Ready to make the most of the sunshine and longer days. It’s the time of year where you realize we are just about at the half way mark. That official mid year date falls on July 2nd 2026 this year (and every year unless it’s a leap year). This means there is some time still in order to jumpstart your Summer Habits!
5 Habits to Start in Summer 2026
- Creative Habit
- Exercise Habit
- Nutrition Habit
- Relationship Habit
- Cleaning Habit
Creative Habits
This is your sign to pick up a new creative project or hobby that is fun but challenging.
The goal with a creative hobby is to learn something new but have fun doing. It recently started Cross Stitch for the first time like a month ago and now I am working on a massive project. I even started an entire YouTube Channel about it because I want to document that process.
Being creative is known to help you reduce stress and relax. Plus, in this day and age where short form video content is quick, snappy, loud and in your face at all times. Sitting and doing something creative, that is slower, maybe having calming music on to set the mood will add to that feeling of relaxation even more.
Don’t know what creative hobby is right for you?
Exercise Habit
Your health matters. How you move your body on a daily basis matters. If you sit for a majority of your life (desk job, long commute, doom scroll) then this is your sign to start moving.
Walk, stretch, dance, skip. Just move your body for 10 minutes every day to start. The ideal amount of working out is all based on your age, current habits, mobility and goals. For me, I want to improve my rounded shoulders and have stronger arms because I sit every day for extended periods of time.
This might interest you: 6 YouTube Videos to Build a Healthy Lifestyle
If the idea of building an exercise routine makes your skin crawl because your relationship with working out or going to the gym or your body has been a roller coaster for so many years. You are not alone.
I went to the gym every single day for an entire year out of pure self loathing. And it is still hard for me to go to the gym on a regular basis so I had to pivot. I do at home YouTube workouts, walking and dancing to my happy playlists for my main workouts.
Find something that you can do right now to start building an exercise habit.
Nutrition Habit
Next up is your nutrition habit. You can look at this in two ways. Either add something to your routine or remove something from your routine. I find restricting myself never works. If wanted to stop eating sugar for a month my brain will go into hyper drive and obsess over sugar. However, I have done no food delivery for a month. Or only cook my meals at home to help save money and prioritize healthier options.
The reason a nutrition habit is so beneficial during the summer is because there are so many wonderful fruits in season that make it fun, bright and delicious.
The nutrition habit that I am striving for is to eat 800 grams of fruit and veggies every single day. It’s a combo number so some days might be 500g of veggies and 300g of fruit. Or 600 of fruit and 200 of veggies. This habit will allow me to prioritize adding fruits and veggies to every meal and snack.
Relationship Habit
You might be thinking this is a weird habit to start this summer. But I want you to take a look at the relationships you have and ask yourself if there is something you can do this summer that builds them, deepens them.
I find with relationships we sometimes don’t realize the support we have around us because it blends into the monotony of each day. This is your sign to invite that friend out for a walk or coffee or going berry picking.
If you don’t have any friends and feel like your family does not support you. This is your sign to make the habit of joining a community. This can be a walking club or crochet club in your town. If peopling is too much right now opt for online communities that relate to your hobby or interest. But the goal here is to try something new. So in the online communities try to comment on someones post. Make that first move!
Note, my relationship advice is coming from the need to build community not romantic fairytale love. I believe that having a partner in this life is a valid endeavour but if every other area of your life feels meh, finding “love” is not going to some how fix those areas. Fall in love with your life, your hobbies, your habits, your money and then if the time comes to add a partner into the mix you will feel more grounded and ready to welcome a partner who aligns with the life you have and the one you are building.
Cleaning Habit
Lastly, let’s build a cleaning routine that feels easy and fun. This can be as simple as committing to a “closing shift” before bed. Doing a ten second tidy right when you get home before you relax for the evening.
Prioritizing a cleaning habit during the summer (and all year round really) is beneficial for your mental well being. A clean space helps reduce stress. I find that when my space is cluttered or messy I can’t focus on my goals. Pick one area of your home and commit to creating a habit. This can be wiping down the bathroom mirror twice a week instead of waiting until it gets noticeably dirty. Or making your bed every morning to start the day off with a tidy room.
Summer is for creativity, connection and joy.
Remember, your goals are connected to your habits and a routine is a group of habits put together to make your life easier.