your day.
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Imagine your life in a few years
Write a letter to your future self.
Indulge in a creative hobby
Pick up a new instrument, take cooking classes, or learn how to paint.
Eat clean
Or at least give it a try. There are lots of resources to help you start.
But still have fun
Let yourself savor a favorite snack or food.
Get rid of one bad habit
Quit smoking, stop biting your nails, stop drinking too much soda. Speaking of which…
Drink more water!
You’ll immediately notice a difference in how you feel.
Exercise more
Increase your amount of exercise gradually. Try to stay on that treadmill for just a few more minutes each week.
Go outside
Spend more time outdoors and enjoy the sun. It’s revitalizing.
Experiment with your green thumb
Take care of a new plant – a succulent, some roses, maybe a pear tree.
Take little steps toward getting things done
Set achievable goals for the day/week/month.
Keep in touch
Call up a beloved friend or family member and just talk.
Remember old friends
Connect with someone you might have lost touch with.
Let things go
Resolve a past conflict.
Do something meaningful with your time
Volunteer at an animal shelter or a food bank. Donate clothing to an organization that helps those in need.
Try aromatherapy
It has lots of benefits!
Take a bubble bath
Don’t ask — just do it. It’s luxurious.
Have a spa day
Treat yourself. Invest in a nice, relaxing massage.
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Have a picnic with your friends
Food, conversation, the outdoors — it’s perfect!
Go wild
Enjoy a night out with friends.
Be a homebody
Enjoy a night in, maybe alone.
Finally watch the things on your Netflix queue
Put on a show or movie you’ve always wanted to watch. You finally have the time to do it.
Get out of the car
Walk more, drive less.
Explore your surroundings
Find a new favorite coffee shop or restaurant or library.
Let yourself relax
Breathe. Being busy doesn’t always mean being happy.
Stop staring at screens before bed
That is proven to mess with your REM cycle. Don’t look at any screens for an hour before bed.
Go to bed
Sleep at 10 PM every night for a week to establish a healthier sleeping pattern.
Stay in bed
Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
Love yourself. ?
You deserve to.
