When the heat of summer settles in, it can feel like everything slows down—your energy, your appetite, your motivation. And honestly? That’s okay. Summer is a season of warmth, yes—but also a time to shift into softer rhythms and care for your body in more mindful, nurturing ways.
Rather than pushing through the heat or trying to keep up the same pace you had in cooler months, this is a season to listen, adjust, and soothe. Below are simple, gentle wellness practices that can help you feel better in your body this summer, even on the hottest days.
1. Stay Cool With Hydrating Foods
We all know we should drink more water when it’s hot—but don’t forget that your food can help keep you hydrated, too.
Reach for foods that naturally cool and hydrate your system:
- Fresh watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and berries
- Leafy greens like romaine or spinach
- Yogurt or smoothies with frozen fruit
- Light salads with citrus-based dressings
Not only do these foods help your body stay hydrated, but they’re also easier to digest than heavier meals—something your body will thank you for in the heat.
Tip: Add a pinch of sea salt or a few slices of cucumber to your water to boost hydration and give it a refreshing twist.
2. Shift to Morning or Evening Movement
Moving your body is important, but mid-afternoon in July isn’t always the best time to do it. Summer is a great opportunity to reconnect with the natural rhythm of the day. The early morning and late evening hours are cooler, calmer, and often more peaceful.
Try:
- A gentle walk just after sunrise
- Evening stretching or yoga on the porch
- Water activities like swimming or wading
- Gardening before the sun is high
You don’t need to break a sweat to feel good. Just moving your body a little each day—in a way that feels kind and doable—can help keep your energy flowing without overheating.
3. Protect Your Energy (and Your Skin)
Summer can come with lots of invitations: backyard barbecues, family visits, day trips. It’s okay to say yes to what feels good and no to what drains you.
Protecting your energy also means protecting your body. That might look like:
- Wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
- Using a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella for shade
- Applying a gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen
- Taking midday breaks in the shade or indoors
Give yourself permission to slow down, cool off, and say no to extra obligations when your body needs a break. Rest isn’t just allowed—it’s essential.
4. Create a Cooling Wind-Down Routine
Hot nights can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try building a calming, cooling bedtime routine that tells your body it’s time to rest.
Some soothing nighttime practices:
- Take a lukewarm (not hot) shower before bed
- Use a cold washcloth on your forehead or neck
- Sip a small glass of water with a slice of lemon or mint
- Turn on a fan or use breathable cotton sheets
- Dim the lights an hour before bedtime to help your body unwind
When you give yourself time to slow down before bed, you sleep more deeply—and your body wakes up ready for a new day.
5. Let Summer Teach You to Soften
At its heart, summer is an invitation to soften. The days are long. The air is heavy. The pace is slower. It’s a season that reminds us: you don’t have to go full speed to be well.
Loving your body through the summer heat isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what feels good. It’s choosing a shaded bench over an extra errand. It’s skipping the oven in favor of a cold salad. It’s giving yourself grace when the heat makes everything feel harder.
When you treat your body with that kind of respect and care, it responds in kind—with more peace, more comfort, and more ease.
Summer will pass
Summer will pass, as all seasons do. But while it’s here, let it be a time of rest and gentle care. These small, soothing wellness practices don’t require a big plan—they just ask for your attention and kindness.
So drink the water. Sit in the shade. Walk early. Eat something fresh. Let yourself enjoy the sweetness of slowing down.
This season is not just about getting through—it’s about learning to thrive in a different rhythm.
Want more like this?
Be sure to check back next Monday for more simple ways to care for yourself with ease. And if this post helped you, consider sharing it with a friend who’s looking for ways to feel better this summer.
Suzanne Horrocks 