Why a Self Care Routine is Essential for an Amazing Summer

Do you have a self-care routine for the summer?

Well, summer’s here and you’re ready to cast off the winter gloom with super fun activities.

Especially when you think of the awful, long, miserable winter.

But as fun, as it is to laze about in the sun, the summer sun can have a brutal effect on your skin and hair. Even your diet suffers as you throw your sensible eating plan out and savor creamy ice creams and chilled fizzy drinks.

So, be smart and take steps to avoid sunburn with a proper self-care routine using sun protection products like these.

Get more info on this later.

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As a mom, you probably have a list of fun activities to make the summer awesome for your family.

But here’s the thing. The summer vacation can be tough on moms – the cooking, cleaning, laundry still has to be done. They have to be fitted in and around going out and enjoying the summer fun activities with the family.

So, mom, plan your activities well so that you do not become stressed out trying to ensure the kids enjoy the summer vacation.

This post handholds you through the basic steps of a self-care routine for the summer for:

• Skin protection
• Haircare
• Healthy eating
• Easy entertaining

Setting up a self-care routine for a fun summer

First, set some ground rules.

1. Try to spend time in the sun before 11 am and after 2 pm when the UV rays are not so intense and you have less chance of sun damage.

2. Wear sun protection cream that has an SPF factor of 50 or more. If you have to be in the sun, cover-up. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, light clothing or special UV sun protection garments.

Now let’s get to the proper self-care tips.

Skincare routine for the summer

Karyn Repinski in The Health Benefits of Some Sun Exposure states that:

'moderate sun exposure may have benefits for your health, 
including stronger bones, better sleep, improved mood, and a 
healthier immune system.'

In fact, Australian health officials now state that some exposure to the UV rays of the sun without sun protection is good for the body.

But there can be no doubt that too much sun is not good for you.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology:

‘Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.’

But too much sun is not good for you. Check out this YouTube video on sunburn:

The best thing you can do is protect your skin whenever you’re out in the sun.

Skin self-care for summer

Protect your skin this summer by:

Wearing sunscreen. Choose a skin protection product that is water-resistant and has an SPF factor of 15 or higher.

These sunscreens have a high SPF factor and will give you great protection when having outdoors.

Apply liberally 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Reapply if you go swimming and after every 2 hours spent in the sun a little extra time on your skincare after a day in the sun. Use special extra hydrating moisturizers or facial oils to rehydrate it.

Lip care

According to this post, other sun protection steps include
lip care such as wearing a:

• lip balm that has an SPF factor of 15+
• lipstick with an inbuilt SPF factor
• lip conditioner

Haircare routine for the summer

There is no doubt that the sun can do great harm to your hair.

If you’ve been out in the sun for long, the UVA and UVB rays damage the outer covering of the strands of your hair known as the cuticle.

Signs of sun damage

According to this post by the Cleveland Clinic, the signs of sun damage to your hair are:

• Discolouration
• dry and brittle strands
• broken or split ends
• thinning
• frizziness

Your hair will not have the healthy shiny look of the hair shampoo ads. In fact, it will look and feel the exact opposite – rough, dull, lacking in moisture and splitting easily.

How to reverse sun damage to the hair

Start an evening pamper routine with a hair mask. Leave in overnight, wash off in the morning. Regular use will have your hair soft and hydrated again.

Use specific treatment products appropriate for your hair type and colour to address potential sun damage throughout the summer. A good conditioner and hair masque is essential if you want to avert sun damage.

You could also skip a shampoo and only condition your hair.

Better still use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner like these to rehydrate your hair after sun exposure.

Eat healthily in the summer

I don’t know about you, but I feel as if I’ve had a giant vitamin shot when summer arrives.

Are you the same? You feel more carefree, fun-loving and easy-going.

But, sometimes we take enjoyment too seriously and tend to neglect our self-care.

One of the hardest knocks is to our diet. So this summer,
dare to be different.

Prioritize healthy eating. Stock up on food that can be prepared quickly. The last thing you want is to be slaving away in the kitchen when the weather is glorious.

Master the art of the picnic – from food to crockery, to drinks – so you can have a picnic anywhere, anytime – in your very own backyard or at the beach.

Check out these YouTube videos for picnic inspiration:

Quick And Easy Recipes To Pack For A Picnic

Salads

Get a cooler and pack it with healthy snacks and take it with you on your summer outings:

–  Salads
–  Fruit
–  Smoothies
–  Grilled foods
–  Salad sandwiches

Drink lots of water and stay off the fizzy drinks. Limit take out meals to once a week.

Easy summer entertaining tips

Hold a family meeting to discuss your plans for entertaining in the summer vacation.

Create a list of chores to share the workload. A great way to get your teens away from their devices and really connecting with the family.

Make this a great summer with relaxed entertainment ideas. Easy on the budget, fuss-free and quick to prepare.

This way you can spend time enjoying your guests rather than being stuck for days preparing and cooking big dinners.

A great idea is to have a bar with a difference. Use these utensils to wow your guests with your tasty goodies.

Why not try a:

• dessert bar
• smoothie bar
• fruit bar
• baked potato bar
• chip and dip bar
• stir fry bar

Invite your guests to a smorgasbord. Visit your local deli and pick up the fixings. Arrange them Jamie Oliver style on a wooden board and enjoy.

Have a backyard barbecue, a one-dish dinner or a potluck bring- and – share meal.

The idea is to cut the stress and the work that often goes with entertaining.

YOUR TURN
This quotation sums up the glory of summer:

Aaah, summer - that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering
days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It's a time to
hunt for insects, master handstands, practice swimming strokes,
conquer trees, explore nooks and crannies, and make new
friends.

Darell Hammond

Read more summer quotes here.

Let’s recap:

Enjoy the summer but remember to:

• Be out in the sun before11 am and after 2 pm
• Use a sun protection cream of an SPF factor of 50+
• Wear hats, scarves and UV sun protection garments
• Rinse off after swimming and reapply sun protection
• Start an evening pamper routine to nourish your skin and hair
• Eat healthily and drink lots of water
• Reduce stress with laid back entertaining.

Do you have a special self-care routine for the summer?

Share it in the comments below.

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