It’s summer where the living is easy, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.  Basically self care can be broken into three areas: Physical self-care or our actual physical bodies, Emotional Self-care or how we are feeling and Cognitive Self-care or our how we think.

Physical Self-Care

• Drink enough water. I know. This is said a lot. But, that’s because hydration is so important. Make sure to drink extra during the summer.
• Eat quality food. While we all indulge once in a while, make sure the majority of the food you eat is good for you stuff.
• Get your zzz’s. Summer can be so fun and the sun sets so much later that it is hard to remember to sleep. But enough sleep each night can really improve things.
• Move that Body. Put on those headphones and take a brisk walk. You’ll feel so much better for doing so.
• Get social. Studies show that social contact with others actually releases endorphins that benefit the physical body.

 

Emotional Self-Care

• Hang out with positive people. Don’t let the energy vampires get you down. Find people who make you feel better just by being around them and hang out with them!
• Spend time alone when needed. We all need downtime. It’s Okay to recharge your batteries by yourself when needed.
• Make a counseling appointment. Therapist offices are typically slower in the summer months. You could likely get right in!
• Volunteer to help out with your favorite cause. Nothing feels quite as good as helping others out. Doing good for others is actually doing good for you too!
• Journal, draw make art. Engage that creative brain and learn to express your inner emotions in a new way.

 

Cognitive Self-Care

• Read a book. This means putting down the cell phone to engage in a story. Check out the local library or bookstore to see what’s out there.
• Learn something new. Our brains are wired to learn new things. Take the time to learn something you always wanted to know about but didn’t have the time to do before.
• Talk to interesting people. There is nothing quite as interesting as listening to a person who gives you new insight or changes your perspective on a topic.
• Visit a museum or attend a talk at a museum. Museums and universities give free talks all the time. Learn something new.
• Write a letter to support your favorite cause. It could even be a postcard. Putting your thoughts into words of support engages your brain.

If you live in Ohio it is likely that you slog through the last couple months of summer thanks to the grey dreary days. Summer time is then the time to capitalize on the extra energy from the sun and take care of yourself!