Summer Self-Care: Small Things That Help You Feel Better

The last few weeks, I’ve been trying to do little things that make me feel better because I’ve been in a hard headspace. I’ve felt a lack of energy. A lack of motivation. And a heavy guilt for not doing enough. At least, that’s how it feels in my mind.

I always put so much pressure on myself when it comes to improving my life. I know there are things I want to change—my habits, my health, my focus—but when I look at everything all at once, it feels like too much.

And that’s usually when I shut down.

I know those changes would probably make me feel better in the long run, but actually starting them feels like the hardest part.

It happens every single time. I try to create a routine, it doesn’t stick, and then I feel like I failed. Eventually, I just stopped trying because I was tired of constantly starting over.

But lately, something has changed.

Maybe it’s summer. Maybe it’s the longer days or the extra sunshine. Whatever it is, I’ve been feeling a little more inspired to take better care of myself.

Not by completely changing my life overnight.

Not by creating the perfect routine.

Just by paying attention to the little things that make me feel good.

I’ve stopped chasing the perfect version of myself and started focusing more on the simple moments.

The moments that make me feel like me.

Spending Time at the Beach

The other day, I went to the beach with some friends. I hadn’t been in nearly two years because summer just seemed to pass me by without making the time to go.

Part of that is because I don’t like going alone. Most of my friends live out of state, so I just kept waiting for someone else to go with me.

And honestly, the thought of going by myself always made me anxious.

But lately, I’ve been thinking… why am I waiting?

The beach has always been my happy place.

It’s where I like to relax, reflect, and slow down.

I love listening to the waves. The smell of the salty ocean air mixed with sunscreen. Watching the sunset slowly disappear beneath the horizon.

It’s funny because it’s one of the few places where I actually enjoy being alone.

Not because I don’t like being around people, but because I want to soak it all in without distractions.

That day reminded me that I don’t have to wait for someone else to enjoy the things I love.

I can just go.

I can pack a book, bring a towel, and spend a peaceful day by the ocean.

And honestly, that sounds like one of the best forms of self-care I can think of this summer.

Spending Time With the People I Love

One of my best friends came into town, and one of our favorite things to do when we’re together is go to Laguna Beach. So naturally, we went with one of our other friends too.

We spent the day soaking up the sun, laughing over tacos and margaritas, and watching the sunset at the park.

Moments like that remind me how important it is to make time for the people who bring joy into my life.

Spending time with the people I love gives me a feeling that’s hard to explain.

When I’m with them, I feel completely at ease.

They’re the kind of people that I can be fully myself with. I don’t have to pretend to be anything other than who I am.

And that’s something I definitely don’t take for granted.

Cooking Something Comforting

Lately, I’ve been in a “taste of summer” mindset.

All I’ve been wanting is fresh summer fruits and vegetables. The kind of things that taste like the season itself.

The other day, I went to the grocery store and picked up a few ripe peaches.

And it immediately made me think of my grandpa.

He used to work in the produce business and was a great salesman. He had a way of getting people excited about fresh, ripened fruit.

He taught me how to pick out the best ones—the ones that were perfectly sweet and ready to eat.

So standing there, picking peaches off the shelf, I felt a little bit of nostalgia.

It almost felt like his presence was guiding me toward which ones to choose.

And let me tell you, that first bite of peach did not disappoint.

It was so juicy, sweet, and a little tart—the perfect combination of everything you want summer to be.

That’s one of the things I love about food. Sometimes it’s not just about what you’re eating.

It’s about the memories attached to it.

I decided to use those peaches to try a new recipe I had been chatting with friends about—a simple fruit and cheese plate with baked peaches, burrata cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic drizzle.

It sounds simple, but it truly brought a smile to my face.

Food always has a way of doing that to me.

I love just getting in the kitchen, putting on some music, and taking my time.

Cooking has always been one of the ways I show myself a little love.

Slowing Down and Creating Little Moments of Care

I think one of the biggest things I’ve been trying to do lately is slow down enough to actually enjoy the season I’m in.

It’s so easy to let time pass without really noticing it.

One minute summer starts, and the next thing you know, it’s already gone.

So lately, I’ve been trying to pay attention to the little things.

Going to the grocery store and taking my time walking through the produce section.

Taking evening walks when the day starts to cool down.

Listening to music while doing things around the house.

Enjoying long hot showers to soothe my muscles.

These things might seem small, but they actually make me feel better.

And lately, I’m trying to stop waiting for the “right” time to enjoy my life.

What are the little things that make you feel more like yourself?

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast—you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” — Eddie

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