27 Summer Self-Care Ideas for Walkers

For many of us, summer is a wild and crazy time. For those of us with school-age kids, it often means a house full of energy and noise. It means chauffeuring to camp and playdates. It means providing snacks and drinks. Maybe it means a family vacation. And in all of that busyness, it seems like there’s rarely time left over to take care of ourselves.
If you’re like me, walking is your favorite form of self-care—whether it means a walk with a friend or with the kids or, on special occasions, a little alone time. It’s good for our body and our mind—even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. But it’s good to give yourself a little extra care from time to time, too.
Fortunately, self-care doesn’t have to be big and elaborate. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly, either. Here are 27 different ideas for fitting a little bit of extra self-care into your crazy summer.
1) Sort through your walking gear
Every once in a while, it’s important to go through your gear. Make sure you didn’t miss any of your favorite summer gear when you were making your seasonal switch. Make sure your walking clothing fits well and is in good condition. See if there’s anything that you need.
2) Find new storage solutions
You use your walking gear all the time—so it should be stored accordingly. Take some time during the summer to find some new gear storage. That could mean picking out some fabric cubes or cleaning out a drawer or two. Or, if you’re extra handy, you could even pick up a fun shelving unit or dresser from a garage sale or charity shop and refinish it.

3) Go on a sunrise or sunset walk
During the summer, the days are long—which means that you’ve got extra daylight hours for walking! Take advantage of the cooler (and prettiest) times of the day by taking in the sunrise or sunset while walking.
4) Enjoy your coffee outside
After going for a walk, take your coffee outside. Enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine while enjoying a cup of coffee.
5) Take a nap
Summer days are often long and hectic. Treat yourself to an afternoon nap to help replenish your energy.
6) Explore a new park
Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore! Do a search of parks in your area, and try out some new walking trails.
7) Walk with a friend
Meeting a friend for a walk is a great way to stay healthy and fit while also getting caught up with a good friend. There are just so many physical, mental, and emotional benefits! And with more daylight hours in the summer, you’ve got more time to fit in that walk.
8) Create a new playlist
The right music can make an already enjoyable walk even better! Put together a playlist of all of the songs that make you happy!
9) Have a picnic
Pack a lunch and bring it to a favorite park. After your walk, take a seat and enjoy your lunch while enjoying the scenery and the fresh air.
10) Pamper your feet!
Your feet work hard, and they deserve some pampering! Take some time to soak your feet—and give yourself a colorful pedicure while you’re at it!

11) Mix up a smoothie
There are so many delicious fruits in season during the summer! Take advantage of all of the options by mixing up a fruit smoothie after your walk.
12) Listen to a positive podcast or audiobook
I often listen to a light and entertaining audiobook while I walk, but sometimes I just need something uplifting. Choose a motivational podcast or book, and you’ll feel like you can take on the world after finishing your walk.
13) Put your phone away
It’s so easy to spend your walk on your phone, catching up on emails or texts or even social media—but it’s not necessarily relaxing. Instead, keep your phone in your pocket and just enjoy your surroundings.
14) Take some pictures and hang them up
I love taking pictures while I walk (which you already know if you follow my social media). Try capturing some of the beauty of your daily walks—then send some of those pictures to Walmart for printing (it’s shockingly cheap!) and hang them on your wall.
15) Plan a walking day
Often during the summer, I find myself scrambling to find the time for a quick walk. Sometime during the summer, plan a day for yourself (and maybe a walking buddy or several of your walking friends) to spend a day walking. Find a great trail to explore. Pack a lunch (or walk to a restaurant with a cheery patio). And enjoy a day on your feet.
16) Try a new recipe
I’m always looking for ideas for tasty new snacks and treats for after my walks. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a ton of recipes saved on Pinterest—so take the time during the summer to try some out (and let me know if you find a keeper)!
17) Buy new shoes!
Are your walking shoes looking a little…tired? It’s time to pick up some new shoes! During the summer, as new versions of your favorite shoes hit stores, the old versions go on sale—so it’s a great time to get some comfy new shoes for a great price!
18) Try a silent walk
As I’ve mentioned before, this is a tough one for me. Sometimes, the quiet just makes me more anxious. But if your brain allows, try a silent walk—a peaceful walk through nature without anything playing in your AirPods. You might just love it…
19) Baby your body
It’s not just your feet that work hard every day. You’re working all of your muscles while walking! Take the time to work out some kinks and knots with a foam roller, a massage gun, massage balls…or all of the above!
20) Walk for coffee
If you love walking and coffee as much as I do, combine the two for a perfect summer outing! If you don’t have a good coffee shop within walking distance, plan a path with a coffee shop for a halfway point, and enjoy your favorite beverage while walking back to your car.

21) Smile!
Did you know that the act of smiling will make you happier? Take some time to smile at yourself in the mirror. And when you’re on the trail, share a smile with everyone you meet.
22) Collect inspiring quotes
Sometimes I need a little inspiration—which is why I love finding walking quotes and sharing them on social media every week. Do your own search for quotes that inspire you—then save the images in your phone or collect them in a notebook, so you’ll have them handy when you need them.
23) Stretch
I am so bad at remembering to stretch. But stretching helps your muscles warm up and cool down. Do a little research, find some good stretches, and make a point of doing them daily.
24) Hand out compliments
You never know when someone else could use an extra boost of positivity. On your walk, make a point of complimenting another walker on the trail. Tell them you like their shirt…or their shoes…or their leggings. You might just make their day—and you’ll feel good at the same time, too.
25) Journal about your walk
Start a walking journal! It’s a great way to keep track of your daily mileage/steps while also writing some quick thoughts and reflections. If you’re looking for a good walking journal, you can find one in the Will Walk for Coffee Etsy shop!
26) Take a cool shower
After a long walk on a hot day, there’s just nothing like a long, cool shower to make yourself feel relaxed and refreshed. While you’re at it, find yourself some great-smelling soap or body-wash to make it even better.
27) Phone a friend
Missing a friend who lives far away? Plan some time to walk together while chatting on the phone! You’ll enjoy the conversation while getting some exercise together.
Do you have any other ideas to add to the list? I’d love to hear them! How do you give yourself a little extra care during the summer?
