Recharging Your Batteries: Simple Summer Self-Care Strategies

By Larissa Raine, Counsellor & Art Therapist

As the pace of life slows with the arrival of summer, many of us instinctively crave rest, renewal, and reconnection—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. Yet, even during the most relaxing season, it can be surprisingly easy to neglect our well-being amidst responsibilities, changing routines, or even the pressure to “make the most” of every sunny day.

As a counsellor and art therapist, I’ve seen how the smallest intentional acts of self-care can offer profound emotional and mental benefits. This season, I encourage you to consider how you might gently recharge your batteries—not with drastic overhauls, but with simple, sustainable practices that nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

Why Summer Self-Care Matters

Self-care isn’t about luxury; it’s about necessity. According to the Canadian Mental

Health Association (CMHA), self-care is vital for maintaining resilience and managing stress, particularly during transitions or periods of change (CMHA, 2022). Summer, while often associated with fun and freedom, can also bring disruptions to routine, increased social demands, or feelings of isolation—especially for caregivers, educators, or those who work seasonally.

Taking proactive steps to care for yourself in small but meaningful ways helps maintain emotional regulation, lowers anxiety, and boosts overall well-being (Neff, 2011).

Simple Summer Self-Care Ideas

Here are a few practical and creative ideas to help you recharge during the summer months:

1. Practice “Micro-Moments” of Mindfulness

You don’t need a meditation cushion to practice mindfulness. Try:

• Savoring your morning coffee outdoors.

• Feeling the grass under your feet as you breathe deeply.

• Noticing the sights, sounds, and textures during a summer walk.

Mindfulness has been shown to decrease stress and enhance well-being by increasing presence and reducing reactivity (Kabat-Zinn, 2005).

2. Connect with Nature—Creatively

Nature is a powerful ally in emotional healing. Combine its grounding effects with creativity:

• Create a nature mandala with leaves, twigs, and stones.

• Sketch or watercolor a summer scene.

• Press flowers into a journal and reflect on your week.

Art therapy research shows that creative expression reduces cortisol (a stress hormone), and improves mood regulation and self-awareness (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

3. Unplug—Even for 10 Minutes

Digital fatigue is real. Set a gentle boundary around your devices:

• Try a tech-free morning or afternoon.

• Leave your phone behind for a neighborhood stroll.

• Designate one evening a week for analog fun—reading, journaling, puzzles, or board games.

A short digital detox can improve focus, sleep, and emotional balance (Roberts et al., 2014).

4. Let Your Inner Child Play

Summer evokes memories of freedom and fun. Tap into that energy:

• Try something you loved as a child—flying a kite, finger painting, or splashing in a creek.

• Dance barefoot in the grass or blow bubbles on your porch.

Engaging in play has been linked to improved mood, cognitive flexibility, and a stronger sense of self (Brown & Vaughan, 2009).

5. Create a Summer Self-Care Basket

Gather small items that soothe or uplift you and keep them in a visible place. Ideas include:

• Herbal teas or scented lotion

• A small sketchbook and markers

• A novel or uplifting poetry book

• A calming essential oil roller

This tangible reminder makes it easier to engage in self-care when you need it most.

A Gentle Reminder

Self-care doesn’t have to be earned. You don’t need to be productive, positive, or perfect to deserve rest. In fact, true self-care often begins with radical permission to just be.

Sometimes restoration looks like stillness. Sometimes it looks like joyful movement. Either way, summer offers a beautiful invitation to reconnect with what replenishes you.

If you're finding it hard to access that space of care, reaching out to a counsellor or art therapist can be a powerful next step. You don’t have to do this alone.

References

• Brown, S., & Vaughan, C. (2009). Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul. Avery.

• Canadian Mental Health Association. (2022). Self-Care and Wellness. https://cmha.ca

• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hachette Books.

• Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself. William Morrow.

• Roberts, J. A., Yaya, L. H. P., & Manolis, C. (2014). The invisible addiction: Cell-phone activities and addiction among male and female college students. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 3(4), 254–265.

• Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263