12 Easy Summer Self Care Ideas for Women (That Are Actually Doable)

One thing I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) is that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive to be effective. It can be as simple as taking a slow walk in the morning sun, sipping your favourite drink, or finally cracking open that book that’s been gathering dust on your nightstand.

Can you relate? If you’re craving a slower pace, time to recharge, or just want to feel a little more like yourself again, this list is for you.

In this post, I’m sharing 12 realistic, stress-free summer self-care ideas for women that will help you unwind, feel more centred, and enjoy the season.

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12 Stress-Free Summer Self-Care Ideas

1. Stay Hydrated

Start your day with a big glass of water—your body will thank you! Dehydration is more common in summer thanks to the heat and more time spent outdoors. And let’s be real, brain fog is not part of our summer plan. I know I prefer a clear mind and lots of energy and I imagine you do too.

Staying hydrated is a self-care essential. Here are a few hydration tips to consider:

Keep a water bottle with you, set phone reminders if needed, and opt for hydrating snacks like cucumber, berries, and watermelon. Bonus tip: bring water from home to save money and avoid overpriced bottles while out.

 2. Don’t Skip the Sunscreen

Okay, we all know we should wear sunscreen. But how often do we forget or skip it when we’re in a rush?

Wearing sunscreen is a non-negotiable during summer as the UV rays are strongest in summer, and protecting your skin is one of the most important self-care practices you can do. If you’re looking for options that won’t leave a white cast, I highly recommend this brand, I have used it for almost 5 years, and it is often rated as one of the best sunscreens for women.

3. Eat More Fruits and Veggies (Even the Pre-Cut Kind)

If you’re like most of us, your fruit and veggie intake could use a serious upgrade. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to wash and chop everything yourself.

Buy pre-cut options if it saves you time, it’s still better than skipping the nutrients altogether or binging on donuts and ice cream. Your gut, skin, and energy levels will thank you.

Imagine this: a cold slice of watermelon + crunchy carrots and a lemony chickpea dip = summer bliss.

4. Create a Daily Reading or Journaling Ritual

Whether it’s a vivid novel or a guided gratitude journal, reading and writing are powerful forms of mental self-care.

Personally, I incorporate reading and writing as part of my morning and evening routines, and it’s been great doing these activities as I start and end each day. Journaling helps me process my emotions and end the day on a calming note, it also reminds me to stay grateful rather than my former tendency of worry and complaining.

5. Plan Spa Days (At Home or Out)

Think facials, massages, baths with essential oils… Even 20 minutes with a face mask and your favourite playlist can work wonders.

Imagine laying on your back with slices of cucumber cooling and moisturising your eyes while expert hands knead the cricks in your neck and shoulders?

Bliss!

6. Take Naps (Without Guilt)

Hot days can zap your energy. Give yourself permission to rest—mentally, physically, emotionally. Summer is the perfect time to slow down and recalibrate.

I like to turn off the lights, draw the blinds, and take a 40-minute nap with a soft playlist in the background. Game-changer.

7. Take Up a Creative Project

Summer is the perfect season to explore new hobbies and creative expressions. Think painting, baking, gardening, knitting—or even starting a small side hustle.

I once took a summer painting and sculpting class with my sister. Spoiler: I’m not Picasso. But the laughs and bonding made it so worth it.

Remember that it doesn’t have to be something big or permanent, it could be trying out an activity for the day or weekend. The whole idea is to find new ways to express yourself and to learn new things.

8. Meet Up with Friends (You’ll Be Glad You Did)

Finding time to build and deepen your connections is such a meaningful pursuit during this season of the year. The longer days and lighter moods make summer the perfect time to reconnect. Text that friend you’ve been “meaning to catch up with” and grab a drink or plan an activity together.

Relationships are a powerful form of emotional self-care. In fact, the longest-running happiness study by Harvard University shows that meaningful friendships increase life satisfaction and even longevity. It’s fascinating stuff. You can check it out here.

9. Dress Comfortably and Confidently

Okay, this list wouldn’t be complete without touching on summer fashion.

Here’s the thing: You can absolutely be stylish and comfortable. Don’t force yourself into clothes or shoes that cause discomfort just to look good.

This summer, I’m leaning into flowy dresses, supportive sandals, and lightweight layers. Choose comfort first—you deserve to feel good in your own skin.

10. Try a 10-Minute Daily Prayer and Meditation Exercise

Improving your spiritual health is a powerful self-care practice and one we should build with intention and love. Prayer and meditation are two great ways to do this. Personally, my days tend to be off when I don’t make time to pray and reflect on God’s word.

Prayer helps me stay centred and grateful, and meditation helps me feed my soul with the right words and insights. Just 10 minutes of praying and gentle meditation can reduce stress and shift your perspective. It is a game changer.

11. Do a Mini Digital Detox

Even a half-day away from social media can bring serious clarity. I usually plan a 2-day social media detox ever month as part of my monthly retreats. This usually means that for 36-48hours I stay out of WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and even TikTok.

Have you ever tried this? I can bet you that it will be a refreshing experience. For one thing, you realise that you can live a normal and full life without social media.  You can use that time to exercise, work on your creative projects, spend time with your loved ones or just chill – it is a powerful way to stay present in the moment.

Try this once a week and watch your mental clutter melt away.

12. Declutter One Space in Your Home

Tidy space = tidy mind. Whether it’s your bathroom shelf or the “everything” drawer in your kitchen, clearing one small area can bring huge mental relief.

Put on your favourite playlist, light a candle or not, and treat it like a refresh ritual.

Self-Care is an all Year Practice.

Self-care in summer doesn’t have to look like an aesthetic Pinterest board. It can be simple, imperfect, and totally yours. Whether it’s a nap, a smoothie, or a call with a friend, every small act of self-kindness counts.

This season, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down, prioritize your peace, and remember that rest is productive too.