Self-Care Summer: 5 Wellness Practices Every Creative Professional Needs
Creatives are always busy.
As creative pros, we’re constantly juggling multiple projects, deadlines, and the pressures of our demanding careers.
And each season of the year brings new opportunities and challenges.
This is especially true of Summer.
→ On one hand, the weather tends to be nicer
→ On another, there are far more distractions
Summer can and should be a time of growth, rejuvenation, and self-care.
As I write this, it’s the middle of Summer.
Warmer days are exceedingly rare here in a place like Buffalo, NY. So I take advantage of every, single one.
As such, I’ve been reflecting on what seasonal practices have worked for me in my own creative life.
Here are 5 key practices every creative pro should incorporate into their lives for their own epic Self-Care Summer.
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The 5 Wellness Practices of Self-Care Summer
Embrace the Power of Nature
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
Find Your Summer Schedule
Foster Social Connection
Dress for Confidence
Wellness Practice #1:
Embrace the Power of Nature
The Healing Benefits of Outdoor Activities
Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Research shows that being surrounded by greenery and engaging in physical activities outdoors can reduce stress levels and improve overall mood.
Make it a habit to go for daily walks in a nearby park, forest, or beach.
Take in the sights, sounds, and fresh air to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Consider keeping a calendar to track your daily walks, providing a visual reminder of your commitment to self-care.
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Create a Relaxing Outdoor Space
With longer daylight hours and pleasant weather, take advantage of your outdoor space to create a relaxing oasis.
Whether you have a balcony, patio, or backyard, transform it into a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and recharge.
Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture, add some plants for a touch of nature, and create a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting.
This dedicated space will serve as a reminder to prioritize relaxation and self-care amidst your busy schedule.
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Engage in Outdoor Hobbies and Activities
Summer offers a plethora of opportunities to engage in outdoor hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
Whether it's cycling, hiking, gardening, or swimming, find activities that align with your interests and allow you to connect with nature.
These activities not only provide physical exercise but also stimulate creativity and boost overall well-being.
Explore local trails, join a community sports team, or try your hand at water sports to make the most of the summer season.
Wellness Practice #2:
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
The Importance of Slowing Down
Summer can be a hectic time, filled with social engagements, travel plans, and a desire to make the most of the season.
However, it's crucial to prioritize rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.
Allow yourself time to slow down and recharge your energy levels.
This may involve reading a book in a hammock, taking a nap on a lazy afternoon, or simply enjoying moments of solitude.
Give yourself permission to say no to invitations or plans that do not align with your need for rest.
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Establish Boundaries with Work
As a creative professional, it can be challenging to disconnect from work, especially during the summer when there may be additional demands and projects.
However, setting boundaries is essential for maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout.
Allocate specific times during the day or week to unplug from work-related tasks and focus on self-care.
Communicate these boundaries with your colleagues and clients to ensure they respect your need for personal time.
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Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices into your daily routine.
These practices can help reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of calm amidst the busyness of life.
Find a quiet spot outdoors, whether it's in your backyard or a nearby park, and dedicate a few minutes each day to meditation or mindfulness exercises.
Use apps or guided meditation resources to support your practice and enhance self-awareness.
Wellness Practice #3:
Find Your Summer Schedule
Establish a Balanced Routine
While summer may disrupt your usual routine, it's essential to establish a balanced schedule that allows time for work, self-care, and leisure activities.
Whether you have flexible work hours or are taking a vacation, create a routine that aligns with your goals and priorities.
Set specific times for work, exercise, relaxation, and socializing.
This structured yet adaptable schedule will help you maintain productivity and ensure you make time for self-care.
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Embrace Seasonal Activities
Summer offers a range of seasonal activities that can be incorporated into your routine to enhance your well-being.
Consider joining outdoor exercise classes, such as yoga or dance, to stay active and connect with nature.
Plan day trips or weekend getaways to explore new places and experience the joy of travel.
Embrace the vibrant energy of summer festivals, concerts, and outdoor events in your area.
These seasonal activities can bring a sense of adventure and excitement to your self-care routine.
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Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can shift your mindset and improve your overall well-being.
Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for during the summer season.
Write them down in a journal or share them with a loved one.
Expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures of summer, such as beautiful sunsets, refreshing swims, or delicious seasonal fruits, can cultivate a sense of joy and contentment.
Wellness Practice #4:
Foster Social Connections
Reconnect with Loved Ones
Summer provides an excellent opportunity to foster social connections and spend quality time with loved ones.
Reach out to family and friends to plan gatherings, picnics, or barbecues.
Engaging in face-to-face interactions can have a significant impact on your well-being, boosting feelings of connectedness and happiness.
Schedule regular social activities that allow you to relax, laugh, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
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Engage in Creative Collaboration
As a creative professional, collaborating with other like-minded individuals can spark inspiration and fuel your creativity.
Seek out opportunities to collaborate with fellow creatives in your industry.
Attend networking events, join online communities, or participate in workshops and classes.
Engaging in creative collaboration not only nurtures your professional growth but also provides a sense of community and support.
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Disconnect from Social Media
While social media can be a valuable tool for networking and self-promotion, excessive use can negatively impact your mental well-being.
Take regular breaks from social media to disconnect from the digital world and focus on real-life interactions.
Use the summer months as an opportunity to be present in the moment, fully engaging with the people and experiences around you.
Limit your screen time and prioritize meaningful connections over virtual ones.
Wellness Practice #5:
Dress for Confidence
Find Clothes that Work For You Now
Our confidence levels can be directly correlated to the quality of the creative work we make.
Summer often brings body image concerns, as we tend to wear more revealing clothing.
Embrace who you are and focus on feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Instead of striving for a specific appearance, prioritize finding clothes that fit your current body shape and make you feel good.
Shop for comfortable and stylish summer clothing that highlights your unique style and personality.
Remember, self-care includes accepting and loving yourself as you are.
Bonus: Stay Hydrated 🫗
Drinking enough water daily is important every day. But it’s especially crucial during the summer months when the heat and humidity can deplete your body's water levels more than normal.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent fatigue and dizziness.
If you do nothing else on this list, please drink more water.
It will help your body manage the stress of the day and keep your creativity up.
Final Thoughts
Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
Incorporate these summer self-care habits into your daily life as a creative pro to enhance your wellness, improve work-life balance, and nurture your overall well-being.
By taking care of yourself, you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Enjoy the rest of your Summer while it lasts 🌞
Next stop: Spooky Season 👻
TL; DR
Every new season presents an opportunity for self-care
Embrace the Power of Nature
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
Find Your Summer Schedule
Foster Social Connection
Dress for Confidence
Stay hydrated
Quote of the Week
Motivation for the days ahead of you.
“Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
— Audre Lorde
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
