Summer Self-Care: 6 Essential Wellness Tips for Parents

Ah, summer – the season of vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and a time to truly embrace the outdoors. As parents, we juggle a myriad of responsibilities. It's exhilarating, rewarding, and sometimes, quite challenging. Especially in summer, when the bustle of activities and summer holidays is at its peak, self-care can easily take a backseat. But remember the airplane safety instruction: "Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then on your child." Even if we may occasionally fantasize about a solo trip to the Maldives, the reality is that our summer wellness journey is often closer to home. As your life coach, I'm here to guide and support you through it.

1. Stay Hydrated & Eat Lightly

Have you ever found it difficult to stay hydrated or keep your meals light in summer? Carry a water bottle wherever you go, preferably a refillable bottle to be kind to our planet and to reduce the plastic waste. Relish hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and berries. Incorporating such choices can make a huge difference, as staying hydrated aids digestion, boosts skin health, and keeps you energized. Likewise, the summer bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables is an opportunity to keep our meals refreshing and easily digestible, perfect for those hot summer days. I discuss some exciting meal ideas in my recent article, "Foodie Family Fun: Healthy Summer Meal Ideas"

Men should aim for 3.7 liters of fluids per day, and women should aim for 2.7 liters. - The Mayo Clinic.

2. Outdoor Exercise and Fun

Moving from healthy consumption to physical activity, how about turning our attention to outdoor exercise? Summer is the season to take your regular work-out outdoors, engaging in your favorite activities like swimming, hiking, and cycling. Speaking from my own experience, as a self-proclaimed 'mermaid,' I find that swimming is a particularly delightful summer activity. Whether it's in a pool, a lake, or the sea, swimming can be a fun and rejuvenating experience. It’s not just about fitness; it also offers a great opportunity to bond with your children and/or your partner.

3. Explore New Hobbies

Transitioning from physical to cognitive, why not use the summer to learn something new? Breaking the monotony of routine with a hobby can provide a sense of accomplishment and stimulate creativity, fostering an environment of lifelong learning. It also offers numerous self-care benefits: boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental wellbeing. Furthermore, it could also serve as a wonderful bonding experience if you find a hobby that you could share with your children or partner. What hobbies have you always wanted to try? I delve into this in my blog articles Summer: season for new hobby: Part 1 and Part 2. Use the summer holidays to learn something new!

4. Practice Mindfulness

As we're considering new routines, have you ever thought about incorporating mindfulness? By being present and fully engaged, mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance our mood, and improve our overall mental wellbeing. More importantly, it can help us be more patient and understanding as parents and set a positive example for our children. In my previous article, "Mindfulness Made Simple", I share practical ways to include mindfulness into your everyday routine. As I highlighted in the article, incorporating mindfulness into your life can be easier than you might think. Remember the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned mindfulness teacher, "The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it."

5. Enjoy Sunlight Safely

One of the simplest joys of summer is the chance to enjoy the warmth and light of the sun. I personally adore suntanning - the shift in my skin color, the relaxation that comes with the process, and the knowledge that I'm replenishing my Vitamin D stores. However, enjoying the sun responsibly is another crucial aspect of summer wellness. Besides its mood-enhancing benefits, sunlight supports your body's production of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function. However, it's crucial to balance these benefits with potential risks, such as skin cancer. Protecting your skin by seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen are key steps to safely enjoy the sunshine.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is essential to protect your skin by seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

6. Prioritize 'Me Time'

Finally, amidst all these activities and responsibilities, don't forget to set aside time for yourself. It's essential to recharge your batteries, making you feel more peaceful and better equipped to handle the demands of parenting. Especially, since schools are closed for summer and you're on the job 24/7 without a helping hand of the educators. Whether it's with a cup of tea and a book, or following any of the tips mentioned above on your own, 'me time' can play a crucial role in maintaining your mental and physical wellness.

Book Now

If you need support, my coaching program - 'Mental & Physical Health: Self-Care' is focused on helping parents develop strategies to improve their well-being. A healthier, happier you will lead to a healthier, happier family. Are you ready to prioritize yourself and restore balance? Book your free discovery call today and let's work together to ensure that this summer, and every season that follows, is filled with health, happiness, and self-care.

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on further ways to enhance your wellness journey! Here's to a beautiful and self-care filled summer!

Gulnoz, Your Life Coach for Parents