Does summer ever feel more exhausting than relaxing?
We dream of long lazy days but the reality is often a packed schedule of events barbecues and trying to keep everyone entertained. It’s easy to get to the end of August feeling more drained than when you started. I get it. For years I ran on fumes chasing the next thing whether it was a gaming achievement a plate of junk food or just another distraction. I know what it feels like to be completely out of sync with your own needs.
True self-care isn’t about expensive spa days or grand vacations. It’s about small intentional moments of kindness to yourself. It’s about recharging your spirit mind and body so you can show up as the best version of yourself. These are the simple practices that helped me reclaim my health and find balance.
Why Simple Self-Care Matters
When I was in the thick of my unhealthy habits I thought "self-care" was a waste of time. I was too busy being lazy and chasing cheap dopamine hits. But when I finally decided to change—to lose the 110 pounds and quit the habits that were destroying me—I realized I couldn't do it with willpower alone. I had to learn to be kind to myself.
These small acts of self-care became my foundation. They were the moments of peace in a day of struggle. They reminded me that I was worth taking care of. They weren’t complicated or time-consuming but they made all the difference.
12 Simple Summer Self-Care Ideas
Here are some simple ideas you can try this summer. Don’t feel like you have to do them all. Just pick one or two that speak to you and see how it feels.
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Start Your Day with a Screen-Free Moment. Before the notifications and emails flood in take five minutes for yourself. Just sit with a glass of water and look out the window. Notice the light the clouds the trees. This simple act sets a calm tone for the rest of your day instead of starting with digital chaos.
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Take a "Gratitude Walk." You don’t need a destination. Just step outside and walk for 10-15 minutes. As you walk think about three things you’re grateful for. It could be the warm sun on your skin the sound of birds or the simple fact that you are able to move your body. Practicing daily gratitude was a huge part of my journey. It shifted my focus from what was wrong to what was right.
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Hydrate with a Twist. We all know we should drink more water especially in the summer. Make it feel like a treat. Add some slices of lemon cucumber or a few fresh berries to your water bottle. It’s a simple upgrade that makes hydration more enjoyable.
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Read Something Just for Fun. Put down the business books and self-help guides. Pick up a novel a magazine or a book of poetry. Losing yourself in a story is one of the best ways to give your mind a real break.
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Find Quiet Time with God. This is my anchor. When life feels overwhelming spending a few minutes in prayer or reading a passage from the Bible recenters me completely. It’s not about a long formal ritual. It’s about connecting with my Creator finding peace in His presence and remembering my purpose. This practice has been the single most powerful force in overcoming my biggest challenges.
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Savor Seasonal Foods. Summer offers an amazing bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Go to a local market and pick up some fresh berries watermelon or tomatoes. Really taste them. When I was overcoming binge eating I had to rebuild my relationship with food. Learning to savor simple healthy foods instead of just consuming them was a game-changer.
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Watch the Sunset (or Sunrise). There’s something powerful about watching the day begin or end. It’s a beautiful reminder of God’s creation and the natural rhythm of life. It costs nothing and requires nothing from you except to be present and watch.
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Tidy One Small Space. Overwhelm can make even small tasks feel huge. Instead of thinking about cleaning the whole house just tidy one small space. It could be your kitchen counter your nightstand or a single drawer. This small win creates a little pocket of calm and can give you a surprising boost of energy. This is the same principle that helped me lose weight—focus on one small win at a time.
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Listen to Uplifting Music. Create a playlist of songs that make you feel good. It could be worship music classical or just upbeat tunes from your past. Put it on while you’re making dinner or driving in the car. Music has a direct line to our emotions and can instantly lift our spirits.
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Do a "Brain Dump." If your mind feels cluttered and anxious grab a piece of paper and a pen. Spend five minutes writing down everything that’s on your mind—worries to-do lists random ideas everything. Don’t try to organize it. Just get it out of your head and onto the page. This simple act can bring a lot of mental clarity.
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Connect with Someone Meaningfully. In a world of texts and DMs a real conversation can feel deeply refreshing. Call a friend or family member just to see how they are. Hearing someone’s voice and having a real back-and-forth conversation builds connection in a way that texting can’t.
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Embrace a Guilt-Free Nap. Rest is not lazy. It is essential. On a hot summer afternoon give yourself permission to take a 20-30 minute nap without feeling guilty about it. Your body and mind will thank you.
Self-care isn’t another thing to add to your to-do list. It’s a way of living that honors the body mind and spirit God gave you. It’s about finding small moments of peace and gratitude in your everyday life.
What is one small thing you can do for yourself today?
