Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, substantially more people became aware of the significant importance of self-care and taking time to ensure positive mental health and wellbeing.

Now that many countries around the world are finally getting back to some sort of normality and the vast majority of people are back at work, here are some great ideas for treating yourself to some ‘me’ time this summer.

 

Unplug Yourself

Give yourself an hour a day which is entirely free of electronics. From your smartphone, television, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers, ban them all for sixty minutes and instead take the time out to make yourself a drink and rest your eyes and mind. Many refer to handheld electronics as the scourge of modern life.

 

Create Something

Whether you are a fan of the humble jigsaw, a crochet creator, or maybe a budding painter, an hour out of your day once or twice a week devoted entirely to creating something new with your own hands is a fabulously relaxing and affordable way of treating yourself to some well-deserved ‘me’ time.

 

Spoil Yourself With A Solo Lunch Date

There is a plethora of advantages to dining solo, not least affording you the ‘me’ time and the peace and tranquillity that is so often missing from your daily routine. Family-run, traditional eateries such as Café Luca in London are the perfect places to treat yourself to a delicious, healthy, and relaxing lunch.

 

Outdoor Exercise

Obviously not possible for everyone every day, but taking the time out for a relaxing stroll in a local park or opting for a more active run through the streets of an evening, outdoor exercise is scientifically proven to benefit not only your physical health but your mental wellbeing as well. Whether you prefer to listen to your favorite music as you walk or favor the sound of silence as you take in the natural surroundings, just half an hour whenever you go will significantly boost your mental health and allow you thinking time of your own.

 

Sunshine

If your lifestyle is incredibly hectic and you simply don’t have time to set apart an hour for your much needed ‘me’ time, instead of multitasking drinking your morning cuppa while getting dressed, why not set the alarm fifteen minutes earlier and enjoy your coffee in the morning sunshine?

There are an astounding number of ways direct yet naturally safe and controlled, exposure to sunlight benefits your mental health and wellbeing. Vitamin D has some vital functions within the body, and sunshine naturally boosts your levels. Studies have also shown that regular exposure to the sun can result in a significantly improved mood, a higher quality and level of sleep, and stronger bones, nails, and hair.

Serotonin, the key hormone lacking in people suffering from depression, impacts your entire body and stabilizes your mood. Exposure to the sun is thought to increase the brain’s release of serotonin and, therefore, naturally boosts your mood, so get outside as much as possible this summer.