Summer is here! For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to celebrate the season of the sun. Meanwhile, here in Australia (Southern Hemisphere), our summer graces us from December through February.

No matter where we are, the Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. This magical day happens when the Earth tilts perfectly towards the sun, letting its rays shine directly on the Tropic of Cancer.

When the Northern Hemisphere basks in endless daylight, the Southern Hemisphere enjoys its shortest day, and vice versa. It’s a beautiful dance of seasons across the globe!

Throughout history, the Summer Solstice has been a time of celebration, symbolizing fertility, growth, and renewal. It’s a perfect moment to soak up the sun, revel in nature’s bounty, and embrace the joyous rhythms of life. Let’s celebrate this radiant season together!

The Summer Solstice has been a joyous celebration across cultures for centuries, symbolizing fertility, growth, and renewal. It’s a wonderful time to soak up the sun’s warmth, enjoy nature’s bounty, and honor the rhythms of life.

For all the fabulous women in the Northern Hemisphere, as we near this special day, let’s take the chance to connect with the natural world and align ourselves with the vibrant energies of the season.

Summer Solstice Facts

The Summer Solstice happens every year, usually around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. The exact date and time shift slightly each year due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit around the sun. 

The Northern Hemisphere has the longest day and shortest night of the year, while the Southern Hemisphere has the shortest day and longest night.

One of the most remarkable sights associated with the Summer Solstice is Stonehenge in England. This ancient monument perfectly aligns with the rising sun on the Solstice, demonstrating ancient cultures’ celestial knowledge.

Historically, many pagan and ancient cultures celebrated the Summer Solstice as a time of renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness. They held festivals and rituals to honor the sun and its life-giving powers.

In regions within the Arctic Circle, the Summer Solstice brings the incredible phenomenon of the “Midnight Sun,” where the sun remains visible for 24 hours. This unique occurrence highlights the wonder and beauty of this special day.

This gives you a better understanding of what the Summer Solstice means. As the weather gets warmer, we should enjoy the natural bounty and connect with the season’s lively energies. 

Let’s make the most of this magical time for celebration and personal growth!

How You Can Make Most of The Summer Solstice

Now that it is summer, it is time to enjoy every golden moment as a woman over 50! There is a magical chance to celebrate life, nature, and your vibrant self at this time of the year.

If you could start your day at sunrise, the first warm rays of the sun would wake you up and give you energy for a great day ahead. 

Whether it’s a peaceful morning meditation, a brisk walk in nature, or a yoga session in your garden, there’s no better way to set a positive tone for the day.

Here are ways you can make most of the summer solstice this year;

1. Set new goals

The Summer Solstice is a powerful time for setting new goals and intentions, symbolizing growth, renewal, and forward momentum. Take some time to think about what you have done well in the past. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and recognize the progress you have made. 

Consider areas in your life where you’d like to see positive change or personal growth, whether in your career, relationships, health, or personal development.

Define your goals for the coming months clearly and make them SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Write them down or create a vision board to solidify your commitment. 

Do exercises where you imagine yourself reaching your goals and going through the good changes you want. Finally, make a plan of action by breaking your goals down into smaller steps that you can take. Celebrate each step you take and change your plan as needed.

2. Connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors

The Summer Solstice is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of nature. Take a slow walk through a nearby park or nature trail. Enjoy the bright colors, the sound of birds singing, and the sun’s warmth on your skin. 

Gardening is another great way to connect with the Summer Solstice’s themes of growth and plenty, whether you are planting new seeds or picking fresh fruits and vegetables. 

You could pack a picnic with your favorite foods and enjoy the season’s tastes in a beautiful place. You might also feel calm if you do yoga or meditate outside and time your breath with the natural rhythms around you. 

If you are near water, try swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding to feel the power of nature’s coolness and healing. Enjoy the season and let the Summer Solstice’s energy renew you!

Another great way to fully experience the Summer Solstice and get close to nature is to go camping. Find a place to camp with beautiful views, like a forest, a national park, or a lakeside getaway. Get away from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature.

3. Hit the beach

What better way to celebrate Summer Solstice than at the beach? Summertime on the beach is perfect for relaxation, fun, and connection with nature. Spend some time in the sun and get some vitamin D while admiring the scenery. 

Spend the day swimming, building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or reading on a towel. The beach offers active and leisurely activities, so you can enjoy the season.

As the sun goes down, find a nice spot on the beach to watch the beautiful sunset. On the Summer Solstice, the colors and light often look especially beautiful. Bring a tasty picnic basket with you and fill it with summer favorites like fresh fruit, sandwiches, and cool drinks. Then, eat your food outside while listening to the waves. 

If allowed, build a beach bonfire with friends or family to share stories, roast marshmallows, and celebrate the Summer Solstice. Spend this magical time by the sea, making memories.

READ ALSO: 6 Perfect Summer Vacation Ideas for Over 50

4. Celebrate the sun

Summer Solstice celebrates the sun, which gives our planet warmth, light, and life. Start your day with sun salutations, a sequence of yoga poses that honor the sun’s journey across the sky. Feel the sun’s energy flowing through you as you move and breathe.

When the sun is gentler, practice safe sungazing in the morning or evening to feel its warmth and light. Try to avoid looking at the sun during peak hours.

