The Ultimate Self Care Summer Essentials List
Self care is essential for anyone living in the crazy modern world. We are often pushed to our limits mentally, emotionally and physically and it’s important to do things that counteract that stress in order to stay healthy. Self care should be simple, accessible and inexpensive, but there is nothing wrong with having a collection of thoughtfully selected tools and treats to make your self care experience more enjoyable. Self care is a very personal thing so it’s important to know what types of things or situations you need to help you properly unwind. Perhaps this list will inspire you to try a new element of self care that you’ve never done before!
The Ultimate Self Care Summer Essentials List
A Good Journal - Journaling has been an incredibly important part of my own mental health and self care journey. Sometimes it’s helpful just to get ideas, thoughts and frustrations down on paper. I love this trio of beautiful floral journals by Rifle Paper Co. or if you prefer a spiral bound notebook or journal, try this one.
Rifle Paper Co. Notebook Set $18 and Spiral Bound Notebook $20.
Pampering Bath Products - I love taking a bath to unwind and soothe sore, tired muscles and good quality, luxurious bath products are a must. This Coconut Milk Bath Soak by Herbivore is lightly scented and super moisturizing. It’s the perfect soak after a day in the sun and the ingredients are also clean and simple. I also love bath salts for relaxing and easing muscle aches. These Herbivore Detox Bath Salts are perfect.
Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak 16 oz. $36 and Detox Bath Salts 8 oz. $20
A Meditation Cushion - Meditation can be an incredibly powerful part of a self care routine and having the right tools can help make meditation practice more easier and more enjoyable. I love this meditation cushion by Austin, Texas company Florensi. It can help make meditation more comfortable and strengthen the spine. It can also be used for other purposes like yoga.
Florensi Meditation Cushion $45
Teas - I love having a variety of teas or even just one of my favorites on hand for sipping in the afternoon and evening when I don’t need a smaller caffeine boost that won’t leave me jittery and interfere with my sleep. This Tea Forte Variety Pack is just the perfect little treat for tea lovers. You can choose from eleven different assortments, including some caffeine-free and herbal blends.
Tea Forte Sampler Gift Set $35 to $47
Chocolates - The way to my heart is through chocolate and I know I’m not alone. I enjoy a little piece after lunch and dinner and I’m not afraid to say I eat it daily. I prefer the dark stuff but I’ll never turn down any kind of chocolate unless it’s covering some type of edible bug. No thank you. I love this sampler pack by Hu Chocolates. Hu chocolate is vegan, organic and offers a variety of interesting and fun flavors.
Hu Chocolate Sampler Pack $46 for 8 Full Size Bars
Candles - Candles are my go-to for a cozy, low key day at home. I love lighting one while I am sipping morning tea, making dinner, when we have guest or chilling out in the evening. I do make sure any candle I buy is made with either soy or coconut wax, clean phthalate-free fragrance and cotton, lead-free wicks. My favorite candles are from Brooklyn Candle Studio. Their minimalist collection has a nice variety of scents.
Brooklyn Candle Studio Minimalist Candle Collection $28
Essential Oil Diffuser - Diffusers are a great option if you are looking to scent your home and are concerned about the safety and hazards of candles, even the cleaner-burning versions. You can use single essential oils or even create blends that are specifically used for calming the nervous system and de-stressing. Oils like chamomile, lavender, clary sage and lemon balm are just a few that have been known to help with symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Gua Sha Stone and Oils - Gua Sha is one my new favorite forms of self care. I practice gua sha daily on my face and neck and a couple times a week on my body. It helps increase circulation, release fascia and stimulate lymphatic drainage. It also just feels good.
