summer self-care – Tyler V Layne

Me with my good friend Emily at the Sunflower Maze in Chaptico, MD

It may seem like summer is almost over, but if you live in Maryland or anywhere else in the southern United States, you know August can be the most brutally hot month of all.

If you are already finding yourself dreaming of cooler days, check out this list of 10 fun ways to stay cool from the relentless summer heat.

1. Take a dip in your local pool

There’s nothing more refreshing than a nice dip in cool water! Visit your local pool, go to the beach, or even take a splash in a lake at a nearby park. It feels great & it’s normally free or relatively inexpensive.

2. Make fun iced summer cocktails (or mocktails)

Summer cocktails (Photo by Kaizen Nguyễn on Unsplash)

Who else loves summer cocktails? I love the bright citrusy flavors with punches from fresh herbs like mint & lavender.

Refresh yourself this season with delicious homemade iced cocktails or mocktails. You can find lots of healthy recipes to try here.

3. Make homemade popsicles

Raspberry popsicles (Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash)

Popsicles are my daily treat in the summer time. I have one every morning after my run to cool off, & often every evening as well after a long day spent in the heat. There are lots of healthy options on the market now, or you can make your own! You can find some delicious & healthy popsicle recipes here.

4. Try a new indoor hobby

Me reading Change of Heart by one of my favorite authors, Jodi Picoult

If it’s too hot to go outside, consider finding new fun hobbies to enjoy indoors! Read a new book, binge watch a show, try a craft, do yoga – the possibilities are endless! You can’t beat air conditioned fun in the summer.

5. Stay Hydrated

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Drink your water! When you’re spending time in the heat, it’s more important than ever to keep your body hydrated. This will not only help you avoid heat exhaustion, but it will also keep you sweating, which is a good thing! Your sweat helps to keep your body cool. If you’re struggling to get in enough liquids, or if you are spending active or extended periods of time outdoors, consider adding electrolytes to your drink. Electrolytes help to replace the other nutrients you are losing in your sweat, including magnesium, sodium & potassium.

If you haven’t tried it yet, Coffee Over Cardio makes a delicious electrolyte option called Hydrate, & right now, you can get 10% off with promo code 10TYLERVLAYNE. Click here to shop.

6. Make a yummy smoothie for breakfast

Smoothie bowls (Photo by Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash)

Start your day off right with a delicious & healthy smoothie that will help you cool down from any early morning activities outdoors. Add fresh fruits & vegetables, nut & seed butters, granola, or any of your favorite ingredients, & enjoy in a bowl in on-the-go in your smoothie cup. You can find lots of healthy smoothie recipes here.

7. Eat light meals with fresh ingredients

Easy & healthy summer salad – get the recipe here

Leaving your oven off is a great way to keep your house cool! And eating meals made with fresh fruits & vegetables is an easy way to keep your body cool as well. This summer salad recipe is a great seasonal option for a filling & delicious summer meal. You can find the recipe here.

8. Stay cool with this portable fan that looks like headphones

I have to thank my good friend Emma Cathy for this tip. If you have to venture outdoors, this portable fan is a life saver! It looks just like a pair of headphones, so you can take it anywhere. And it blows cold, refreshing air on your face & neck! Buy it 30% off on Amazon now.

9. Dress for the weather

Me picking sunflowers at the Sunflower Maze in Chaptico, MD

This is the season to break out your flowy sundresses & brightly colored tops. Choose lightly colored fabrics & loose, baggy clothing to help keep your body cool. If you are exercising outdoors, remember to bring a change of clothes & a towel to dry off afterwards to help avoid chafing.

10. Tailor your self-care routine for the season

Me using the Aceology Ice Globe Facial Massagers

Your self-care routine should evolve with the seasons. In the summer, use products to help brighten & cool your skin, stay hydrated, move your body in ways that you find fun, & make time for rest & relaxation. The Aceology Ice Globe Facial Massagers are one of my favorite products to incorporate in my summer self-care routine. They are naturally cooling, & they help to reduce redness & stimulate blood circulation & oxygenation to the skin!

What is your favorite way to stay cool in the summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Note: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Note: Read all the way to the end of this article for a special summer giveaway opportunity!

Summer is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to get some sunlight, relax & recharge. And especially after the year we all had, I think it’s time for a little extra self-care time.

Self-care is a very personal experience, & it should always be spent doing things that specifically bring you joy & comfort. But, there’s nothing wrong with switching up your self-care activities to reflect the unique joys that each season brings. Summer is full of fun ways to show yourself some love.

Read on for 10 easy ways to practice self-care this season.

