Last Summer, I was completely drained by week two of summer, with too much sun, too little rest, and no intention.
That’s when I grabbed a notebook and made a list that changed everything: my summer self-care checklist.
I realized I’d been showing up for everyone else’s plans, outings, errands, but barely checking in with myself. So I decided to change.
This time, summer would be about feeling good on purpose. Slower mornings. More water. Saying yes to what fills me up, and no to anything that drains me.
If you’re craving a summer that feels lighter, calmer, and more “you,” this checklist might be just what you need.
Hydrate, Nourish, Rest
I used to skip breakfast in the summer, thinking iced coffee would carry me through. Which didn’t. I’d crash by noon and feel tired. When I started adding real food and more water to my mornings, everything shifted.
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life; just start small. Make hydration part of your summer self-care checklist. Think water with lemon, herbal teas, or even infused water with mint and cucumber.
Summer self-care tip: Keep a cute water bottle near you at all times. If it’s easy to reach, you’ll sip without thinking.
Here’s a reusable water bottle I love on Amazon, with a Time Marker to Drink and Carry Strap.
Food matters too. Go for light, nourishing meals, fruits, veggies, grilled proteins, and snacks that don’t weigh you down but actually fuel your day.
Sleep counts just as much. Long days don’t mean you need to stay up late every night. Your body still needs rest.
A white noise machine like this one can help you wind down.
Make Mornings Soft and Slow
There was a summer when I thought I had to be productive all the time. But then I permitted myself to have slow, quiet mornings, and it changed everything.
Build your own gentle summer self-care routine for mornings. Open the window. Stretch a little. Write in a journal. Put your phone away for the first hour.
This is about setting the tone for the rest of your day, not rushing into it.
Summer self-care idea: Create a 15-minute “me-time” ritual. It could be journaling, pulling a card from a deck, reading one chapter of a book, or simply sitting on your porch and watching the sky.
RELATED POST: How to Create a Morning Routine That Feels Good
Summer Self-Care Ideas for Nature Lovers
One summer, I walked barefoot on the beach every morning. It became my favorite part of the day. Fresh air, movement, and vitamin D? Yes, please.
Spending time outside is one of the easiest summer self-care tips to follow. But it’s not just about getting sun, it’s about doing it safely and in a way that feels good for you.
Go for a walk early in the morning or the evening when it’s cooler. Sit under a tree. Take your lunch outside.
And don’t forget your summer self-care essentials: sunscreen, a sunhat, bug spray, and a refillable water bottle.
Check out these summer essentials on Amazon that I love so much: natural sunscreen and this wide-brim hat
Take Digital Breaks
A while back, I took a two-day break from my phone. I didn’t plan to, but I was camping, and service was awful. It was surprisingly peaceful. I had no idea how loud all the notifications were in my brain until they stopped.
One of the best summer self-care ideas? Log off now and then. Take a mini break from social media, even just a few hours can make a difference. Use that time to do something tactile: read a paperback, try a puzzle, garden, or cook something new.
Summer self-care tip: Set app limits or use “Do Not Disturb” in the afternoons.
Plan One Joyful Thing Each Week
A few summers ago, I made a list of tiny things that made me smile: visiting a flower farm, trying a new gelato flavor, and rewatching my favorite 90s movie. I planned one for each week, and it helped me enjoy summer more than ever.
This is your sign to build joy into your summer self-care checklist. Big vacations are great, but small moments matter too. Think about what lights you up. Then make a simple plan to do it just once a week.
Here are some summer self-care ideas to get started:
- Sunrise picnic
- Library day + iced coffee
- Backyard painting session
- Trying one new smoothie recipe every week
RELATED POST: Simple Summer Bucket List Ideas
Check In With Yourself
I used to treat summer like a long, lazy break. But sometimes, those months can be messy inside, especially if you’re dealing with change, burnout, or loneliness.
One of the most underrated summer self-care tips? Emotional check-ins. You don’t need to go deep every day, but once a week, ask yourself:
How am I really feeling? What do I need more of? What do I need less of?
Write it down. Talk it out. Don’t skip it just because the weather is nice.
Summer self-care tip: Keep a journal or use the notes app on your phone to track your feelings and small wins.
Declutter for Peace: Summer Self-Care Starts at Home
One summer, I decluttered my room and added a white linen curtain, a soft rug, and a small plant. It felt like a breath of fresh air, and honestly made me want to spend more time there.
Your surroundings affect how you feel. Make your space lighter, cozier, and easier to live in. Summer self-care essentials for your space might include: natural light, cozy corners, a good fan, and some calming scents like citrus or lavender.
I love using this essential oil diffuser with a remote control.
Summer self-care idea: Do a 10-minute tidy-up each night so your mornings feel smoother.
Conclusion
The truth is, summer slips by fast. If we don’t slow down and check in with ourselves, it’s easy to get to August feeling burnt out and wondering where the time went.
Your summer self-care checklist doesn’t have to be long or fancy, just real. Just yours.
Whether it’s drinking more water, setting your phone down for a while, or saying no to that plan you didn’t want to say yes to, it all counts.
So take a deep breath, grab your journal, and make this summer one that feels good for you.
Ready to make this summer your most mindful one yet?
Start by creating a simple self-care checklist that supports your peace, joy, and energy.
