Summer is an exciting time. There are tons of outdoor events, beach days, get-aways and gatherings with friends and family. Unfortunately, there can also be an increased pressure to look fit and flawless all summer long. This extreme focus is only skin deep. Enter these first weeks of summer with the goal of connecting with your inner beauty. This is the beauty you have regardless of your age or body type, and it’s the one you have your whole life. The following tips will help you connect with this inner beauty, and reinforce positive self-care:
- Go Outside and Soak it Up! It’s easy to forget that fresh air is the greatest beautifier around. And there are so many opportunities to experience fresh air in the summer. When was the last time you hiked in the forest, laid in a meadow and soaked up the fresh air and sun? This practice of forest bathing is a practice of appreciating the natural beauty around you. In turn, you will see yourself as a part of all the beauty around you.
- Embrace Self-Care All Summer Long: Take the time to reassess your selfcare practices. What mental, physical and spiritual needs do you have? How are you taking care of them now, and what can you do to add to these practices? Do something special for yourself this summer. When we care for ourselves, our confidence grows and that is the most beautiful thing to cultivate this summer.
- Upgrade Your Sleep: Summer can be months filled with exploration and fun, but don’t sacrifice your sleep for a good time. Your body and mind need solid rest to recuperate from these often longer and more active days. Give your bed an upgrade with cotton or bamboo sheets, and check the ventilation in your room. Are you able to get clean, fresh air in your room at night, or is an air purifier a good idea? Cities are often more polluted because of the density of cars and pollen. You may not realize that the lingering headache you’ve suffered with could be a result of poor ventilation in your bedroom. Another tip is to invest in houseplants as a beautiful, natural way to clean the air in your home.
- Get Your Bath On: While it can be amazing to enjoy so many summer adventures, it often means our skin needs more TLC. Sweat, dirt, and oils can clog your pores and leave your skin ashen and dull. Even if you don’t wash your hair everyday, try rinsing off at the end of the day. It’s a great time to decompress and an easy way to maintain healthy skin. Lastly, don’t forget to apply SPF everyday and to moisturize!
- Good Posture for All: One easy tip to feel more confident and beautiful is to practice good posture. Check in with your body throughout the day: are you sitting with one shoulder taller than the other? Are you hunched over your phone or desk? Are you leading with your head when you walk? Remember to hold your shoulders back, your head high, and engage your stomach muscles when you walk. If your posture still suffers, or you notice discomfort, reach out to SLO Health for an osteopathic treatment.
- Meditation Nation: We know you’ve heard it before, but it is so important we don’t mind saying it again: practice meditation! There are so many different forms of meditation to choose from, so you are bound to find something that suits your lifestyle and personality. Making time to practice mindfulness has so many amazing benefits for you mental health. We recommend finding time in the morning to complete your daily practice. Centering your mind and body in the morning can lower your stress levels, so you’re ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way. If you find some free time in the evening, try it then, too! Learning to manage your stress levels in a healthy way is of the highest health priority. And don’t forget that the less stress you have, the more space you have to feel content and confident!
- Make Time for Movement: We know there’s a ton of pressure to get fit in the summer. There seems to be a new exercise fad everytime you turn on the TV or scroll through your social feeds. Instead of buying into diet culture, which can perpetuate toxic beliefs and expectations for our bodies, make it your summer goal to get moving. Enjoy nature and taking pictures of spectacular views? Find a hiking buddy or add a 15 minute walk into your day. Love to listen to music and boogie? Create a dance playlist and groove to the beat while you prep for dinner. Want to get limber and meet new people? Join your local pilates or yoga studio and get stretching. There are so many ways to introduce healthy movement into your day and week that’s fun, not a chore. Find a way that suits you and enjoy it all summer long!