Are you looking for self-care ideas this summer? You’re in the right place!
I’ve made a list of 25 great self-care activities to help you have the best summer ever.
Whether you want to relax at home, be active outside, or spend time with friends and family, there’s something here for everyone.
So why not try one or two of these ideas?
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25 Summer Self-Care Ideas & Tips for Your Best Summer Ever
1) Get Active Outside
Being active is a great way to practice self-care this summer. Since summer can be short in some areas, it’s a good idea to make the most of it and try new activities.
Outdoor Summer Self-Care Ideas:
- Kayaking: Paddle through lakes or rivers and enjoy the water. (Buy kayaking essentials for women Here)
- Mountain biking: Ride through trails and explore nature on a bike. (Buy mountain bike accessories Here)
- Hiking: Walk through scenic trails and enjoy the beauty of nature. (Buy Hiking essentials Here)
- Volleyball: Play beach or park volleyball with friends.
- Tennis: Find a local court and enjoy a game of tennis.
- Morning walks: Start your day with a peaceful walk in your neighborhood or a park. (Buy walking shoes Here)
- Swimming: Cool off and exercise by swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean.
- Jogging: Go for a run to boost your mood and stay fit.
- Yoga in the park: Practice yoga outdoors to relax and connect with nature.
- Stretching: Take time to stretch your body and improve flexibility.
- Play a team sport: Join a local team or gather friends for a fun game of soccer, basketball, or any other team sport.
You can also get active with your kids, nieces, nephews, or neighbor’s kids by playing hopscotch, tag, or hide and seek.
2) Spruce Up Your Water
Drinking plenty of water in the summer is important to stay hydrated, and one of the best ways to do this is by making naturally flavored water.
You can use either still or sparkling water and try adding some of the following ingredients:
- Fresh mint: Adds a refreshing and cool taste.
- Strawberries: Sweet and fruity flavor.
- Cucumber: Light and crisp, perfect for a cooling effect.
- Lemon and lime: Adds a zesty and tangy taste.
- Lavender: Provides a subtle, floral note.
- Rosemary: Adds a unique, aromatic flavor.
- Watermelon: Sweet and hydrating.
- Kiwi: Offers a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
- Basil: Adds a fresh and slightly peppery taste.
You can also combine these ingredients for even more delicious flavors. For example, strawberries and basil make a great combination, as do lemon and cucumber. Experiment with different mixtures to find your favorite!
3) Explore Your Town or City
Taking on the role of a tourist in your own town or city can be an exciting adventure, yet it’s something many of us overlook. This summer presents a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the wonders of where you live.
Consider these ideas to explore your hometown:
- Visit Local Attractions: Take the time to visit museums, historical sites, parks, and other attractions you may have overlooked before.
- Discover Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known neighborhoods, parks, cafes, and shops to uncover hidden treasures.
- Attend Local Events: Check out outdoor markets, concerts, plays, festivals, and other events happening in your area.
- Try New Restaurants and Cafes: Treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant you’ve never been to or grab a coffee at a cozy cafe.
- Take Guided Tours: Join guided tours or walking tours to learn more about the history and culture of your town or city.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors in local parks, nature reserves, or along scenic trails.
Also, remember to check out nearby towns and cities. During summer, there are usually outdoor markets, cultural events, and festivals happening nearby.
Explore more and enjoy the different things your area has to offer.
4) Work Outside (if you can)
If you work from home, spend some time working outdoors, especially during the summer. Grab your laptop, headphones, and a water bottle, then head outside.
I do this often, and it makes my summers much better. Since it gets really hot where I live, I also use a fan outside on the super hot days to stay cool.
5) Walk Every Day
Walking every day is good for your mind, body, and soul. It has many health benefits like improving your mood, building muscles, and helping you concentrate better.
If you can walk 10,000 steps a day or more, that’s great! But if not, don’t worry about it.
Tip: To make walking more fun, try walking in different parts of your neighborhood instead of going the same way every time.
6) Enjoy Your Morning Coffee Outside
We all enjoy our morning cup of coffee, but in the summer, try having it outside to kickstart your day. It’s a perfect way to begin.
If you have outdoor space, like a porch or backyard, sit there.
If not, take your insulated mug and find a spot in your neighborhood. You can even take a short walk while sipping your coffee.
7) Embrace Your Inner Child
Remember the fun things you did as a kid? Well, it’s time to bring them back this summer! There’s something special about those nostalgic activities that make us feel happy.
Here are some simple ideas to try:
- Skipping rope: Grab a jump rope and hop to it!
- Play croquet: Set up a croquet game in your yard and play with your family or friends.
- Get a kiddie pool: Cool off in a small pool, or if you’re feeling adventurous, get a big inflatable one!
- Go to the drive-in movies: Experience the magic of outdoor movies from the comfort of your car.
