Summer is often viewed as a time to unwind, with longer days, warmer weather, and the anticipation of vacation. However, it can also bring its own kind of pressure, from changing routines and busy schedules to the stress of planning time off. That’s why this is a great time to rethink how you will make time for genuine rest. A simple, personalized strategy can help you stay balanced, recharge your energy, and get through the season more smoothly.

In this article, we’ll look at why summer stress is so common, how it affects your health, and how intentional rest can make a difference. You’ll also discover practical ways to create a routine that supports your well-being throughout the entire summer season.

Why Intentional Rest Matters in Summer

While summer encourages us to slow down, the reality is often the opposite. Research from the American Physiological Society shows that cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone) are often higher in summer, partly due to longer daylight hours, disrupted routines, and increased responsibilities like childcare and seasonal activities.

This makes intentional rest especially important. Unlike passive downtime, intentional rest means scheduling regular moments to reset your nervous system and support your body’s natural recovery. It’s a simple and effective way to feel grounded when the season feels overwhelming.

Research highlights several key benefits of intentional rest:

• Stronger Immune Function: Chronic stress weakens the immune system. Prioritizing relaxation helps regulate cortisol and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
• Improved Mental Health: Restful practices have been shown to lower cortisol levels and boost feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine), leading to better mood, sleep, and emotional balance.
• Reduced Inflammation: Consistent relaxation promotes circulation and reduces markers of inflammation in the body, helping to relieve symptoms like fatigue, tension, and discomfort.

Rest isn’t just restorative – it’s protective. During a season when wellness often takes a backseat, making it a part of your routine can truly make a difference.

How to Build a Summer Relaxation Strategy

A Summer Relaxation Strategy isn’t a formal program, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s simply a way to describe a more intentional approach to seasonal wellness. Rather than squeezing in rest when everything else is done, it’s about planning your downtime in advance. That way, you can recharge, make the most of summer, and carry that energy into the season ahead.

Your strategy can be big or small, structured or flexible. The key is to be intentional by planning ahead, listening to your body, and choosing habits that will help you reset.

Not sure where to begin? Start here:

• Pick your non-negotiables. Choose one or two moments each week that are just for you, whether it’s a float session, solo walk, or quiet bath, and treat them like any other appointment.
• Choose treatments based on how you want to feel. Lymphatic drainage massage can reduce swelling and fatigue, while a float bath can calm your mind and improve focus. A couples massage might help you reconnect during a busy week.
• Add stillness to your routine. Set aside time for low-stimulation activities, such as a mid-week sauna visit or a screen-free morning.
• Create rituals that anchor your week. Consistent, restorative habits, even small ones, can help you feel more grounded and resilient throughout the season.

The more you treat rest as essential, the more space you’ll have to fully enjoy everything else summer brings.

Incorporate Spa Services for Ultimate Relaxation

Once you decide to prioritize rest, the next step is finding the best ways to recharge. Whether you’re carving out alone time or planning a shared experience, L’Absolu Spa provides a wide range of luxurious, customizable treatments tailored to your needs, all in a serene, expertly guided environment.

Our spa experiences are designed to help you slow down, relax, and feel more present, so you can return to your daily life feeling refreshed.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage
A light, rhythmic massage method that promotes detoxification and deep relaxation.

• Reduces swelling, water retention, and bloating
• Supports circulation and immune function
• Ideal during times of hormonal shifts or seasonal fatigue

Floatation Baths
Private saltwater baths that eliminate external stimuli and encourage stillness.

• Calms the nervous system
• Improves sleep quality and mental clarity
• Available as a solo or couples experience

Finnish Sauna
A traditional heat therapy experience in a serene setting.

• Boosts circulation and heart health
• Supports detoxification and muscle recovery
• Perfect before or after a massage for maximum benefits

What sets L’Absolu Spa apart isn’t just the quality of our treatments – it’s the care we take in tailoring them for each guest. If you’re creating a Summer Relaxation Strategy (or simply don’t know where to start) we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and keeps you feeling your best all season long.

Whatever that looks like for you, the most important thing is to prioritize rest. Your body, mind, and future self will thank you.