For those who’ve been following my column for some time, you might have observed a shift that began final yr and quietly reshaped the whole lot. I left a job. I gave up alcohol. I reconnected with motion and began nourishing my physique from a spot of care reasonably than management. I didn’t got down to overhaul my life—however one behavior change led to the following, and a yr later, the transformation feels actual and lasting. Lighter. Stronger. Clearer. This self-care information is a mirrored image of the practices that helped me get right here—and those I proceed to return to, season after season.
Your Late-Summer time Self-Care Information: 10 Habits That Modified My Life
We frequently consider January because the season for contemporary begins, however right here’s just a little secret: August could be even higher. Whether or not you’re prepping for a brand new faculty yr (your youngsters’, or just the rhythms of the season) or craving construction after a looser summer time, this second is ripe for reflection and reinvention.
Beneath, you’ll discover 10 self-care habits that helped me really feel extra linked, extra energized, and extra relaxed in my every day life. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about making a rhythm that feels nourishing, sustainable, and sincere.
1. Ditch Alcohol (Even Briefly)
What began as a 30-day break become considered one of my most significant way of life shifts. On the time of writing, it’s been properly over a yr since I final had a drink, and the advantages hold compounding. Clearer mornings. Deeper sleep. Extra intentional social time. And above all, a way of belief in myself.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Hunt down group by means of podcasts, newsletters, or group texts
Select a timeframe (30 or 60 days is a good place to start)
Have glowing water or a non-alcoholic bev available
Make sober-friendly social plans (walks, espresso, exercises)
Observe how you are feeling—power, temper, sleep, readability
2. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s Your Job
After I eliminated alcohol, sleep turned easy. Now, it’s the anchor of my routine. I’m going to mattress early, wind down deliberately, and deal with my sleep schedule as non-negotiable. It’s made me sharper, calmer, and far more enjoyable to be round.
Ideas for the place to start out:
End dinner 2–3 hours earlier than mattress
Energy down screens (particularly social media) 1–2 hours earlier than sleep
Take magnesium within the night
Get again on monitor rapidly after a late night time
Deal with your bed room like a sanctuary
3. Decide to Day by day Motion
It was about altering how I seemed. Now, I transfer to really feel sturdy, current, and grounded. That mindset shift—from punishment to care—modified the whole lot. I don’t dread exercises anymore. I stay up for them.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Discover motion you like (power coaching, strolling, dancing)
Block time in your calendar and defend it
Don’t low cost on a regular basis motion—grocery runs rely
Spend money on gear that helps you keep constant
Observe the way it makes you are feeling, not simply your steps
4. Rebuild Your Relationship with Meals
I ended labeling meals as “good” or “bad.” As an alternative, I ask: How do I wish to really feel? That query has led me towards extra nourishing decisions, but it surely’s additionally allowed room for pleasure. I eat dessert once I need it, and I don’t once I don’t. It’s easy—and that simplicity is highly effective.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Add fruit when sugar cravings hit (berries are my go-to)
Study what fuels you—monitor how meals have an effect on your power, digestion, and temper
Perceive your cycle (apps like Flo assist)
Let go of meals guilt—it’s not serving you
Tune in: what would you like, not what’s in entrance of you
5. Keep Ready
Planning has been one of many greatest kindnesses I’ve prolonged to myself. Whether or not I’m touring or simply navigating a busy day, having wholesome defaults helps me keep aligned.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Maintain moveable snacks stocked (purse, automobile, desk)
Plan exercises earlier than happening journeys
Pack resistance bands or Bala bangles for lodge exercises
Use calendar blocking to guard recharge time
All the time anticipate your future self’s wants
6. Perceive Your Social Battery
Huge shifts in my life confirmed me how a lot I wanted group, but additionally how a lot I wanted solitude. The important thing was studying to speak that clearly and with out apology.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Ask for help if you want it
Be upfront about your power: “I’d love to come, but I may leave early”
Recommend hangouts that really feel energizing: espresso walks, morning hikes
Discover which relationships really feel mutual and nourishing
Let go of “shoulds” round socializing
7. Reclaim Your Mornings
My days began altering once I stopped reaching for my cellphone very first thing. Now, I spend the primary couple of minutes grounding myself—no notifications, no noise. Simply breath, gentle, and just a little area to suppose.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Maintain your cellphone in one other room in a single day
Begin with a easy ritual: tea, journaling, gentle stretching
Open a window or step outdoors very first thing
Keep away from social media till after breakfast
Anchor your morning with one thing that feels yours
8. Curate Your Inputs
What you eat—digitally and emotionally—shapes how you are feeling. I cleaned up my social feeds, quieted the noise, and crammed the gaps with magnificence and calm. The distinction in my headspace? Evening and day.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Unfollow accounts that don’t align together with your values
Save uplifting content material in a “mood board” folder
Learn earlier than mattress as a substitute of scrolling
Flip off push notifications
Defend your peace prefer it’s a restricted useful resource—as a result of it’s
9. Make Relaxation a Ritual
I used to relaxation solely after I’d earned it. Now, I relaxation as a result of I’m human. As a result of breaks aren’t lazy—they’re needed. Incorporating little pauses all through the day helps me keep artistic and grounded.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Schedule 5-10 minute relaxation home windows between duties
Take a “no multitasking” lunch break
Mild a candle or take a fast stretch as a substitute of reaching in your cellphone
Give your self one screen-free night per week
Let relaxation be a default, not a reward
10. Let Go of Perfection
This one is ongoing. However each time I drop the stress to do issues completely, I really feel extra current. Extra artistic. Extra free. It seems, “good enough” is greater than sufficient.
Ideas for the place to start out:
Substitute all-or-nothing pondering with progress-over-perfection
Rejoice small wins
Let your self strive issues with out being good at them
Communicate to your self with the identical compassion you’d give a buddy
Bear in mind: perfection is the enemy of progress
Ultimate Ideas
This self-care information isn’t about turning into a “better” model of your self. It’s about constructing a life that feels true. One small, intentional shift at a time. As we transfer into this new season, take into account this your invitation to realign—not from a spot of stress, however from considered one of chance.
You don’t want a Monday or a brand new yr to start once more. August works simply advantageous.
This submit was final up to date on August 7, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