- Backyard sports: Set up a badminton or volleyball net and have some friendly competition.
- Make popsicles: Create your own tasty treats by freezing juice or fruit in ice pop molds.
- Hula-hooping: Grab a hula hoop and see how long you can keep it going!
- Water balloon fun: Fill up some balloons and have a playful water balloon fight.
- Ladder golf: Test your aim and skill with this fun outdoor game. It’s a favorite at my house, and it might be at yours too!
8) Embrace Nature
Nature offers endless opportunities for enjoyment, so choose activities that truly make you feel good from a self-care perspective.
If you love being active, consider:
- Hiking: Explore scenic trails and immerse yourself in nature.
- Biking: Ride through parks or along scenic routes to enjoy the outdoors.
- Paddleboarding: Try this fun activity on calm waters for a unique experience.
If relaxation is more your style, try:
- Simply being outside: Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.
- Birdwatching: Spend time observing birds and listening to their songs.
- Enjoying the breeze: Find a quiet spot and feel the gentle breeze on your skin.
- Listening to the waves: If you’re near water, relax to the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Choose activities that resonate with you and allow you to connect with nature in a way that brings you joy and relaxation.
9) Watch the Sunrise/Sunset
Another great way to enjoy nature is by watching the sunrise or sunset.
When was the last time you did this? (It’s actually one of my personal goals this summer – to go to the lake and see the beautiful sun rising over the city skyline).
Watching the sunrise can be a perfect start to your day, filling you with positive vibes. And watching the sunset is a lovely way to end your day, feeling thankful for all the good things.
10) Have a Picnic
Going on a picnic is easy and fun! You can keep it simple by grabbing a sub and finding a nice outdoor spot, or go all out with a homemade lunch and your insulated picnic bag, heading to the beach or a park.
You can go alone for some self-time, with friends, or have a romantic picnic with your spouse.
No matter how you do it, just getting out and enjoying what summer has to offer is a great way to take care of yourself.
11) Try a New Summer Hobby
Make your summer more fun by trying out a new hobby or activity.
Here are some ideas:
- Gardening: Plant flowers or vegetables and watch them grow. (Buy gardening essentials here)
- Photography: Capture the beauty of summer with your camera or smartphone.
- Hiking: Explore nature trails and enjoy the outdoors.
- Paddleboarding: Try balancing on a board on calm waters.
- Birdwatching: Observe and identify birds in your area.
- Playing tennis: Hit the court for a fun game with friends.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars in the great outdoors.
You can take any hobby outside to soak up the summer vibes and have a great time.
12) Sip on Healthy Smoothies
In the summer, when there’s lots of fresh fruit around, it’s a perfect time to have a healthy smoothie or smoothie bowl every day.
Drinking smoothies made with fresh fruits keeps you hydrated, gives you energy, and makes you feel good. It’s an easy and tasty way to get all the good stuff your body needs during the hot summer days.
Here are some delicious combinations to try:
- Tropical Paradise: Blend mango, pineapple, banana, and coconut water for a taste of the tropics.
- Berry Blast: Mix strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and yogurt for a burst of berry goodness.
- Green Goddess: Combine spinach, kale, banana, pineapple, and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing green smoothie.
- Peachy Keen: Blend peaches, yogurt, and a touch of honey for a sweet and creamy treat.
- Banana Berry Bowl: Top a smoothie bowl with sliced bananas, mixed berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Experiment with different fruits and add-ins to create your own favorite summer smoothie recipes!
13) Enjoy Fresh Foods
Eating fruits and veggies that are in season is something I love about summer. If there’s a farmers market nearby, check it out and see what’s fresh and available in your area.
Here are some examples of seasonal summer foods you might find:
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries.
- Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
- Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes in a variety of colors and sizes.
- Corn: Sweet corn on the cob.
- Zucchini and Summer Squash: Versatile vegetables perfect for grilling or sautéing.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce varieties.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley.
These foods are at their peak in flavor and freshness during the summer months, making them a delicious and nutritious choice for your meals.
14) Take a Nap Under a Tree
I used to work a job I didn’t like from 9 to 5. During lunchtime, I would walk to a nearby park, set my alarm, and take a short nap under a tree.
I’d lie there, look at the sky, and listen to the sounds around me. It was so peaceful and made me feel really happy.
Give it a try – I promise you’ll enjoy it!
15) Visit the Dog Park
If you have a dog, taking them to the dog park can be really relaxing and enjoyable (as long as your pup likes it).
Watching them play while you chat with other dog owners is a simple joy that you can easily include in your weekly routine.
Check Google Maps for dog parks nearby – you might find some really beautiful ones. (The one closest to me is by a lake with amazing views).
16) Spend Time with Friends
Summer flies by, so why not plan some fun outings with your friends to make lasting memories?
