Lost Your Rhythm?

How to Find Your Self-Care Anchor in the Middle of Summer

The long, bright days of July are finally here. We’re told this is the season to relax, to be spontaneous, and to soak up every moment of sunshine. But for many of us, the reality can feel… chaotic. School holidays, travel, social events, and the general disruption of our normal schedules can leave us feeling untethered and overwhelmed. And with the ever growing changes in both the political and environmental spheres (I’m cooking, it’s no fun for a redhead in the summer), it’s important to acknowledge and care for ourselves in the summer.

First, a Gentle But Important Warning

Before we get into finding your routine, I want to touch on something vital. Please be very careful with your medication in the heat.

It’s so much easier for those of us on certain meds to get dehydrated and sick. This can create a terrible cycle of our medication being out of whack or, worse, becoming ill when we’re not aware of why. As the summer looks like it’s going to remain hot, please always carry water with you, and remember to drink frequently and cool off wherever you can.

Finding Your Rhythm in the Chaos

If your carefully crafted morning routine has been replaced by unpredictable lie-ins or early dashes out the door, you’re not alone. When our routines disappear, it’s easy to feel like our self-care has disappeared along with them.

But what if, instead of trying to force a rigid structure onto a fluid season, we focused on finding a single ‘anchor’?

What is a Self-Care Anchor?

A self-care anchor is one small, consistent, and non-negotiable act of kindness you do for yourself each day. It’s not a 10-step routine. It’s a single, simple practice that helps you feel grounded and connected to yourself, no matter what else the day holds.

It’s the sturdy post you can tie yourself to in the shifting tides of summer. By focusing on just one thing, you release the pressure of “doing it all” while still giving your mind and body the consistency it craves.

Finding Your Summer Anchor: A Few Simple Ideas

Your anchor should be simple, accessible, and take no more than 5-10 minutes. The goal is consistency, not complexity.

• A Morning Hydration Anchor: Before you reach for your phone or even speak to anyone, drink a full glass of water. As you drink, think of one thing you’re grateful for. This tiny act starts your day from a place of physical and mental nourishment.
• A ‘First Sip’ Anchor: Turn the act of having your first cup of tea or coffee into a mindful moment. For the first two minutes, do nothing else. No scrolling, no planning. Just sit, feel the warmth of the mug, and notice the aroma and taste.
• A Fresh Air Anchor: Commit to stepping outside for five minutes every day. Stand on your doorstep, in your garden, or on a balcony. Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and notice the temperature of the air on your skin.
• An Evening Page Anchor: Before you go to sleep, read one single page of a book (not on a screen). It doesn’t matter if you’re tired or don’t finish the chapter. This act signals to your brain that the day is done and it’s time for rest.
• A Scent Anchor: Use a specific scent, like a lavender pillow spray or a calming essential oil on your wrists, at the same time each day (perhaps when you finish work). Scent has a powerful connection to memory and emotion, and this can become a potent cue for your nervous system to relax.

This summer, give yourself permission to let go of the perfect routine (there really is no such thing, just perfect in that moment, and that’s a nice feeling, but it’s not always attainable). Instead, choose one small anchor and hold onto it. You might be surprised at how such a small, consistent act can bring a profound sense of calm and stability to your sun-filled, chaotic, and beautiful July days.

All advice and information offered on this site is offered as is, and you should discuss any treatments you undertake with your GP or other healthcare provider. Unless otherwise identified, our experiences are shared in good faith, but are anecdotal and do not constitue medical advice, but instead, a starting point for your own healing journey.
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