There’s so much to love about summer, but the warmer days can also give way to a rise of unhealthy trends and expectations, which can negatively impact our sense of self. To help you recoup the benefits of the season without sacrificing your wellbeing, we’ve rounded up 4 holistic self-care habits you can practise, whenever you’re in need.
How to practise holistic self-care this summer
ARTICLE
1 December 2024
4 min read
4 min read
Incorporating a few self-care habits into your routine can relieve some of the pressures that crop up during the summer season.
Soak up the sun (safely)
Us Aussies are a fairly sun-conscious bunch, but our caution can be led astray by the call of summer fun and a sun-kissed complexion. But before you ‘forget’ the sunscreen, take a moment to consider the bigger picture.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays isn’t just smart, it’s the ultimate act of self-care. Not only are you reducing your chances of skin cancer — something 2 in 3 Aussies will be diagnosed with in their lifetime — you’re playing an active role in supporting your skin’s overall health and appearance. What’s not to love about that?
Be kind to your body and mind
Restrictive eating trends and ‘swimsuit-ready’ diets are never ok, but when summer comes along, this dangerous commentary tends to ramp up.
While our worth is not in our weight, it’s completely understandable to be impacted by our society's fixation with diet culture. To embrace a more body-neutral or positive mindset, you might want to:
- Have a social detox: Delete your apps if you find yourself negatively affected by unhealthy content. As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind.
- Don’t restrict your meals: Load up your plate with the healthy foods you enjoy and fuel your body instead. And yes, that means indulging too!
- Practise positive self-talk: Daily meditation, affirmations, and even gratitude can help steer your thoughts to a more present and positive place.
- Talk to someone: Whether it’s emotional support from a friend or practical tools from a professional, sharing how you feel with the people in your life is always a good idea.
Take some time out
As fun as it is to get out and about with friends, it can be a real drain on your social batteries. If you find yourself saying yes to every plan at the cost of your own wellbeing, listen to your body and take some time out. Though it can be hard to turn down an invite or cancel plans last-minute, your loved ones will more than understand the value of self-preservation and the power of rest.
Move to feel good
Somehow, those ‘beach-ready’ workout trends are still lingering, so learning to exercise for your own wellbeing rather than societal acceptance can feel even harder during summer. One way we can practise setting healthy boundaries around exercise is by prioritising movement that feels good. Not only will you enjoy your workout more, but you’ll be more likely to make a habit out of it.
Looking after yourself is always important. Taking the time to check in with yourself and identify what is – and isn’t – supporting your physical and mental wellbeing is a huge step towards building a healthier and happier you.
Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2024 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
Copyright © 2024 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
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