This one’s for the people pleasers in the group.
Summer is notoriously everyone’s favourite time of year. And rightfully so. Life just seems sweeter, days are longer, the sun is brighter, and your calendar is bursting at the seams with social event after social event. When everyone’s got more pep in their step, it can leave you tripping over your own feet trying to catch up.
This is why it’s so important to say yes to you this Summer. Not only so you can show up for the other people in your life the way you want to, and as often as you want to, but also so you can show up for yourself. Because otherwise this is all a moot point. So let’s get right into the simple ways you can start to prioritize yourself and your well-being in all areas of your life. Make these your non-negotiables this season (and always) and I promise you’ll notice a huge change in your energy levels, happiness levels, and more.
Meditation + Journal
The beginning of your day is the most important part of your day, so pay close attention to the habits you’re practicing right off the bat. If you start your day with just a few minutes of meditation or mindfulness practice, you’ll immediately start to notice a feeling of relaxation, which sets the tone for your day. Setting positive intentions helps to give you purpose and focus, leaving you feeling fulfilled when you crawl back into bed. Plus, this quiet morning ritual gives you that valuable personal time you will be grateful for when you’re moving through a busy, noisy day.
Movement
This Summer we’re all about making movements that matter, no matter what they might look like. In our Shaep Summer Program, which continues this month, our focus is on making time for you in whatever capacity you can. Even if you get in 20-40 minutes of movement – maybe just a walk around the block – you’re not only improving your physical health, but you’re also releasing endorphins which work to boost your mood and overall well-being. We love a 2 for 1 moment.
Nutrition
Wholesome and nutritious foods are our focus here. These foods are our besties because they fuel both the body and mind. Plus, you’ll actually feel full after eating a meal that’s meant to fill your body’s real needs and cravings. As a part of that ever-important morning routine, set aside the time to make yourself a balanced breakfast and lunch so that even if you’re on the go, you’ll have a filling meal by your side. If chefing it up in the kitchen isn’t really your thing, there are tons of meal services and delivery services that will help step your game up in no time.
Hydration
If you’re not already one of those girlies who bring their obnoxiously large water bottle everywhere with you, it’s time to become one. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is the real game-changer here. You have to take hydration seriously if you really want to keep your energy levels high, your skin glowing, and your appeitite fed. You should be drinking anywhere from 10 to 12 cups of water per day in order to see real results from it. Yes, you will pee a lot. But that’s a good sign!
Sleep
This is something you really have to prioritize if you want to say yes to you this Summer. A consistent sleep schedule will ensure you’re getting enough restorative sleep and therefore have the energy you need to show up the way you want. Gone are the days of pulling an all-nighter and heading into work. It’s just not a realistic way to go through life – even if it is just for a couple weekends in the Summer. If saying yes to you means saying no to a 3 AM night out, then that’s ok. Prioritize what matters and what will help you feel fulfilled at the end of the day. (It’s not a overpriced UberEats order post-bar, I promise).
Finding balance when it comes to showing up for yourself will help you to step into the best version of yourself simultaneously.
When you start your day in a way that sets the tone for the rest of it, get in some movement – no matter what it looks like, focus on your nutrition, hydration and sleep, you’ll find that your Summer is actually a lot more enjoyable. Saying yes to you doesn’t always mean clicking “check out” on your Zara cart. Saying yes to you this Summer means giving yourself the tools you need to be able to show up as a healthy, hydrated, and hot human who knows what works for you.
