Between the busy schedules and heatwaves, it’s easy to forget about yourself. That’s why I’m making it a priority this year to set summer self-care goals that actually stick, not the overly aspirational, “light a candle and suddenly achieve inner peace” kind of goals, but real-life, manageable habits that support my mental and physical health without adding more stress.
Summer has always been my favorite season, but for a long time, it was also the one where I burned out the fastest. Too many plans, too much heat, not enough alone time. I used to set lofty intentions in June and abandon them before July even hit.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t need a full overhaul. I just needed to start small. The kind of small that feels so doable you can’t talk yourself out of it. These days, I treat summer like a soft reset, a time to return to the basics, get outside more, and listen to what my body and brain actually need.
Below are three of my favorite self-care goals that have made the biggest difference in my summers, and my sanity. These are practical, gentle, and designed to actually fit into your life, not complicate it.
Table of Contents
1. A Mindful Morning Routine (Even if You Hit Snooze Twice)
I spent years believing I wasn’t a “morning routine” person. You know the ones on YouTube with sunrise yoga, green smoothies, and 18-step skincare routines? I tried those. I failed. Miserably.
But then I reframed it.
What if it wasn’t about productivity, but peace?
I started with just five minutes of quiet before checking my phone or diving into work. That five minutes turned into a non-negotiable ritual. Here’s what my summer mornings usually look like now:
My Summer Mindful Morning Flow
- Wake up around 7:30 AM. I used to guilt myself for not being up at 5- but sleep is self-care too.
- Drink water. I keep a big glass by my bed so I hydrate before coffee.
- Step outside. Even if it’s just for a minute. I let the sun hit my face and breathe deeply.
- 5-minute journal or brain dump. I write whatever’s on my mind- no pressure for it to be deep or poetic. Check out our article: 10 Best Gratitude Journals to Cultivate a Daily Mindset of Positivity
- Movement (if time allows). This might be a short yoga flow or some gentle stretching on the porch.
Some days I skip steps. Some days I forget completely. But when I do stick to it, I’m noticeably more grounded and present throughout the day.
2. One Digital Detox Daily (Because My Brain Deserves It)
Let me paint you a picture: it’s 98 degrees, I’m indoors with the AC on blast, scrolling TikTok for “just a few minutes.” Suddenly an hour has passed, my neck hurts, and I’m deep in comparison mode wondering if I should move to Italy and start a flower farm.
Anyone else?
That’s when I realized I needed a daily digital detox, even if it’s just a short one. I didn’t go cold turkey- I just picked one part of the day to reclaim my attention.
My Digital Detox Habits That Actually Work
- Lunch with no phone. I sit outside with a sandwich and watch the world instead of reels.
- Tech-free mornings. I don’t check email or social until after my morning routine.
- Phone-free walks. No podcast, no Instagram, just me and the breeze.
- Screen-free Sundays. This took time to build up to, but now it’s my favorite reset.
The result? My creativity came back. I slept better. I stopped feeling like I was “behind” all the time.
I started using a battery powered alarm clock so I could leave my phone in another room overnight. Best $12 I ever spent.
This goal sticks because I feel the benefits almost immediately. My brain literally sighs in relief.
3. Movement That Feels Like Play (No Gym Required)
For years, I treated exercise like a punishment. Gotta “burn off” the BBQ, right?
No more.
Now, my rule is simple: move your body like you actually like your body. Move like it’s fun.
Once I let go of what workouts were “supposed” to look like, I found ways to move that I genuinely looked forward to. That shift alone helped me become way more consistent (and way less miserable).
Summer Movement That Feels Like Joy:
- Dance parties while folding laundry. Silly, sweaty, and mood-boosting.
- Evening walks with iced tea. I call them my “sunset strolls.”
- Bike rides to the farmer’s market. Yes, the basket on the front is aesthetic. Yes, it sparks joy.
- Swimming or floating at the community pool. No lap goals, just movement and sunshine.
- YouTube yoga with the windows open. Adriene is my go-to- she’s gentle, funny, and calming.
I once did “movement snacks” every hour during a work-from-home day. Jumping jacks, stretching, or walking in place for 5 minutes. It was weirdly energizing and helped shake off that sluggish summer afternoon feeling.
Keep a water bottle cold and ready to go in the fridge. Hydration = motivation.
4. Eat Like You Love Yourself (Not Like You’re on a Deadline)
Let’s talk food, but not in a “clean eating” or “summer body” kind of way. I mean the kind of eating that feels like self-care. The kind that slows you down, soothes your system, and reminds you that nourishment is more than just calories, it’s care.
