Self-Care Summer: A Real Hot Girl’s Guide

Self-Care is key to personal well- being. It is defined as any activity that we deliberately do in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health (Psychcentral.com). Summer can serve as an amazing time to create and reestablish certain self-care habits. This then allows you to start fall with a fresh perspective on ways to truly take time for yourself. I can honestly say that making some of these practices a habit can foster better feelings of self worth, allowing you to perform better at work, school, and other areas. Chille it is necessary! Take time and read a couple of my Self-Care Summer Tips:

• Take yourself out! Yes, it is that simple. Allow yourself to spend quality time with…yourself! Grab dinner and a movie with yourself. That pedicure you’ve been yearning for-- go ahead and do it! Recently, I did an impromptu staycation. I booked a nice hotel solo and simply did the things I enjoyed—reading, watching movies, and napping!

• Throw it BACK! Remember those things that brought you joy back in the day? Do it! A friend of mine took time this summer to take a dance class, something that she hadn’t done since elementary school. Find that former joy!

• Make that body work! Exercise not only gets you physically fit but also brings your mind clarity. So take a quick walk outside or on the treadmill. Take a fun exercise class or whatever gets you up and moving.

• Give back! Take time and volunteer at a former nonprofit organization that impacted you. This can be through your church, a shelter, or anywhere you fancy,  as long as you are being in service to other people and worthwhile causes.

• Creativity is key! Take time to be creative in your own way. Whether singing, dancing, painting, using coloring books to relax, or writing. You can do whatever it is that allows your mind to wonder in the creative world.

• REFLECT! The most important tip for an amazing self-care summer is taking time to reflect and meditate on the year so far. Focus on the amazing moments so far and begin crafting goals to reach more in the second half of the year. Prayerfully planning elevation and showing gratitude to your present/future is also necessary. Remind yourself that the negative only provide you with lessons.

Ultimately, a Self-Care Summer is what you make it. Keyword is YOU! Through reflective thinking and prayer/meditation, you create your self-care rules and that’s the beauty of it, year-round.

Jamila A. Green M.A. - Time 4 Change Board Member