5 ways to keep your self-care sizzling
School’s out for summer! You know what that means: the kids are home and your self-care routine tends to fall by the wayside. Don’t let the rising temps and the kiddos’ new schedule affect your commitment to put yourself first. Instead, work in quick and easy self-care rituals that keep your routine on track and enhance those long, sunshine-filled days.
Hydration
I don’t know about you, but this time of year I seem to never drink enough water. Between pool days, BBQ’s and late-night slumber parties, hydrating never seems to be top of mind. The thing that always keeps me going back for more water is to add a little flavor! Each morning, “spice” up your water with fresh fruit, herbs, or oils! Fill a carafe or glass water bottle with filtered water, followed by the juice of half a lemon and four mint leaves. Keep it in the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat every time you visit the kitchen.
SPF & Body Oil
Sun’s out, SPF on! Even on a cloudy day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds (according to the SCF), so make sure you’re never without protection this summer. My daily SPF ritual is made easy when it’s done first thing. After your morning shower, combine your favorite reef safe SPF with your body oil! Apply to damp skin and make sure to blend thoroughly. Not only will you protect your skin from further damage but you’ll have hydrated skin, too!
Peppermint Oil
Can’t seem to beat the heat? I find when I am outside all day, hiking, gardening, or even playing at the beach, my body sometimes has difficulty cooling down. Take a few drops of peppermint oil and apply to the nape of the neck, just below the hairline. Doing so will help to cool your central nervous system, making it easier to withstand high temperatures and sweltering humidity.
Farmers Market
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal produce! Visit your local farmers market to taste the bounty of summer, try vine-ripened tomatoes, melons, stone fruit, fresh herbs, beets, cherries, corn, and peppers. Bring your reusable bag and stock up on the flavors of summer! Added bonus: Buy tomatoes in bulk and try preserving the season! Enjoy pizza and pasta sauce all year long with this canning recipe.
Try something new
Take that class you’ve been wanting to try, enjoy a hike on a new trail, take your summer read to the hammock, or meditate outdoors! Increasing your opportunity to soak up vitamin D has a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Take happy hour to the beach (my favorite recipe below from Shut the Fig Up) or enjoy a walk with that neighbor you’d like to know better. Either way, it’s the perfect season to get out there and try something you’ve never done before.
| Hibiscus Booch Paloma Yields one serving: 2oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice 2oz Power Flower hibiscus Brew Dr. Kombucha 1oz tequila Juice of 1 lime Optional sweetener: 1 tsp organic agave or monk fruit sugar Pour in a salted-rim glass over ice & stir. Garnish with fresh grapefruit & lime! Recipe by Manta Fitness Ambassador Jessica Schnitzer of @shutthefigup |  |
Looking to try something new this summer? Jessica Schnitzer of Shut The Fig Up and I are hosting a 4 day, 3-night retreat to Baja California August 2-5th! Enjoy round-trip transportation, organic, plant-based meals, nightly happy hours, horseback riding in the Baja hills, daily yoga, reiki healing, meditation workshops, and self-care tools to bring home with you. Click here to learn more and reserve your space!Mention your Mantra Fitness membership and receive $100 off your reservation! Book by June 30th, 2019.
Blogger Bio:
Grace Blacksea is a Southern California based blogger and social media expert. She is the boss lady behind the social space, Quench (@quench-collective). Her wellness-based brand provides tools for intentional living. With a strong passion for collaboration, Grace works with like-minded women and brands to showcase knowledge of self-care, mindfulness + productivity. When she’s not inspiring others, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and pup, sharing a bottle of (organic) wine with friends, or in the kitchen trying out new recipes to nourish her family.
