Late-summer self-care can be simple and useful. Instead of big plans or radical, new habits, choose a few small things that make the day easier and help you feel a bit more grounded as the temperatures start to fall.

1. Morning self-care rituals in late summer to protect your energy

Start the day by keeping things cool and slow. Open a window for fresh air, drink a glass of water, and move for five to ten minutes. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout, just some gentle stretches or a short walk is a great place to start. Let your body wake up before asking it to do more.

2. Light summer nourishment

Pick fruits and veggies that feel light, such as melon, berries, and tomatoes, and keep a bottle of water nearby. Simple meals with beans, grains, fresh veggies, and some olive oil will give you energy without weighing you down.

3. Summer movement that feels good: swimming, gentle cycling, dancing, and rest

Move in ways that feel fun, not like a task. A short swim, a quick bike ride, or dancing will lift your mood without draining you (Ecstatic Dance is a great option to move in a way that’s fun).

4. Late summer rest: simple ways to improve your sleep

As we are slowly shifting into cooler and inward-y fall vibes, give yourself permission to rest. Have slower mornings, take naps, and go to bed as the sun sets. Try stepping away from any and all screens an hour before bed, and do something like reading or cooking, so your mind shifts toward sleep more easily. Dim the lights, and cool your space if you can. A brief journal entry with any thoughts you have on your mind can make it easier to close the day.

5. Calm late summer mind: short grounding practices to reduce the mental clutter

It doesn’t need to take much to clear your head. A two-minute breathing break in the afternoon, or taking a moment to write out all the things that are on your mind can help clear the mental clutter. As you write things down, it energetically leaves the body and creates space for clearer thoughts. Spend a few minutes outside with bare feet on the grass, or sit quietly by a window and notice what’s around you.

Make it easy and adaptable: choose a few practices to test for a week and keep what feels good

Late summer is a gentle invitation to slowly start to recharge and turn inwards. When it comes to any of the above rituals, the point isn’t perfection. Take one or two of these for a week and notice what feels recharging, helpful, and aligned. If a ritual feels like an draining extra task, let it go. If it gives you energy, keep it.

If you’d like support with a seasonal self-care plan that fits your (busy) life, click below to learn more about how we can work together:

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