Since this is the final blog before we take a break for the summer, we wanted to remind everyone that July 24th is International Self-care day. There is no better opportunity for self-care than a summer vacation. Summer brings with it the opportunity for free and unstructured time. It is a great time to have longer days, warmer weather, vacations, gatherings, and more time outdoors. But even good things can be stressful if we don’t plan our time wisely. Preparing for summer means planning how we want to spend our time, energy, and attention so the season feels restorative and relaxing and doesn’t become overwhelming.
Once we finally get the opportunity for some free time, we can be tempted to say yes to too many things and find ourselves attending every barbecue, road trip, family visit, community event, and last-minute plan. It really helps to pause and ask ourselves, “What do I actually want to do to get the most out of my time off?” Maybe your answer is rest. Maybe it is connection. Maybe it is adventure, play, or simply finding a slower pace. Deciding what you need at the start can help you make choices that support your well-being instead of creating obligation.
Boundaries are not about keeping people out; they are about making it possible to participate in a healthy way. If we have trouble saying “no”, then our time fills up and leaves us no room for the things we want to say “yes” to. Listen to your body. If you feel tense, tired, or resentful when you are saying yes, that might be a signal that you need to manage your choices differently. Protecting your time is not selfish; it is an important part of taking care of yourself.
A boundary might sound like, “I can come for a couple of hours, but I need to leave by 8,” or “I’m keeping Sundays free this month.” It might mean limiting screen time, protecting sleep, declining extra responsibilities, or choosing smaller gatherings instead of crowded events. The clearer you are with yourself about what you need, the easier it becomes to communicate your preferences with others.
Self-care does not have to be complicated or expensive. In summer, it can be as simple as drinking enough water, eating regular meals, using sun protection, moving your body in ways that feel good, and keeping a consistent sleep routine even when the days are less structured. It can also mean taking time for some emotional self-care: to create healthier routines, journaling, or developing the habit of reaching out for support when you notice your stress levels rising.
Having fun is important! Joy, laughter, creativity, and play help us feel connected and alive. The key is choosing fun that is actually life-giving. For some, that may be swimming, gardening, hiking, reading outside, music, picnics, or time with friends or family. For others, it may be doing less and enjoying more unstructured time. A mentally healthy summer does not have to be packed with impressive plans; it can be built around moments that feel meaningful, restful and real.
So as you head into summer, take time to create a simple plan to make the most of your time of for rest and relaxation. Practice a few boundaries, try some new self-care habits, and participate in some activities you actually enjoy, then give yourself permission to release yourself from unnecessary obligations. The goal is not to create a perfect summer, but to enjoy your time off in a way that allows for rest, restoration, and meaningful times with friends and family.
Janet Bellamy, BA CCAC