10 Summer Self Care Tips

So, here we are, it’s the middle of Summer vacation. The kids are arguing over who is breathing louder, and the toddler is trying to ride the dog naked. Just my house? Cool. Cool. It’s all good. Enter  my Summer self care tips!

Before we jump on into this whole summer self-care deal, I’m going to give you a brief update! If you’re new around here, hello and welcome! If you have been around for a bit, you may have noticed some changes! One of the biggest changes is the name. I am no longer using the name Scrunchy Momster and have gone with Wild Pine Hollow. It’s a bit more mysterious and spooky, and just what I needed! The other major change is that I have linked up to my personal Etsy shop, where I m focusing on self care items and crocheted goods!

Despite all of these changes, I am still the same as I was when it was Scrunchy Momster! Full of self-care ideas for everyone, strung out on caffeine and cursing like a sailor. You’ll find all the same stuff, mom stuff (or dad stuff, no judgements here) like recipes and other stuff of that nature. There will also be articles about living with an autoimmune condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Now that that is all taken care of, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Summer. A delightfully warm, laughter filled, Hell for parents. Alright, not really Hell. But when you’re expected to entertain teenagers all day, errrrrry day, it can feel a bit like a no win situation for anyone. My kids want to go to the lake and the park and shopping, and to a pool that is 45 minutes away. All while sleeping until noon (or later) and then expecting me to drop everything and haul them around while they are provided with iced coffees and an endless supply of tacos. Never mind the two year old desperately needs a nap, and only half of the house work was done because I was trying to be nice and let them sleep in, so running the vacuum didn’t happen!

I saw a meme, which I will post below, referencing motherhood to being like Uncle Buck. I felt that in my dang soul!

As parents we are expected, by our kids, to keep them entertained whenever their heart desires. But what about us? Who is going to keep us entertained and healthy? Ourselves. That’s who! Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself is especially important during Summer vacation.

Below is a list of simple and *mostly* free ideas of how we can give ourselves a little lovin’ and be able to enjoy Summer break! (if you’re in the mood for more self care tips, check out this article!)

Self care for Summer:

1. Soak up some sun. Don’t forget the sunblock though, being sunburned is never any kind of fun! Soaking up the rays while your kids frolic in the yard, run through the sprinklers or chase each other with the hose is a great way to relax! Plus vitamin D is mood lifting, not to mention feeling the cool breeze and breathing in the fresh air is also uplifting.
2. Set appropriate boundaries. Yes, even with your offspring, boundaries are important. They all, even the toddler, need to understand and respect your boundaries. If you don’t feel like driving all over the place for different flavored fro-yo. Then just say no. Beware: you will be met with eye rolls and fits. They. Will. Get. Over. It.
3. Hydrate. Drink up all that water! Not only does it help your skin stay healthy, a well hydrated person is way less grumpy!
4. Create personal care products with your kiddos. Even little kiddos like making DIY face masks! There are tons of recipes for kid safe stuff on Pinterest! Most of these can be made with stuff you already have on hand. I will link up to a few of my favorites. This link has some great and budget friendly ideas! This link is also full of ideas for an at home spa day!
5. Soak in a bath with Epsom salts and baking soda and some fun essential oils. After a day of chasing the young’uns around a soak may be all that you need!
6. Make a fresh veggie filled dinner. Straight from the garden, or from your local produce stand. Summer can be filled with BBQs which means processed meats and other foods and drinks that aren’t the greatest!
7. Go to the library. Most libraries have story time for little ones and limited computer time for big ones. You get to browse books while your kiddos are occupied. If you are lucky, as we are, there is a park right next to the library! It’s a win-win, the toddler gets to run off some steam, the teens may see a friend or two from school and you satisfied their need of getting out of the house for a while.
8. Go on a hike or nature walk. Connecting with nature is great in all seasons! Get on out there and explore! Even just a walk around the block and focusing on the sounds of birds chirping or the rustle of the leaves in the breeze. It’s all very calming.
9. Do some morning meditation and yoga! Get your mind right and body all limbered up first thing in the morning, so that way you’re ready for when the rascals wake up!
10. My personal favorite is star gazing! Laying in the grass with my kiddos after the sun goes down watching those twinkling beauties kind of puts it all back into perspective!

Or! You can just scrap it all and adopt this as your summer motto! Don’t forget to subscribe below to join in on all of the shenanigans!