You could do something big like renting a cottage or going on a weekend trip to visit vineyards. Or, keep it simple with cocktails on a patio, weekly coffee in the park, or browsing a local market.
You can also get inspiration from the rest of this list and create an unforgettable summer with your friends.
17) Read a Summer Book
Find a fun and easy-to-read book to enjoy – a summer romance, mystery, or even a travel novel would be perfect options.
Here are some fun and enjoyable books to read during the summer:
1) “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren (Romance) – A funny love story about two enemies pretending to be on their honeymoon.
2) “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman (Contemporary Fiction) – A heartwarming tale about a quirky woman named Eleanor and her journey to find friendship and happiness.
3) “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple (Humorous Fiction) – A quirky and funny novel about a woman’s disappearance and her daughter’s mission to find her.
4) “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty (Mystery/Thriller) – An exciting story set in a coastal town where secrets unfold among a group of mothers.
5) “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (Historical Fiction) – A charming novel set after World War II, told through letters exchanged by a writer and a book club on Guernsey Island.
6) “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan (Humorous Fiction) – A funny and extravagant book about the lives of wealthy families in Singapore, filled with drama and romance.
7) “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han (Young Adult/Romance) – The first book in a delightful series about a girl’s summers spent at a beach house, navigating family, friends, and love.
These books are great for relaxing and enjoying the summer season.
18) Take a Break from Social Media
Think back to when you were a kid in the summer. Remember those moments when you were so bored? But that’s when you got creative and found fun things to do, like collecting butterflies or making up games with your neighbors.
Let’s do that again by taking a break from social media for a while.
This means you’ll be more intentional with your time and you’ll find new ways to be creative, just like when you were a kid.
19) Embrace Your Spiritual Side
Whether you connect with your spirituality through prayer, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness, summer is the perfect time to dive into it.
Better yet, try to connect with your spirituality while you’re outside.
Here are some ideas:
- Practice yoga in the park or your backyard.
- Start your day with prayer outdoors.
- Practice mindfulness while walking around your neighborhood.
20) Take a Beach Stroll
Walking on the beach in summer, especially at sunset, is a fantastic way to feel calm and present.
You can go with a friend or partner, but I also suggest going alone. Take your time to absorb the soothing sounds of the waves and the birds chirping. It’s a great opportunity to practice mindfulness and feel connected to nature.
21) Enjoy Outdoor Dining
If you live in a chilly place, eating outside during summer is a real treat. It’s the perfect time for BBQs, gathering with loved ones, and having a blast.
I also enjoy having breakfast outside, especially in hot climates, to escape the midday heat. It’s a refreshing way to start the day and savor the peaceful morning atmosphere.
22) Take Care of Your Skin
As someone who’s very sensitive to the sun, I want to stress the importance of protecting your skin in the summer, and all year round.
Whether you have light or dark skin, it’s essential to use a good sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Personally, I use SPF 60, and I still get a tan. If you’re unsure about which SPF to use, you can ask your doctor or opt for a higher one.
Also, remember to shield your skin with a hat, sunglasses, and, if needed, protective clothing—especially when you’re at the beach.
Here are some highly-rated skincare products available on Amazon to help protect your skin during the summer:
1) Sunscreen:
- EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 50
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
2) Sun Hats:
3) Sunglasses:
4) Protective Clothing:
These products offer excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays and can help keep your skin safe and healthy during the summer months.
23) Decorate with Fresh Flowers
Bring fresh flowers into your home. You can cut flowers from your garden, pick wildflowers, or buy some in-season flowers.
Bringing nature inside is an easy way to enjoy the summer.
Even if you just pick one small flower, you can still enjoy it by putting it in a small mason jar.
24) Keep a Journal
Write in a journal to keep track of all the amazing things you do during the summer.
Journaling can be a form of self-care, and recording the fun and rewarding activities you’ve done is a great way to remember them.
It’s also helpful for finding self-care ideas for next summer.
25) Take a Break
Taking a break from work is important for feeling good. You can either stay at home or go somewhere else. Whether you’re exploring nearby or going on a trip, do things that make you happy and relaxed.
Take care of yourself and rest, so you feel better when you go back to work. Remember, taking breaks helps you work better later on, so enjoy your time off!
So, That’s it for now. Summer is the perfect time to relax and rejuvenate. With longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better season to focus on self-care.
Are you going to try this summer self-care challenge? I really hope so!
How many times have you said, “I’m going to start taking care of myself this summer,” but then didn’t do it?
We’ve all been there. This year, let’s promise to take better care of ourselves and enjoy every moment of summer.
To begin, share in the comments a new self-care activity you’ll try this summer! Cheers!!
Kristine J.
Kristine J. loves writing and helping people find themselves and grow. She’s really into daily routines, self-care, and minimalism. She also shares quotes and affirmations to motivate her readers and inspire positive changes in their lives.
