7 Soothing Rituals You Need To Try This Summer

Summer is here. It’s that time to bask in the sun and spend as much time outdoors as possible. While we understand how busy summer can be with vacations, outings, and friend dates, it’s also a time to recharge in the fresh air and take care of yourself.

If you want to make the most out of your summer, here are 7 soothing rituals to try now:

1. Mindful Bathing

A bath can be both refreshing and calming. Opt for a cooler bath on balmy, humid days and use hot water on milder nights to warm up your muscles. Bathing has multiple benefits for our physical and mental health, so it’s about time we start making time for a bath regularly.

Start your bath by adding our Surf Soak to revitalize your senses. Let the steam carry the scent of Eucalyptus and Mint through the air while you close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose for three seconds and breathe out through your mouth for five seconds. While breathing deeply, try to clear your mind of all your thoughts and focus on the senses you feel around you. 

2. Barefoot Walking

Barefoot walking or “earthing” has become increasingly popular over recent years. Allowing ourselves to connect with the earth has many benefits: decreasing stress, increasing a sense of tranquility, and allowing us to disconnect.

When looking for your first place to go walking barefoot, try to select a location that has sand, soil, or grass. Think about gardening in your backyard barefoot or taking a short walk through the grass in your neighbourhood park. A 30-minute barefoot stroll on the beach will not only benefit your physical health, but it will also leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

3. Simple Manicure

Our hands and feet are arguably our most used body parts and they deserve to be pampered after a long week. Although an at-home manicure may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Following a few easy steps can make your hands feel incredible.

Start by filling a medium bowl with warm water and add a small splash of our Hand and Body Wash for foam as well as 2-3 drops of our Wake Essential Oils Blend. The invigorating blend of Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, Pink Grapefruit, and Frankincense will uplift and energize your senses. Let your hands soak for 3-5 minutes.

Once your hands feel soft, grab your nail file and gently shape your nails. Finish off your manicure by generously applying our Botanical Body Lotion; it’s nourishing enough for hands. Pay special attention to moisturizing your cuticles and in between your fingers.

If you’d like to treat your toes as well, check out our complete pedicure guide here.

4. Nature Recharge

We’ve been talking about getting outdoors a lot here, but it’s so important! Being in nature makes us feel good. Getting Vitamin D from the sun has been known to uplift our moods, and it’s important to take advantage of the sun (safely) while it’s so abundant in the summer.

We love getting out into the woods to forest bathe. Forest bathing is heading to any green area (a wooded area would be perfect) and spending time there to recharge. Hanging out in nature can help us feel calm and centered while we take in the beautiful surroundings: lush, green trees, colourful flowers, and the sound of rustling leaves. 

5. Sunset Picnic

There’s nothing like enjoying a relaxing picnic with a curated menu that you’ve hand-picked. Treating yourself like a guest is a form of self-care.

For this ritual, grab items from your local market that you truly enjoy. Some of our go-to’s include fresh berries, mixed nuts like pecans and cashews, crackers, and semi-hard cheese like manchego or gouda. Whip up a summer cocktail or enjoy your favourite sparkling water. 

Select a location that will give you a great view of the horizon. Allow yourself to appreciate the solitude; this exercise is meant to improve your relationship with yourself. While enjoying the beautiful sunset, take a moment to think of the things that you’re most grateful for.

6. Get Active

You may not think of exercise as soothing, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your body and your mood. Exercise makes us happy with energizing endorphins while reducing stress. Physical activity also strengthens our bodies and sharpens our minds; it’s a win-win!

Take advantage of all of the extra natural light and warm weather by getting active outside this season. Bike with a friend, jog in the woods, or do some yoga in your backyard’s sunshine. Whatever you enjoy - get outside and do it this summer.

7. Scent Adventure

Immerse yourself in scent. 

One of our favourite things to do when enjoying a cup of tea in the morning or unwinding after a particularly long day is light a candle. It sets the mood and creates a ritual out of simple tasks while providing a beautiful scent to our surroundings. 

Not sure which candle is for you? Here are a few of our favourites:

• The Woods - Escape to the forest even when you’re inside with the blissful smells of Cedarwood and Balsam Fir.
• Calm - Take in the peace and tranquility of Lavender, Vanilla, and Chamomile every time you light this relaxing candle. 
• The Waters - This smells like the waves peacefully crashing at the ocean’s edge. Enjoy the notes of Coconut, Lavender, and Spearmint.

Sometimes self-care can be doing something as simple as reading a good book or spending your morning sipping coffee on the porch. It’s all about taking the little moments in your day to celebrate and love yourself because you deserve it. Create your self-love playlist. Eat all the delicious, seasonal produce. Hug your friends. Let Summer 2021 be the summer of you.

What self-care activities will you be enjoying this summer? Let us know in the comments down below and connect with us on Instagram @tofinosoapco!