Sunrise to Sunset: A Solstice Self-Care Guide

Honour the longest day of the year by honouring yourself. Summer Solstice is a time to shine – inside and out – with meaningful self-care.

Summer Solstice on June 20 marks the start of summer and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere – plan a day of intentional self-care rituals as you embrace this profoundly energetic and spiritual time of light, growth and renewal.

As the sun reaches its highest altitude, we are gifted more hours of light than any other day of the year – let that life-force energy bathe you in calm and wellness, and inspire you to explore therapeutic practices to reset, recharge and recommit to your healing journey.

Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with mindful practices like journaling, grounding, morning Sun Salutations, sunset yoga, nature immersion, intention setting or aromatherapy with essential oils. Small acts of holistic self-kindness will bring joy and well-being long after the sun sets.

Rise with the sun and soak in the light. Warm up with gentle stretching or yoga, outside if possible. Energize with Sun Salutations in your yoga practice, but no need to do the entire 12 asanas (poses) to benefit. Any stretching will help to align your body and mind with the sun’s energy as a source of light and life. And sunshine is a natural mood booster – natural light triggers the release of serotonin, and brings on feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Follow up yoga’s meditative flow with moments of still meditation for a clear and healthy mindset. Check in with your body, mind and heart. Bring attention to your breathing. Simply absorb the light. Set your intentions for the day. Reflect on what makes you fierce and powerful. Repeat positive affirmations.

The Summer Solstice is the doorway to the second half of the year – what will you leave behind and how will you care for yourself in the new season? Commit to navigating this energetic season with balance and harmony. Better eating, more movement, connection, forgiveness, gratitude journaling, grounding? Be gentle with yourself.

Enjoy a relaxing massage. Nourish your heart and body with the healing power of therapeutic touch enhanced by the calming scents of essential oils like lavender, bergamot and frankincense. Further enhance the stress-reducing benefits of self-care with an outdoor massage to perfectly and soulfully mark the day.

Move your body in nature. Skip the gym and take a meditative walk to bask in the healing sensations of nature in the moment. Let the sights, sounds and smells thrill your senses and energize your spirit. Take off your shoes and feel the warm earth beneath your feet. Feel grounded, alive and well. Grounding connects you to the earth’s natural healing energy and helps discharge built-up stress and tension.

Find water and go swimming or wading. Even just dipping your feet in the water has enormous psychological benefits. According to research, spending time in or near natural “blue spaces”, including lakes, rivers, a babbling brook, or even a pool, reduces stress and can actually boost your mood. Step into Ste. Anne’s healing waters: Our outdoor meditative hydrotherapy pools and spring-fed seasonal inground pool offer havens of serenity to leave you uplifted and refreshed to take on the new season.

If you’re working, take short mini-breaks to step outside, breathe deeply and feel the summer’s radiance pulse through your body. Experience the power of the sun’s creative and inspirational force, sparking new ideas and potential, away from work demands and screen distractions. Connect with your inner world – and the beautiful outer world of Solstice.

Watch the sacred sunset. Soak in the beauty and savour the now. Turn off all screens and be in the moment. Journal what you are grateful for. Write down what you want to grow in your life, to glow in your universe. Light a candle and safely “burn” the list of limiting beliefs. Then imagine the flame as the sun’s orb of light, emitting the joy and peace of the Solstice every time you relight it. Be at peace. Rest easy.

We are all connected to the Earth and the sun. Make the first day of summer a joyful tribute to nature and to self-transformation through simple self-love rituals. Harness the energy and feel the healing light, both within and without.

Wherever you may be, may the earth warm you, and may your mind and heart be made lighter by the blessings of the sun.