Summer can feel both fun and exhausting at the same time. Between changing routines, extra activities, travel, and kids being home more often, many families end up feeling overwhelmed instead of refreshed. As a family of one, having less of a routine and more travel can feel more of an obligation than a joy. Happily, focusing on your self-care during the summer does not have to be complicated. Small, realistic habits often make the biggest difference, especially for busy families and people with ADHD. Here are three simple summer self-care ideas to help reduce stress and foster more calm this season.

Keep One Small Routine

Summer schedules often become unpredictable, which can make you feel mentally scattered. You may be overly optimistic about your intentions for the Summer. Instead of trying to maintain a perfect schedule or going with no schedule at all, focus on keeping just one consistent routine each day. Your one consistent routine could be a simple morning routine, a family dinner time, a daily walk, or a short quiet time during the day.  One reliable routine creates structure without making summer feel rigid.

Create a “Landing Spot” for Summer Clutter

Summer has a way of bringing extra clutter and chaos into the house. All of a sudden, there is a lot of stuff not where it belongs, such as towels, bags, sunscreen, camp papers, water bottles, shoes, and sports gear. These seem to pile up everywhere and never return to their homes. One form of self-care is reducing visual stress in your environment. Help keep your home tidy by creating a landing spot. Choose one small area near the door or kitchen and create a simple summer zone. It can be comprised of these elements to give all your summer stuff a home.

• Hooks
• A laundry basket
• Shoe bins
• A charging station
• A tray for keys and sunglasses

Schedule Time to Recharge

Many people wait until they are completely exhausted before resting. You don’t wait to recharge your phone when it is dead. Take the cue from this to recharge before you’re fully empty. Instead, try building small moments of recovery into your week before burnout happens. Recharging happens with intention. Make it easier by setting aside a time each afternoon for quiet time for yourself and your family. Keep all technology off at this time. Choose to start your morning outside in nature.  Make chores easier always with music and partnerships (especially since kiddos are around more.) Choose one day a week for a slower pace with fewer or no commitments. Small breaks help you show up with more patience, energy, and focus.

Summer self-care is about finding small ways to support yourself during a busy season. Simple systems, calmer spaces, and small moments of rest can make summer feel more manageable for the entire family. Sometimes the best self-care is simply making life a little easier and a little slower.