Summer brings so many great things: kids’ excitement about vacation, long weekends at the beach, finally seeing more sun after a Michigan winter. But as your calendar fills up with family plans, work demands, and social commitments, all those good things can add up quickly. Even the most wonderful summer activities can leave you feeling stretched thin.
For many professionals and parents, summer doesn’t always bring the relief they expect. Stress, deadlines, and daily challenges don’t disappear just because you’re wearing flip-flops. If you’re pushing through your days wondering why you don’t feel as energized as you thought you would, you’re not alone.
The good news? Self-care doesn’t have to mean weeklong vacations or spa days. Here are some self-care tips that can help protect your health, energy, and peace of mind this summer—no overhaul required.
The World Health Organization now classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not just a feeling. It’s a real condition that doesn’t take a vacation. Burnout creeps in gradually, often disguised as simple tiredness or everyday stress, but over time, it can chip away at your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Here are burnout warning signs to watch for:
If you’ve felt this way, or are feeling a little burned out now, there are simple things you can do starting today without disrupting your schedule.
When we talk about self-care, we’re not going to tell you to overhaul your life. As emergency medicine physicians with busy schedules, we know wellness is often a collection of small habits that support the mind and body.
Try adding a few of these easy wins to your day:
These mini-moments give your brain and body a break and give you a boost to return with fresh energy.
Summer self-care is about listening to what your body needs. After a Michigan winter, it’s important to get some sun. It helps boost vitamin D, improves mood, and supports better sleep. Several factors, like nutrition, hydration, and heat exposure, all play a role in how your body performs and how you feel day to day.
Sunshine is good for the soul, but the effects of UV exposure add up over time. Stay mindful of skin protection too.
Summer invites us to spend more time outdoors, but more sunshine means more exposure to UV rays, which can damage your skin—yes, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is a daily essential, not just for beach days.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Cases of melanoma (the most dangerous form) are on the rise. Applying SPF is a small habit with major benefits.
I recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours (or more often if you’re sweating or swimming). Remember those often-missed spots like your ears, tops of your feet, and your scalp.
Just like sunscreen works best before you burn, self-care habits are most powerful when they’re proactive, not reactive. Think of boundaries like SPF for your energy: they protect your time and well-being from the burnout that can sneak up during busy seasons.
Set your self-care boundaries with these moves:
Both sunscreen and boundaries require consistency, intention, and a bit of discipline. They work best when applied early and often.
Taking care of yourself isn’t something you earn after crossing off every task on your to-do list. It’s what helps you show up and function at your best. You don’t have to wait for burnout to hit before taking action.
Start with just one small step: drink more water, take a five-minute stretch break, or say no to that extra commitment. These simple choices build resilience for whatever summer throws your way. At RightCare Clinic, we’re here to support your health goals with same-day appointments that fit your busy schedule, because your well-being deserves attention all year long.
Todd Chassee, MD, FACEP, is Medical Director for RightCare Clinic and Vice President of Clinical Services at Emergency Care Specialists