Summer can be a busy time of year for many people, and some individuals might forget to take time for themselves. It can be overwhelming at times, as there will likely be lots of socializing planned, but you should remember to practice self-care, especially during the warmer season. This will allow you time for you to reconnect with yourself in a calm manner.
If you are wanting to try new methods of self-care this season, then the three listed in this post are great options. The best part of these practices is that you can take advantage of the sunny weather and enjoy time spent outdoors, too.
Get Outside for Exercise
With the weather improving, summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the longer days and get outside. There are lots of mental health benefits of being out in nature, which has been dubbed “nature therapy,” such as boosting your mood, improving cognitive function, and reducing stress. Plus, you can breathe in fresh air and connect with nature more. It is also an excellent idea to pair the outdoors with exercise.
Exercising outdoors combines the mental and physical benefits, and you can take part in numerous types of movement. There are so many options to think about when working out in nature; you could choose to participate in cycling, jogging, swimming, walking, or an outdoor sport like tennis. Finding something you enjoy should be the priority when selecting a type of exercise, as you are more likely to stick with it long-term.
Relax and Unwind
This method sounds easy, but some people will struggle to relax and unwind. However, it is vital that you make the time to do this each day, and there’s no better time than summer. Many people will take vacation days during the warmer months, so you might have some free time to put this method into practice.
To relax and unwind, you should try a variety of different techniques to see what works best for you. Not all techniques will be enjoyable, so it is important to choose the one that you feel as ease with. For some people, relaxation breathing or medication might work, while other people might find that certain products can help them achieve a relaxed state.
Using cannabidiol (CBD) to relax has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly if the individual suffers from anxiety. There are numerous products on the market, with edibles, oils, and sprays being available to purchase. If you decide to try CBD products to help you relax, then you must find a reputable dispensary to buy the products from. Dispensaries, like NYCBUD in Roosevelt Island, NY, sells numerous CBD products, with some, like gummies, being great for those who want to ease into using CBD.
Keep a Journal
Journaling is the perfect way to organize your thoughts. This is particularly important if you feel the need to defuse a situation that you have kept inside of you and do not wish to share. Your journal will become a safe space to explore how you feel and what you think about without fear of judgement. It can also be used to track what triggers you and find patterns in your behaviors, gaining a valuable insight into yourself.
As for why you should practice this method of self-care during the summer, it is really quite simple. A journal can be taken anywhere at any time, meaning you can enjoy being outside in nature as you write down your thoughts and feelings. Being out in fresh air, similar to the earlier point of exercise, will allow you to also reap the benefits of increased oxygen levels and potential vitamin D production.
If you think you should begin journaling, it is very easy to start. You can do this as soon as you buy a journal. All you need to do is begin writing about what you did for the day, how you felt during the day, and so on.
To conclude, if you want to spend more time practicing self-care this summer, then the three methods mentioned in this post are good examples to get you going.