You deserve a break; you deserve a break from all of the stress that has been piled up on you all semester. You deserve a break from feeling like there are always a million things to do and a million places to go, a break from any feelings of self-doubt you have, a break from feeling sad, tired, overworked…a nice LONG break.
Be proud of yourself for the work you have put in during the semester. No matter what your summer schedule looks like, I hope you will give yourself a little time to evaluate and address your own needs in this season.
Here are some ideas for self-care practices you might consider welcoming into your routine this summer:
Journaling: Journaling is a great way to process everything you’ve kept bottled up inside. If you’ve been in an especially stressful or trying season, putting your feelings on paper can be a great way to cope and help you understand your own emotions. These entries can also be positive reflections of the great things in your life. If you don’t know where to get started with journaling, try writing down three things you are grateful for each morning or each night.
Avoid comparison on social media: Taking time off of social media or streamlining who you follow on these accounts can help break away from the comparison it is so easy to put ourselves through on these platforms. I invite you to feel joy and satisfaction in the little and big moments you experience this summer and to not let other people’s adventures make you feel like yours are inadequate. Someone on Instagram will probably go backpacking around Europe this summer, and it’s okay if that’s not you! For more tips on social media comparison struggles, read this.
Spend time in nature: Summer is the perfect time to get out and feel a little sunshine on your face. There’s something so freeing about being out in nature and feeling so small in a wide-open space. Your outdoor plans don’t have to be elaborate; it could be a walk in the park or nearby hike. No matter your adventure, set aside distractions and let your senses be in awe of the great outdoors.
Get creative: Dedicate time this summer to creating something meaningful. When you dig deep and explore the gifts you have that could inspire others, the possibilities are endless. Write a song, paint a picture, take some photos, choreograph a dance, cook a meal…. No matter your outlet, creating something original can help you feel empowered and refreshed.
Spend time with people who build you up: Summer can be a time to invest in the relationships in your life. Whether you are connecting with someone for the first time, or reconnecting with an old friend, take time to assess how the relationship makes you feel. It’s okay to decide certain people are difficult to hang out with because they drag you down or don’t bring out the best in you. It’s also okay to choose to invest in those difficult friendships and choose to be a positive example and guide the conversations to be more uplifting.
Find a way to give back: Taking time to focus on other people might not sound like self-care, but something incredible happens when we choose to invest in other people and organizations. Acting out of selflessness helps us set aside our own motives, and often times our own stressors. Giving back doesn’t have to be huge; it could be as simple as making someone cookies, giving a few of your groceries to a homeless person, serving a meal at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, or offering to watch your siblings’ kids from time to time.
Safety first: The level and types of safety precautions to consider this summer depend on your chosen activities. Two main safety considerations are applying sunscreen and drinking plenty of water. Make choices that reflect the level of safety you would want for the people you love. You don’t have to say no to all high-risk activities this summer, as long as you are also saying yes to the safeguards set in place to protect you.
It may be difficult to think about summer self-care before your finals are over, but hopefully this list has inspired you and given you hope for better things to come!
