Savor Summer and Rejuvenate with Self-Care Practices

With the summer’s long warm days, we are invited to take time off from work and go on vacation. For many, we can not spend the whole summer at the beach but there are practices that can be adopted daily to induce relaxation and rejuvenation in support of your parasympathetic mode.

 Self-Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Practice daily self-massage with oil to improve circulation, immunity, joint lubrication, and tissue strength. There are different oils and scents with properties for different seasons. For example, use warm sesame oil in winter but for the warm hot, humid summer you should use peppermint-infused coconut oil for a cooling effect.

Vitamin D Absorption: Your skin acts like a solar panel for vitamin D. Did you know that vitamin D can help reduce signs of aging, like sagging skin, by repairing the skin's epidermal barrier and countering oxidative damage? However, it takes 48 hours to absorb, so avoid washing off immediately after sun exposure.

Sunlight for Eyes: Natural sunlight charges your body's internal clock through your eyes, helping regulate circadian rhythms and menstrual cycles. Spend time outdoors to benefit from this natural recharge. It is helpful to remove sunglasses for a few moments in the morning to wake up the whole self with sunlight.

Remember, everyone is bio-individual and holds specific self-care needs for the body, mind, heart and spirit. Take time to tune-in and become aware of what your whole self needs are and how to embrace all the benefits that summer brings.