1. Soak up some sunshine

This is by far the simplest way to practice self-care this season, but it’s still super important. When we are exposed to sunlight, our brains release serotonin, otherwise known as the “happy hormone.” Serotonin not only boosts our mood; it also helps us to feel calm & focused, which means more productive lives. In addition to this, the sun gives us Vitamin D, which is linked to better bone health, & it can actually help promote healthy skin! That glowing look you want can be achieved by spending time in the sun’s rays! Just make sure you show your skin a little extra self-care & wear lots of sunscreen.

2. Go off the grid

Physically & socially, spend some time off the grid this summer. Get out of town. Plan a vacation & treat yourself. And when you do, consider staying unplugged from your phone. I know, there are tons of Instagrammable photos to share on vacation, but you can always share them later. Give yourself a little time to be present with those around you, or just to yourself, because you deserve your undivided attention as well.

3. Spend time with people who make you feel good

Distance yourself from negativity & spend time with people who make you feel good. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, you can finally go out to brunch, swim in the pool, or go to a concert with the people that matter most to you. Plan a picnic, go on a walk, or just give someone you love a phone call. Studies show that spending time with people helps reduce the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including anxiety & depression, & building strong relationships helps provide support when you are experiencing challenging situations.

4. Wear what makes you feel confident

Me on the beach in South Carolina the week of the Solar Eclipse, 2017

Every body is a beach body. Whether it’s a bikini, a sundress, a one-piece, or a sarong, wear what makes you feel most beautiful & confident to the beach, & don’t give one thought to what other people think. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who dresses with dignity & carries herself with confidence.

5. Drink more water

My Fill It Forward water bottle that I received in my Be Kind by Ellen subscription box

This is important all year long, but it’s especially important in summer. When we sweat, we lose water, & when our bodies are dehydrated, they don’t function properly. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, constipation, dry skin, & headaches, & severe dehydration can cause low blood pressure, heat exhaustion, seizures, heat stroke, kidney failure, & coma. Keep your body hydrated by drinking water throughout your day. You can add more flavor to your water by adding fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables. One refreshing combination I love is cucumber, mint & lime. Or, if I’m in the mood for something sweet, I love adding freshly chopped berries. If you’re doing activities outdoors, consider adding electrolytes to your water – choose low-sugar brands that will replenish the sodium, magnesium, & potassium you are losing through your sweat without loading up on sugar. When you keep your body hydrated, it gives you more energy & helps you to feel your best.

6. Visit a farmer’s market

Joseph & me at the farmer’s market picking out fresh produce for a picnic dinner

With spring & early summer gardens finally in full bloom, this is the perfect opportunity to visit your local farmer’s market & pick out fresh produce to cook with. It supports a local business, & it also a fun way to eat healthy. Look for recipe inspiration on Pinterest, or just start experimenting in the kitchen!

7. Get active outdoors

Joseph & me on a hike near Loch Raven Reservoir

Get outside & enjoy the warm weather while exercising. There are lots of fun summer activities that are also great forms of exercise, including kayaking, swimming, & hiking. Try to go out early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day, & make sure to wear sunscreen while you’re outdoors.

8. Wake up with the sun

Enjoy your summer days to the fullest by waking up with the sun. Bringing natural light into your room & waking up with the sunrise is a much more gentle way to wake up, as opposed to a blaring alarm clock. This means you wake up more refreshed & ready to tackle your day! And, if you do this consistently, your circadian rhythm will adjust, which means deeper sleep & more productive days.

9. Start a garden

Gardening can be a great way to get active outdoors & bring yourself some joy. The routine tasks can be calming, & you can find great joy in cultivating a plant & helping it to grow. Plant flowers to brighten up your space, or try planting a vegetable garden & use the fresh produce to cook healthy meals.

10. Read an inspirational book

One of my favorite inspirational reads, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or spending a day indoors away from the heat, summer is the perfect time to start a new book. Why not find something inspirational? Pick a topic you are interested in, or simply search for inspirational books online or at your local library to find your new uplifting read.

Alright, as promised, it is giveaway time!

Much of my blog is dedicated to helping my readers find more self-care in their lives. To help inspire you to take better care of yourself this summer, I have a challenge that could help you win some special prizes!

The Summer Self-Care Bingo Challenge includes all the self-care activities listed above, plus 14 more ways to show yourself some extra love this summer. Complete 5 activities in a row, column, or diagonally to win a month-long subscription to Sticker of the Month & the weekly newsletter. Complete the entire board, & you will a FREE Sunshine Box! That’s right – spend more time this summer dedicated to self-care, & you can get more self-care delivered right to your doorstep!

To complete a bingo square, post a selfie of you completing the activity on Instagram & tag me @TylerVLayne with the hashtag #SummerSelfCareBingo, & I will do the rest of the work for you. The Summer Self-Care Bingo Challenge will start June 15 & will end August 30.

Let the challenge begin!

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10 fun ways to stay cool in the summer heat