Summer Self-Care for Moms: Journaling Outdoors with Kids
Somewhere along the way, summer became all about making memories for my kids—and I forgot it could be for me too. Simple ways I find summer self-care for moms.
On one of the hottest afternoons of the summer, my youngest son and I packed snacks, binoculars, plenty of water, and headed to Raleigh’s sunflower field… every summer the city plants acres of sunflowers in a once unused field that is slowly progressing to become a unique city park. Today I threw in this journal – one that I’ve really come to love, something tangible, something that helps, something summer self-care for moms.
Grateful to have grabbed my supportive walking sandals, plenty of water and some activities for my son we really enjoyed chill time after seeing the sunflowers. Luckily this park strategically placed hammocks under the long leaf pines providing ample shade from the North Carolina summer sun.
This is your summer too – how can you work in a few moments of self-care outdoors?
The journal prompt I chose today was about reflection – which about brought me to tears thinking about how time has passed. The first trip to see the sunflowers was with my older two and our old dog long before my youngest was in the picture. I think back to that time and self-care for moms to me was booking a spa appointment or making sure to book a girls night.
Outdoor self-care
The reality is that like most adventures, the novelty of this experience wears off pretty quickly for my kids. And in the summer heat the whining can be frequent. Over the years their discomfort and boredom was often something I struggled to find enough energy for. Especially when I myself was uncomfortable.
Summer self-care for moms
I’ve realized that taking care of my own comfort isn’t selfish, it’s one of the best ways I can take care of my kids. When my feet don’t hurt, when I’m hydrated, when I’ve had ten quiet minutes to myself, I’m a calmer, more present mom. Coming back to supportive walking sandals that are comfortable – it may seem silly but the difference this makes for me cannot be understated. Its not just the spa, self-care can look like prioritizing my physical comfort, choosing to sit in the shade and experience the calm of journaling outdoors. Slowing down in a shady spot while the kids wander, noticing the sound of the birds.
Comfortable sandals for moms
Today I chose a favorite pair – always reaching for my comfortable walking sandals for our all-day adventures. Mine are over five years old now. They’ve been to splash pads, playgrounds, botanical gardens, state parks, and countless North Carolina summers. They stay secure when I’m chasing kids, they’re supportive enough for hours of walking, and now knowing how after pregnancies my feet have changed I’m so grateful for these.
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They actually don’t sell the colorway in my picture anymore so including my solid black Teva Sandal for reference...
We both have our own hammocks, the shade from the long leaf pines, the sunflowers off in the distance and I’m not doomscrolling, I’m leaning into a little self-care with this space to color.
“Studies have shown that expressive writing — which involves writing about emotional experiences — enhances neural processing in areas related to cognitive control and memory (DiMenichi et. al, 2019). This isn’t just about feeling better in the moment, but building long-term mental and emotional strength.”
– Child Mind Institute https://childmind.org/blog/how-journaling-rewires-your-brain-for-resilience/
Sitting quietly beneath the longleaf pines, I could actually feel that happening. Instead of merely replaying old memories in my head, I was giving them somewhere to land, leaving me feeling more grounded.
Emotional writing – reflecting on phases and stages of life. How is that not going to bring forth emotions. Journaling about these helps my brain process those emotions in real time and gives those emotions kind of like a physical transference – a place for them to go. Depositing emotions on paper in this environment is my opportunity for mom mental health outdoors.
Why Journaling Outside Feels Different
The sunflowers were beautiful, but they weren’t what I’ll remember most. Years from now, I think I’ll remember sitting beneath the longleaf pines with my youngest nearby, realizing this wasn’t just another summer for my kids—it was my summer too.