Let’s be honest, while summer festivities offer an often much-desired break in our day-to-day routines, the go-go-go schedules we create for ourselves can also become overwhelming and stressful which can have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
To Live the 8 Wise Way for a Healthier Happier Mind all year round, a consistent self- care routine is important. Looking after your body and mind throughout the summer months helps you keep strong and healthy and psychologically prepared to manage the demands of a busy summer schedule of kids, holidays, weddings, festivals, BBQs, day trips, and daily life.
So here are your first 8 Wise Ways to summer Self Care tips:
- Take 10 minutes for yourself daily:
It may feel like you can’t find 10 minutes in your day whilst juggling everything else over the summer months, but try to, because just having some quiet time to do what YOU want, instead of what others want you to do, can help you recharge your batteries. A guided meditation is a good 10-minute self-care activity or maybe a mini home spa treatment, whip up a healthy meal, try a cat nap or simply take an indulgent shower with your favourite scented soaps. The key is to commit to making little moments of joy in your everyday life and resting your mind for short periods to manage potential stress and overwhelm. #emotionalwellness #spiritualwellness
- Go for a walk:
Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Being out in nature has such a calming effect and there are some great physical and mental health benefits to getting exercise outdoors. Using an App like Map My Walk is a great way to track where you are going or to get inspiration for other walks in the locations you choose. #physicalwellness #emotionalwellness
- Deep-clean your home:
Give a little time to cleaning those areas which don’t normally get a look in. Spring cleaning can happen in summer too. A detailed, deep clean of your home will freshen things up and make your home feel and look nicer. Think about washing those sofa covers, cushions, curtains and carpets which might be easier to wash and dry if the weather is warmer. You can even make it a game and get the kids involved. #emotionalwellness #environmentalwellness
- Sort your wardrobe:
Declutter your wardrobe and go through your clothes. Wash and store your cold weather clothes if you’re unlikely to use them now (although it depends which part of the world you’re living in!). Sort through the items you can donate to charity, those that can be recycled or those that can be sold. #emotionalwellness #environmentalwellness #financialwellness
- Plan your meals:
Feeling good on the inside leads to feeling great on the outside. Reduce overly processed convenience foods for nutritious packed homemade recipes and develop a new hobby whist you do it. Include plenty of summer vegetables, salads and fruit whilst challenging yourself to make new healthy meals with as few ingredients as possible. Flavoursome food prepared ahead of time can reduce so much stress and the process can be very relaxing and calming too. #physicalwellness #emotionalwellness #intellectualwellness
- Meet a friend for coffee:
Enjoy chatting, having a laugh and catching up on news with a good friend. Get it booked in. #emotionalwellness #socialwellness
- Journal:
If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times, get your thoughts out of your head and down onto paper (or your own preferred method) so you can see them clearly and act where necessary. #emotionalwellness #spiritualwellness #intellectualwellness
- Try meditation:
There are some great simple guided meditations out yere, I personally like those on the Calm App and Headspace App as well as on You Tube. Try a few and find the ones that work best for you. Giving your mind a rest after a busy day is a recipe for effective relaxation and a daily reboot so you can face the next busy day head on, with a clear and calmer mind. #emotionalwellness #spiritulwellness #intelectualwellness
To manage your mental health and wellbeing you need to be consistent in your approach to self-care, you need to take moments of selfishness to maintain a healthy happy mind which makes you better company for those you are spending your summer with, as well as fresh enough to be your best self with them and for them.
If you have recognised that your frazzled burnt-out mind is becoming a constant part of your life rather than a rare part of it, then the 8 Wise™ Wellness Programme could be for you. It is available as one to one coaching sessions, training, through our book resources and podcast and through our new membership platform, launching soon. Through the programme you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to ‘Live the 8 Wise Way’ and develop optimal mental health and wellbeing for an improved quality of life.
If you would like to book a session or register for our next programme, get in touch today.
For more information on 8Wise and the mental health services provided check out the rest of this website.