There's no better time to start a self-care routine than in the summer. Whether you already have practices in place or need to start from scratch, the sunshine and warm weather create the motivation you need for self-love.

Here are some self-care tips to help you look and feel your best during the summer months.

Start a Skincare Routine

Taking care of your skin is a must during the summer months. In addition to wearing sunscreen every day, you should dedicate some time to starting a basic morning and evening skincare routine.

Keep it simple with the basics: cleansing, toning, exfoliating, and moisturizing. If possible, book a virtual consultation with an esthetician to get guidance on how to best care for your skin type. A simple skincare routine will only take up five to ten minutes of your day, but leave you looking refreshed for years to come.

Hydrate

If drinking enough water is a struggle for you, you aren't alone. The summertime tends to be easier to start creating healthy hydration habits, as warm air generates thirst. Drinking water is the best way to keep your digestive tract moving along nicely, reducing bloating and discomfort. It also nourishes your skin from the inside-out, making it look younger and more supple.

If you don't like the "taste" of water, infuse it with fresh fruit or herbs. Remember to have a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage to prevent hydration and wasted summer days.

Give Your Hair a Rest

Your hair is already subject to a lot of damaging elements during the summer. The sun is perhaps one of the leading causes of hair damage, while also fading your dye. Pair that with salt from the ocean or chemicals from the pool, and your hair will be begging for some TLC.

Summer is the ideal time to give your hair a rest. Put the hot tools away, leave the color touch-ups for the fall, and let your natural hair do its thing. If you want an edgy look that requires a lot of processing, opt for a wig instead. The full lace wigs at the EvaWigs offer a variety of natural-looking styles that will leave your real hair relaxed and untouched.

Schedule Unplugged Hours

Give your mental health a break by scheduling unplugged hours on your social media. Focus on being present and enjoying the day, learning new hobbies, and not comparing yourself to others. Social media can be very damaging to your mental health, creating feelings of body dysmorphia, anxiety, FOMO, and depression. Those hours spent scrolling could be used to enjoy the fleeting summer sun.

There are a few ways to go about this. Consider leaving your phone untouched in your room for the morning, refusing to look at it until after lunch. Alternatively, you can unplug from your social media during the weekends. Use an app to block you from logging in during set timeframes, so you don't fall into old habits.

Focus on Micro-Movements

Don't worry about starting a full-blown exercise routine during the summer. Instead, focus on introducing more micro-movements into your daily existence. This is a great way to burn more calories and scale up your metabolism over time, whether you're an avid exerciser or just get started.

Micro-movements are the non-exercise motions you make throughout the day. The simple act of racking up more steps on a FitBit is an example of micro-movement. Set the alarm to get up and walk around your workspace each hour, giving your body time to stretch. Park further away from the grocery store. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. These seemingly small changes yield big results over time.

These are just a few simple self-care practices that will help both your physical and mental wellness. Remember, beauty shines from the inside out. Taking care of yourself is the best way to look and feel great for the summer and beyond.

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