The heat of summer can be suffocating depending on where you live, but I challenge you to get outside for some of your self care before summer is gone.

The sun will give you vitamin D and fresh air is always good for you.

So are you ready for a Summer Self Care Challenge??
 
 

Challenge

The challenge I created is a sort of Bingo, but you want to try to cross off every square, so it’s really more of a challenge.

You can click on the image below to download your own printable copy of this challenge for free – You don’t even have to subscribe to my newsletter (though I recommend that you do!)

 
 
Keep reading this post for all the details!

 

 

Use Sunscreen

Ideally you should be wearing some sort of SPF on your face all year round.

But no time is it more important than during the summer when the sun is the closest to the Earth.

The sun is amazing but it’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin.

It can also age you more rapidly, which I don’t think anyone wants.
 

 
 

Meditate Outside

Switch up your routine and trying meditating outside instead of inside.

I recommend you don’t do this when the sun is high in the sky, but early in the morning or after the sun starts to set.

Feeling the sunlight on your face and breathing in the fresh air can be energizing.

 
 

Sunrises and Sunsets

Both the sunrise and the sunset are magical in their own ways.

If you don’t feel like getting up to see the sunrise, at least make a point to step outside and take in the sunset.

I’ve never seen a sunset that I didn’t like.

I have a hunch you won’t either.

 
 

Fresh Fruit

Indulge in some seasonal fresh fruit.

While the first summer food probably all of us are thinking of is watermelon, that’s not the only fruit in season during summer!

Certain apples and many berries will be ripening as well.

Fruit that is in season is also typically less expensive than out of season fruits.

Enjoy the fruits on their own or blend them up into a refreshing fruit smoothie.
 

 
 

Drink More Water

Drinking water all year long is important, but staying hydrated is even more important during the hottest months of the year.

If you’re sweating, you’re losing water and you need to replace that so you don’t get dehydrated.

Add lemon and mint if regular water is too boring for you.
 

 
 

New Playlist

Music can really set the tone for your day.

Music can help reduce your stress and take your mind off your everyday problems.

Make a fun playlist just full of summer vibes to play when you’re driving in the car or just dancing around the house.

Discover new songs that speak to you.
 

 
 

Read

Settle into a nice fiction book for the summer.

Get lost in a different place and time.
 
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin.
 

 
 

Garden

If you already have a garden, then you probably already know the benefits.

If you don’t have a garden, there’s no time like the present to start one!

Gardening fully engages all of your senses and is weirdly good for our mental health.

Though at times gardening can be frustrating, it can also be very rewarding.
 

 
 

Treat Yourself

Few things are better on a hot summer day than a deliciously cold dessert.

Stop for ice-cream, make popsicles or go for some frozen yogurt.

Try fun new flavors or your old childhood favorites.

Enjoy it and don’t feel guilty about treating yourself to something sweet.
 

 
 

Bodies of Water

One of the best parts of summer is the water in my opinion.

Go to the beach shore, visit the ocean, a lake or even a pool if all of those things are too far.

Taking a dip in some chilly waters is the best way to cool off during a hot steamy day.
 

 
 

Unplug

Turn off the tv, leave your phone and unplug from technology for a little while.

We get so accustomed to using technology in almost every part of our lives that we need to be intentional about putting it away.
 

 
 

Play

Act like a kid on summer break!

Blow bubbles, shoot waterguns, draw on the sidewalk with chalk, build a sandcastle or fly a kite.

Enjoy those little things that used to bring you so much joy.. they just might still bring you some joy.
 

 
 

Staycation

If you’re an introvert like me then you are already familiar with staycations or holistays.

Basically, you can spend a lazy summer day indoors with the AC on.

Or you can travel somewhere local – to the park, to a pool or a museum.

You don’t need to leave your local area to take it easy and relax.

You could even try a DIY spa day and really pamper yourself.

It’s an affordable alternative to traveling for your vacation.
 

 
 

Go Somewhere New

Traveling is still somewhat risky, but you can always try being a tourist in your own town!

A new restaurant you’ve never been to or that park you’ve driven past but never stopped at.

We often get into a pattern of traveling the same roads all the time.

Try turning left instead of right and you might just discover a place you never knew existed.
 

 
 

Get Outdoors

I know it’s hot, but get outside and participate in some outdoor activities!

Soak up the vitamin D during the day by taking a walk in the park or going on a picnic.

Or wait until the sun sets and roast s’mores over a fire and gaze up at the stars.
 

 
 

Make memories

Take a ton of pictures. Of yourself, your loved ones or just the beauty around you.

Document the things that happen to you, go on adventures and make each day count.

Collect experiences instead of things.
 

 
 

In conclusion…

That’s all 16 of my suggestions for practicing self care during the summer time.

Which ones are you going to try? Have any more ideas – let me know in the comments below!

 
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