Self-care and Stress Reduction: Survival (and Flourishing) through a Heated Summer 😎

The summer came and it's running fast forward with dreams for new adventures, relaxation and all that we love the most. We want to have it all during these hot months, but stop for some minutes. Be careful! 🤔

Summertime! It's the season of unplanned barbecues and sun-kissed beaches. This is a time of pleasant fantasy that I can actually relax. Right. Because summer feels like a hot, never-ending race to autumn, punctuated by the existential horror of another lukewarm drink and the desperate search for elusive shade. Don't get me wrong—I adore summer. I do. But when your mind is like a scrambled egg left in a parked car, it is easier said than done.

Which are the most important tips for unproblematic spending in hot months? I introduce to you my experience and observations and hope you will enjoy and have one fun, stress-free summer. And now, let's start self-care in the heat! Stay under the shadow, drink more water, eat lighter meals, wear light clothes. These are all the things we know, but how do we make it compatible to have a summer adventure without stress and with self-care?

So, armed with a fast-decreasing supply of iced tea and a strong dose of pessimism (my favored self-care method). I've put together a survival handbook for surviving the summer firestorm while staying rational. Consider this with your emergency self-care pack for the emotionally turbulent months of July and August.

Let's start by solving the obvious problem, which is the heat. The fundamentals are obvious: drink plenty of water (enough to fill a small swimming pool), dress comfortably (avoid that itchy linen your aunt gave you) and find shade. However, these are only the cornerstones of an effective summertime self-care plan. They are the foundational elements upon which we need to build our peaceful summer castle.

Improve Your Self-Care: Set the base

The problem with standard summer advice is that it ignores the fact that we are all busy, nervous people. We are trying to fit a lifetime of happiness into three months. Here are a few more complex ways to help you adapt to the characteristics of summer:

Accept the Power Rest: Remember the wonderful afternoons you spent slumbering in a hammock? This is a vital self-care method, not a luxury for the lazy. A short power siesta can greatly improve your mood, concentration and overall health. Very important! Don't forget to set an alarm on your smartphone, because no one wants to wake up at nine a.m. feeling heated from the sun.

Strategic Scheduling: Summertime is frequently filled with a series of social gatherings, such as beach vacations, weddings and barbecues. To prevent burnout, it's important to plan these events carefully. Don't overcommit! Give priority to the things that truly make you happy and give yourself plenty of time to relax and rejuvenate. It's self-preservation, not egoism, to learn to say "no" without feeling guilty.

The Cool-Relax Routine: My personal masterpiece is spa procedures at home. First, shower with lovely-aroma shampoo. After that, I put on a cooling face mask and curl up with a captivating book or movie. I dive into one wonderful world and feel relaxed. The refreshing drink is an additional option for pleasure. I adore fruits and vegetables, so the variety is huge.

About dishes in summer, in the blog 4Seasons is another post. Maybe you will be interested in the Summer Roadmap of Culinary Delights.

Fast, Easy, Tasty >>>

It's my personal spa day, but without the astronomical costs.

Redefining "Relaxing": For some, relaxing means spending a nice evening at home; for others, it means jumping out of an airplane or dancing in the night with lots of people in carnival costumes.

The idea is to find activities that truly help you relax, rather than what you believe you should be doing. If watching corny reality TV helps you relax, embrace it! Don't let self-care become an additional cause of stress.

Mindful Moments: Summer is full of sensory overload: bright sunlight, loud music and the constant buzz of activity. Take a few moments each day to be alone with yourself. This can help you to reduce stress. This could be as simple as sitting quietly in the shade, listening to the sounds of nature or focusing on your thoughts.

Embrace the Slow Tempo: We live in a culture obsessed with the desire for more productivity. Summer is the perfect time to strategically slow down. Don't constantly check your email or social media. Allow yourself to be in the present moment. The world doesn't end if you don't respond to that work email just now. I promise.

Summer Self-Care Checklist (Because I’m Organized Like That):

Drink a lot of water.

Dress in airy, light fabrics.

Schedule frequent shaded pauses.

Plan entertaining activities, but don't take on more than you can manage.

Add power naps to your everyday schedule.

Create a relaxing cool-down routine.

Be mindful.

Accept slowness.

Remember to use sunscreen! (This is really crucial.)

Summer is a season for enjoyment, memory-making and rest. But it's also critical to prioritize your health and give attention to your body. You can prevent the heat-induced breakdown. So you could truly enjoy the season by implementing these self-care techniques into your summer routine. I have a date with a frozen margarita and a good book, if you don't mind. My home spa routine is calling as the sun sets. Stay cool until the next time, and I hope you have the happiest possible summer. And perhaps a bit less perspiration.