I used to rush through meals like I was in a competition. Breakfast at my desk, lunch in the car, dinner in front of a screen. I’d go hours without eating and then crash. Or I’d snack mindlessly and forget what I even ate.
These days, I’ve shifted toward what I call intentional nourishment- eating like I actually respect myself.
And yes, that still includes tacos and ice cream. Just without guilt.
How I Practice Nourishment as Self-Care
- I slow down and taste my food. I light a candle. I sit down. I put my phone in another room.
- I prep snacks I actually like. Not just carrot sticks and guilt. I keep hummus, hard-boiled eggs, watermelon, trail mix, and dark chocolate on hand.
- I eat outside when I can. Something about food + sunshine makes everything better.
- I make one “real” meal a day. Sometimes that’s just a loaded salad or pasta with veggies, but it’s made with love (and olive oil).
One of my favorite memories last summer was making a giant Caprese salad with tomatoes from the farmer’s market and eating it barefoot in the backyard. Nothing fancy- but it felt like a hug in a bowl.
And here’s the key: I don’t moralize food anymore. Some days I eat fresh berries and salmon. Some days it’s boxed mac and cheese and a popsicle. Both are valid. Both can be nourishing in different ways.
Food isn’t just fuel. It’s pleasure. It’s connection. It’s care.
A Few Summer Meal Ideas That Feel Like Love
- Watermelon and feta salad with mint (refreshing and fancy-feeling)
- Avocado toast with chili flakes and lemon
- Cold noodle bowls with veggies and peanut dressing
- Grilled peaches with a drizzle of honey
- Anything eaten picnic-style, even if it’s just your porch
Quick tip: Keep a “happy plate” in your cabinet- one you love eating off of. Sounds silly, but it makes a difference.
Adding nourishment into my self-care routine helped me reconnect with my body in a way that felt supportive, not restrictive. It’s not about “clean eating”, it’s about kind eating.
Bonus Habits That Made a Big Impact (But Felt Almost Too Small to Mention)
Sometimes it’s not the big overhauls- it’s the tiny tweaks that change everything.
Here are a few “small but mighty” summer self-care wins:
- Saying “no” to plans that drain me. Even the “fun” ones.
- Keeping cut-up fruit in the fridge. Instant refreshment, less reaching for junk.
- Buying a sun hat I actually love. Skin protection and main character vibes.
- Stretching before bed. Especially after long days in the heat.
- Letting myself nap. Without guilt. With joy.
Permission slip: You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to justify your no. You are allowed to care for yourself simply because you exist.
How to Actually Stick With These Goals (Even When Life Gets Busy)
Let’s be real, any routine is easy when things are calm. The real test is what sticks when life goes sideways, or when you’re overwhelmed and tired and just want to binge-watch three seasons of a show in one weekend.
Here’s what helps me make these goals stick when motivation fizzles:
1. Anchor them to existing habits.
I journal while I wait for coffee to brew. I stretch after brushing my teeth. Pairing new habits with old ones makes them easier to remember.
2. Use visual cues.
I leave my journal out on the table. I tape a sticky note to the fridge that says “Water. Movement. Breathe.” It sounds simple, but it works.
3. Make it social.
My best friend and I text our “movement check-ins” every few days. Even a silly emoji exchange makes it more fun.
4. Let go of perfection.
I don’t “fail” if I skip a day. I just pick it back up the next. No shame, no guilt.
5. Track how you feel, not just what you do.
Every Sunday I ask myself: Did I feel more grounded this week? Did I have moments of peace? If the answer is yes, I know I’m on the right track, even if I wasn’t perfect.
Self-Care Shouldn’t Feel Like Another Job
At the end of the day, your summer self-care goals should make you feel more you, not more pressure.
Maybe you start with just one. Maybe you tweak these to fit your reality. Maybe your version looks like gardening barefoot at sunset, or reading a book in a hammock or bubble bath, or sipping sparkling water on the porch with your phone inside.
Whatever it is, I hope it helps you feel more alive, more rested, more connected to yourself.
Because you are worth the time. You are worth the effort. And you don’t need to wait for burnout to give yourself permission to care deeply, for you.
Tell me, what’s one summer self-care goal you’re committing to this season?
Drop it in the comments, text a friend to keep you accountable, or just write it in a sticky note and put it where you’ll see it every morning.
Small shifts = big changes.
Let’s make this our healthiest, most joy-filled summer yet.
With love,
Bri & Cat
Related Posts You Might Like:
5 Summer Goals : Goal Setting Tips to Stay Motivated and Inspired
10 Fun & Intentional Summer Goals to Make the Most of the Season
Life-Transforming Habits: How 12 Tiny Daily Changes Can Create Big Results
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