Some of the most beautiful experiences of my life have come from summers where I consciously spent as much time as I could finding and appreciating joy. Creating a summer self-care routine is one of my favorite things to do every year.
In this blog post, I'm going to share self-care ideas and tips for a magical summer full of self-love, fun and connection.
How can I take care of myself in summer?
The energy of summer invites you to be more carefree, to open yourself up to life and to bask in the light.
Like a flower reaching towards the warm sun, summer always feels like a chance to let our walls come down, to let go even more and to just completely fall into the supportive arms of the Universe.
To trust. Love. Drop into our bodies and senses. To fully enjoy the juiciness and vast possibilities that summer always promises.
Every summer I find that I fall a little bit deeper into self-love. Like when we were children and summer seemed like this eternal stretch of freedom and happiness, it can be the same for us now as adults.
You have to invite magic into your life in order to notice it. So, are you really ready to let it in?
Summer self-care activities
Below I'm going to share summer self-care ideas that I absolutely love to incorporate into my everyday self-care routine. They are all fused with the open, warm energy of summer.
Let this be a summer where you focus on your relationship with yourself a bit more. Let these months open you up. Trust and let go as much as you can. Stretch your mind and beliefs, and let the Universe leave you in delight and wonder.
Here are my favorite summer self-care ideas and activities.
1. Have a summer love affair with your body
"Sexy sexy juicy joy"–those are the words my spiritual mentor spoke to me one Friday morning recently. We've been working on getting me out of my head and into my body.
I think it's safe to say that a lot of us feel shame or disappointment when it comes to our bodies. It may not show up so much on the surface, but those feelings can be like deep currents running through us, not visible but always there.
Summer is a time when we typically wear less clothing and therefore end up being more aware of our bodies. When you think of your body, or when you look at it, what comes up for you?
How do you feel about her? Are you in love with her? Does she embarrass you? Do you wish you could know her better? Do you feel her quietly but persistently asking you to love her? To be at peace with her?
This summer is the perfect time to explore and celebrate her. Doesn't matter what she looks like, she's yours and there is infinite pleasure to be found in her.
Here are some ways to start a love affair with your body this summer:
1. Buy some new summer clothes that make you feel good. That make you feel juicy and alive. Whether you're "overweight", "a mom", or "too old"–do NOT let society make you feel like you need to cover up or dress a certain way. When an outfit makes you feel like you, you'll know it's right. You're a warm-blooded, sensual, breathing woman–so dress like one!
2. One of my favorite ways to love on my body is to use lotion or body oil and lovingly put it on after I bathe. Do it slowly and intentionally, fully appreciating each body part and what it does for you every day.
3. Ask your body what she wants, frequently. What does she feel like eating right now? Does she want to rest? Does she want to stretch or dance? Start asking her and you'll be pretty amazed at what begins to unfold as you listen. For so long, I tried to force myself to eat breakfast even though it always made me nearly sick to do so. I finally started listening to my body and found that she never wants to eat until around midday or after. I feel SO much better. Your body is unique and has her own preferences...listen to her over what anyone else says.
4. Pleasure her: she can take you to the heights of ecstasy–how often do you allow her to do that? Too many of us are taught to equate our pleasure with intimacy with another person, but moments of self-pleasure can be actually some of the most transformative, spiritual moments of your life. So much self-love and healing can happen when a woman pleasures her own body. Bring your awareness into the present moment where your body always is and fully enjoy it.
2. Read inspiring books and magazines
The days are longer and a little lazier, so why not pick out a few good reads for the summer? Books and magazines can help to shift our perspective and keep us dwelling in a place of magic.
Here are some of my favorite summer reads for self-care, self-love and magic:
Bella Grace Magazine: hands down, my favorite magazine. Yes it's $20 but it's pretty much like a book and you'll never want to throw it away. It's full of articles written by women to help you remember how important it is to slow down and enjoy this beautiful life.
Infinite Possibilites: I'm re-reading this book this summer. It's a powerful book to read but I think it's perfect for summer because of how fun and open it is. Mike's energy is really playful and his writing always gets me into this place of "anything is possible if you just believe." And it is.
Mirror Work: if you want to grow in self-love this summer, try this little book. It's 21 days of connecting with and loving yourself using the mirror. Looking into your own eyes while speaking words of affirmation is definitely weird at first, but the break-throughs are pretty incredible.
A Book That Takes Its Time: this gorgeous book is all about slowing down and being mindful. Slow down for pleasure, reflection and joy. It's half creative journal, half inspirational reminder to savor your life.
How to Be a Wildflower: another beautiful book that gets you outside and in connection with yourself and all that's around you. This book is about self-discovery through nature and a reminder that magic is everywhere.
3. Revive past summer magic
Think back to when you were a kid or teenager–what did you used to LOVE doing every summer?
