We made it – summer is here! The kids are out of school, the days are longer, and the weather is calling
you to get outside. Summer always seems to disappear before my eyes, because there is something planned for nearly every weekend before the calendar even officially reaches the summer solstice. This summer is no different. We have plans for every weekend with the exception of the last weekend in August. In this busy time, it can be hard to slow down and make self-care a priority. Here are five tips to practice self-care during the busy summer months.
If you work hard and play hard, be sure to rest hard too. I typically compete in at least one triathlon and participate in one or more bike events in the summer, which means a lot of training. My body reminds me that if I’m going to push it I also need to make time for recovery (i.e. rest, massages, stretching, restorative yoga), or else I will end up with an injury.
Protect your skin. Vitamin D is good for you, but inevitably, you end up out in the sun for extended periods of time in the summer. Wear a hat and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, and don’t forget the sunblock!
Say no. It’s tempting to accept every invitation that you receive out of fear of missing out (FOMO), however, don’t let yourself become over-extended. Be ok with saying no to reserve some down time.
Move at a slower pace. Going full speed in the heat of the day can cause you to get overheated. Consider going out earlier in the day for your run or hike, or move at a slower pace.
Drink more water. Dehydration can happen quickly, so carry a reusable water bottle with you, and fill up whenever you can to be sure you always have enough water to drink.