Written by: Linda Reyes

Summer used to be a time of relaxation, what with its warm weather, long vacations, and lazy day vibes. These days, though, our fast-paced worlds makes the slow summers of yesteryear a little bit harder to come by. From figuring out what to keep the kids entertained with during their time off from school to the lack of summer vacation that adults are so rudely deprived of, it can be hard to take a second to breathe during a time that used to be all about recuperation. Make a commitment to pampering yourself this summer with these fun tips.

1. Take a Vacation

Summer vacations are the highlight of most of our years, but the average American family is taking fewer and fewer vacations due to rising travel costs and ever demanding work schedules. Make it a priority this summer to get away, even if just for the weekend. If you’ve got a family, head to a cabin or pack up all that camping gear to get back in touch with nature and have a relaxing time away from technology and the fast-paced vibe of suburban and city life. If you’re looking to take a solo vacation, check out SkyScanner.net and check out cheap last-minute flights. This site sorts by price, and will give you a list of possible locations—talk about summer spontaneity.

 

2. Take Care of Your Feet

Our feet are put on show during the summer, and if you want your tootsies to look their best in those new sandals or wedges you bought for the season, give your feet some tender, loving care. Our day to day routines can leave our feet looking a little more than worn down, and it’s important to take the time to treat them right—they do, after all, take us everywhere we need to go. Book yourself a delightful pedicure and get that old skin scrubbed away, nails painted, and feet massaged. If your summer budget doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room for special treatments, make your own pedicure station at home. Soak your feet in the bath, slough off dead skin with a pumice stone, enlist your significant other to rub your tootsies for a little bit (you can promise to return the favor if they’re hesitant), and paint your nails with some soothing music on in the background.

 

3. Get that Bikini Line Ready

You might not immediately think of hair removal when you think of getting pampered, but taking care of that bikini line in the summer months when we have a lot of skin on show can become a cause of stress. Instead of shaving and worrying about stubble and having to redo in two days’ time, instead look into some new hair removal techniques this summer. If you’re able to splurge, laser hair removal treatments are the most permanent and lasting way to go, but keep in mind this can only be performed on dark hair follicles—I know, bad news for all you fair blondes and redheads out there. A less expensive but popular option is the new trend of sugaring. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to feel great after some special grooming and be ready to proudly sport that bikini.

4. Check out a Retreat

Sometimes it’s essential to take a step back from real life and get back in touch with yourself. Is there a nature retreat you’ve been looking into? Do you have any friends who have also expressed an interest in taking a break from job and relationship stresses, if only for a weekend? If you answered yes to either of these questions, take the leap this summer and sign yourself up for that adventure. Your body and mind only have much to gain, and you’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world with a renewed fervor.

 

5. Make Long Work Weeks Better

Being stuck in the office all summer is the worst, but you can make long work weeks and months feel a bit more exciting with personal presents. If you want to cheer yourself up and keep your office smelling and looking its best, make sure you pick up fresh flowers every week. The summer months are filled with gorgeous blooms, and you can’t deny the power of a happy bud even when you’re in the worst of moods. Not a flower fan? Order a delivery of sweet treats to treat yourselves and your coworkers.

6. Redo Your Bedroom

Your bedroom is your oasis, and if it’s not exactly to your specifications. Get yourself a comfy mattress topper to give yourself the best rest possible, paint a calming hue on the wall that will look great and promote positive feelings, and grab unique personalized décor from Gifts.com to hang on your walls.

Make this summer the relaxing season you deserve by pampering yourself, even as temperatures rise.