I loved going to the skating rink (and always had to drink a Cheerwine while there–#northcarolinasummermagic). Therefore, when a friend recently asked if I wanted to go to the skating rink, I was like "hell yes I do!"
The kid inside you is still there–what did she or he used to love to do every summer? I know most of us used to love going swimming, BUT so many of us decline the opportunity now because we don't like how we look in a swimsuit. Or we decline doing other things we used to love simply because we feel too silly doing them now.
That's nonsense. Your soul is like Will Ferrell in Elf–she/he lives from a place of joy, is grateful to be here and is always excited for what the day is going to bring.
Channel your inner Elf and do what lights you up, no matter how old you are. Play the arcade games, cannon ball into the pool, roll down the grassy hill, eat the bad-for-you-but-super-tasy ice cream (it's only bad for you if you label it as such) while watching fireworks, catch the lightening bugs.
Let your soul have fun!
4. Say YES more
Which brings me to my next point–say YES this summer.
Say YES to the ice cream, to the late nights, to the guilt-free sleeping in, to letting yourself off the hook more often.
I know you're probably thinking "But Jessica, I have responsibilities...I have kids to take care of, a job to be at, and chores to get done."
Yeah yeah, I get it. But where can you say yes to more joy? Where can you shift your perspective so that you can see the beauty that's right under your nose?
Life is so short but what truly matters? Children grow up, jobs change, people we love move away or pass on...if not now, then when?
The time is now.
Make it your intention every day to say YES to the things that light you up, no matter what. Summer can be just as magical at 50 years old as it can be at 10 years old.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver
5. Rearrange your sacred space
It feels SO good to freshen up your sacred space. I did it recently and it made all the difference. Just like rearranging a room can make a space feel brand new and inviting, so can changing up and rearranging your sacred space.
Here are some ideas:
1. Clear and rearrange. I like to remove everything, clean and dust, and then intentionally put everything back that I'm going to use.
2. Change out your crystals. Think about the kind of energy you're wanting to manifest into your life, and then display only those crystals that carry that energy in your space. Currently in my space I have crystals that carry the energy of self-love and healing.
3. Add plants and flowers! Plants in general bring life and energy to any space. Succulents, wild flowers, flowers from Trader Joe's, hanging plants, etc.
4. Replace your books. I usually keep a collection of books in my sacred space but I need to switch them up every now and again depending on what I'm needing.
5. Add new elements. I recently added these amethyst string lights and rainbow decals to my space and it has just felt that much more magical.
You can also check out my Amazon idea board for sacred space items.
6. Worry less
How about, just for the summer, you give yourself permission to let go of the worry, anxiety, or stress you normally feel the need to carry around?
What does worry or fear even do? Unless you're being chased by a lion, does it really do you any good to keep your body in a constant state of stress? Does worrying stop whatever you fear? Does it help to prevent some future outcome? No, not at all.
So let it go. Focus on the present moment: you're safe from any boogey man your imagination has conjured up, all is well and you're alive.
The past is over, the future is unknown and all you have is right now.
Yes...you could lose your job, you could not have enough money for your bills, you could die from that disease, you could lose that person you love so much, OR you could simply trip and fall down some stairs today and it would all be over anyway.
So why worry about any of it?! You didn't come here to worry yourself sick. You came here to LIVE, to make magic, to love with everything you have, to be vulnerable and open, and to trust that ALL IS WELL for you.
In 2019, I spent a great deal of time living from a place of intense anxiety. Nothing I feared has yet to happen. And if it does sometime in the future, oh well. I'm not living in that place anymore–I'm choosing to live right now. What has really been helping is saying a little affirmation anytime worrisome thoughts creep in.
Here are some things you could say to that voice in your head:
- Not today, Satan!
- It's just my anxiety
- All is well in this moment
- I choose to live today
- I am okay in this moment
- The Universe will work it out for me
- Money comes from the Universe
- Well-being comes from the Universe
- I am Divinely guided and protected
Our hearts are beating which means we're still meant to be here. Don't waste another day worrying or feeling regretful. Wake up every day with the intent to feel good, to find joy and to acknowledge all there is to appreciate.
Let this summer fill you with joy, pleasure and happiness. You deserve it.
I hope you enjoyed this article. For more self-care inspiration, you can sign up for the Dwell in Magic weekly newsletter.
If you'd like more real life examples of daily self-care, connect with me on Instagram where I share my self-care routine and moon rituals on Insta stories.
And if you'd like more direct support and community with like-minded people, come join the Dwell in Magic Facebook group.
Lots of love,
Jessica
Jessica Dimas is the creator of Sacred Self-Care for Moms Guide + Worksheet bundle. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram for more inspiration and updates.
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Katrina
All of these are such great ideas, thank you! Many of which I practice already but I appreciate the new ideas. Like, the amethyst lights are so beautiful! And I never thought to switch out my crystals and books in my scared space. ❤️