What are your goals for the summer? Relaxation? Fun? Adventure?
Summertime is the perfect opportunity for all the above! But have you considered setting some goals that can help you enjoy these ventures even more?
Self-care is at the center of improving our mood and experiencing greater happiness. This is because self-care is largely responsible for our ability to cope with our feelings and regulate our emotions.
When you set self-care goals for the summer, you lay the foundation for the best that summer has to offer. Not to mention, it’s a season when we can focus on our goals and take things a little slower, often without the stress of work or school. From enjoying the company of others more to enjoying your own, summertime is the ultimate opportunity to consider setting self-care goals first.
So, if you’re ready to make the most of your summer, here are five self-care goals you can set and achieve this summer:
Practice mindfulness regularly.
Awareness refers to our ability to be present in the moment and attuned to our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations to understand them better. It is the foundation for positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
When we are aware of our inner experiences, we can more easily regulate our emotions and make decisions that align with our goals. After all, if you don’t know how you’re feeling, it’s hard to know how to react. It’s hard to know and take what you need, which is what self-care is all about.
By being more aware, we can experience and appreciate all that life – and this beautiful summer – has to offer!
One way to practice awareness is through mindfulness practices, which can be as straightforward as focusing on your breath. Take a few minutes daily to feel the air move in and out of your lungs, feeling the rise and fall of your chest. This can help calm, focus, and reinvigorate your mind and body.
Start a gratitude journal.
When it comes to happiness, gratitude is key. And what better time to focus on all you’re grateful for than during the summer? This season is full of possibilities, adventures, and memories waiting to be made.
Gratitude has been shown to boost our mood and overall wellbeing. It helps us savor the good moments and gives us something positive to focus on when things get tough. Additionally, gratitude helps us to build and maintain strong relationships.
How can you start incorporating gratitude into your life this summer? One way is to start a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. This practice will help you pause and appreciate something as ordinary as a cold glass of ice water on a hot day.
Set aside time for yourself every day.
Sometimes summer seems endless, so we overcommit ourselves to work, take care of others, and run errands. We forget to schedule time for the things that make us happy and help us relax.
This summer, commit to setting aside at least 30 minutes each day for yourself. You could use this time to read a book, walk, or take a yoga class. Whatever it is, make sure that it’s something that you truly enjoy and makes you feel good.
Start your days with intention.
Mornings set the mood for the rest of our day. So, if we start our days with intention, we’re more likely to have a good day overall.
One way to do this is to take a few minutes each morning to think about what you want to accomplish and visualize yourself achieving them. Another great way is to set an affirmation for the day.
These seemingly insignificant practices can make a big difference in your day-to-day life. And it’s a great way to start your summer days off on the right foot!
Find a balance between work and play.
We all know that summer is a time for fun and relaxation. But for many of us, it’s also a time when we must balance work and play. Take some time for fun this summer and make the most of the extra sunlight.
Summer is a great time to try new things and explore new hobbies. And it’s also a great time to relax and enjoy the simple things in life. So, go for walks, ride your bike, get out on the water – and, while you’re at it, why not take your mindfulness practice or gratitude journal outside in the fresh air?
Summertime is full of wonders and opportunities for self-care, but we often fail to notice them if we’re not setting our sights on them.