Summer activities and travel got you more exhausted than relaxed? Read on to see how you can turn it around before summer’s end.
There’s no denying summers are busy. Even though summer is usually the time of year we plan our relaxing getaways, the combination of sun, travel, and family events can end up taking a toll on us instead. When it’s time to wrap up the beach towels and put away the flip flops, you might be looking forward to fall already!
But you can still make this summer a time for self-care and rejuvenation.
Let’s look at the ways you can soak up the summer warmth and replenish your mind and body in preparation for back to school, back to work, or just back to your normal routine.
Recharge Your Mind
After an exhausting summer, it makes total sense that you’d want to relax and recharge your brain. Here are some of the ways we came up with to do just that:
Brain
Do Mindfulness Activities: Start with a mindfulness exercise or meditation to calm your mind, reduce stress, and improve your focus. These practices can do wonders to reset your mental state and improve how well you handle future challenges—can you say back to school?
Read for Pleasure: Grab that book you said you wanted to read this summer but never got to. After making the summer magical for everyone else, you deserve to sit in a chair with a good read. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or even a self-help book, reading for pleasure is an escape from everyday stressors and engages your brain in a different way.
Disconnect from Technology: Consider taking a break from screens and social media for a few days. Or even a week! Disconnecting from digital devices gives your brain a chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with what—or who—is right in front of you.
Journal: Grab a notebook and a pen and go hole up somewhere you won’t be bothered. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process emotions and gain clarity, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
Mood and Outlook
Get Grateful: While you’re journaling, take a minute to jot down what you’re grateful for. What’s going right in your life? Reflecting on the positive can shift your mindset and even promote relaxation.
Indulge in Relaxation Techniques: Consider activities like taking a warm bath, practicing aromatherapy, or getting a massage to help your mind unwind.
Take Natural Mood Support Supplements: Consult with a healthcare professional about incorporating a mood support supplement into your routine. Look for one like Natural Balance HTP Calm with high quality ingredients such as Vitamin B-6, St. John’s Wort, Kava Kava, and 5-HTP.
Rejuvenate Your Body
From the Inside-Out
Hydrate: Ahh, water—the most natural elixir. Travel and sun exposure have probably got you dried up, so aim to drink enough water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. The improvement in endurance, digestion, and mood will surprise you.
Nourish with Nutrient-Rich Foods: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide essential nutrients to support your body's recovery and overall well-being.
Rest and Sleep: If your sleep schedule is thoroughly out of whack after a summer of travel, time-zone changes, and late-night family card games, try a sleep supplement to help you reset and fall blissfully back into your normal sleep cycle.
From the Outside-In
Pamper Your Skin: Taking a cool shower or bath can help soothe sun-exposed skin and provide relief from any discomfort. Follow up by using a hydrating and soothing moisturizer to help repair and nourish your skin. Aloe vera gel can also be beneficial for relieving sunburned skin.
Get a Massage or Self-Massage: Treat yourself to a professional massage or practice self-massage using techniques like foam rolling to release muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Practice Gentle Stretching or Yoga: Engage in gentle stretching or yoga sessions to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. This can be particularly helpful after long flights or extended periods of sitting.
Wrapping Up Your Summer
So, whether you're swapping your sun hat for a beanie or trading in your piña colada for a pumpkin spice latte, remember that the transition from summer to fall doesn't mean your self-care journey has to take a back seat.
Embrace these simple strategies to recharge your mind and body, and make the most of the season's changing rhythms.
After all, a little self-care goes a long way, no matter the season. Here's to a restful and rejuvenating end to your summer! 🌞🍂