Try your hand at making sun catchers or mandalas with kids. These things help you be more creative and appreciate the beauty of the sun more. Enjoy your meals outside, where the sun’s warmth and natural light will help you relax. When you cook, think about using sun-inspired ingredients like tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and citrus fruits.

Lastly, create your own ceremony or ritual to honor the sun’s energy, that gives life. This could mean making an altar, saying a prayer of thanks, or doing something symbolic to connect with the sun’s power.

5. Find stillness 

The Summer Solstice is a great time to practice yoga and meditation to relax and find stillness. Roll out your yoga mat in a peaceful park, garden, or beach. Connect your practice to nature’s rhythms by listening to and seeing it. Start or end the day with a sunrise or sunset meditation. These times of change bring a deep sense of peace and connection with the cycles of the universe.

Spend some time walking mindfully, paying attention to how your feet feel on the ground and how your body moves. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings and feel more present and thankful.

Try breathwork like alternate nostril breathing or breath awareness to relax and connect with yourself. Find a quiet place outside to meditate and be present. Renew your spirit and find peace with Summer Solstice energy.

6. Take an evening swim

For the Summer Solstice, you might want to go for a swim in the evening if you live near a body of water or have access to a pool. The cool water can be a nice break from the summer heat and help you feel both energized and calm.

For a magical experience, time your swim for when the full moon rises or the evening light fades. The soft light of the moon and the calm water can make for a peaceful setting that is great for relaxing and getting in touch with nature.

Take a moment to look up at the stars under the water while you are in the water and enjoy the view. Put candles or tiki torches around the edge of the pool to make it feel warm and inviting. You can make your experience better by playing relaxing or upbeat music. This will help you feel better and celebrate the energy of the Summer Solstice.

Focus on how the water feels against your skin and the rhythm of your strokes when you swim mindfully. This could be a meditative experience that helps you be in the present and enjoy the magic of the night to the fullest.

7. Throw a Summer Solstice Party

Celebrate the longest day of the year with friends and family at a Summer Solstice party! Choose an outdoor venue—your backyard or garden—to host the gathering. Set a festive mood by decorating the area with bright colors, string lights, and natural elements like branches or flowers.

For the menu, make dishes that are in season and inspired by the sun, like grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and drinks that are meant to cool you down, like lemonade or sangria. Berries, citrus fruits, and herbs are great summer foods that you can use in your recipes.

You can keep everyone entertained and in the spirit of play by planning games and activities to do outside, like lawn games, water balloon tosses, or a scavenger hunt. For live music, you could hire a local band or musician, or you could make a playlist of happy summer songs to get people in the mood. Solstice rituals or traditions, such as a bonfire, a drum circle, or a shared activity for setting intentions, can give the party a deeper meaning.

8. Balance your inner fire

The sun’s warmth and brightness are signs that the summer solstice brings a lot of energy and life. It is a great time to change and grow as a person, to connect with and balance your inner fire. The first step is to figure out what lights you up inside, what makes you happy and complete. Focus on these passions and integrate them into your daily life.

Do something creative, like painting, writing, dancing, or making music. Getting creative is a great way to release and direct your inner energy in a healthy and helpful way. Do things that make your body and spirit feel good, like hiking through beautiful nature, swimming in cool water, or playing a sport you enjoy.

You can keep your inner fire in check by working out. It also makes you healthier and more vital. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathwork, can help you become more balanced and calm inside, which will let you use your inner fire with purpose and focus.

Take some time to think about yourself and figure out where your inner fire is too strong or needs to be stoked again. Find balance and make changes to get in touch with your true self. Let your inner fire burn brightly as the sun rises, leading you to growth, happiness, and a life that shines.

9. Do your workouts outside

The Summer Solstice offers the perfect opportunity to take your workout routine outdoors and bask in the warm rays of the sun. You can do yoga or Pilates outside in a park, on the beach, or even in your own backyard. The cool air and natural setting will help you get more out of your workout. 

Additionally, if you usually do your Fabulous50s workouts at home, go outside in the summer and do a series of short workouts outside for 30 minutes. A safe and fun outdoor workout is one that remembers to stay hydrated, wear the right clothes, and put on sunscreen as needed.

During the Summer Solstice, you should connect with nature and improve your physical and mental health by working out outside.

10. Stay hydrated always

During the Summer Solstice, it is especially important to remember to drink plenty of water. When the sun is at its strongest and the temperature is rising, our bodies are more likely to become dehydrated. Remembering to drink a lot of water is therefore very important for staying properly hydrated.

Staying hydrated is important for many bodily functions, such as keeping the body’s temperature stable, assisting digestion, and promoting overall health. When the days are long and there are lots of things to do outside around the Summer Solstice, our bodies lose water more quickly through sweating. So, it is important to replace the fluids you lose by drinking water often during the day.

Remember to bring a water bottle with you at all times. Take regular sips of water to quench your thirst and keep dehydration at bay. If you want to increase your fluid intake, choose foods that keep you hydrated, like fruits and vegetables.

Summer Solstice Traditions From Around the World

Many cultures have celebrated the Summer Solstice over the years, each with their own traditions and rituals. Here are some interesting traditions from around the world for the Summer Solstice:

Stonehenge, England: Stonehenge is a famous ancient site because it is perfectly lined up with the rising sun on the Summer Solstice. It has been a tradition for thousands of years for thousands of people to come to the site to see the sun hit the heel stone.

Midsummer, Sweden: The Summer Solstice is celebrated as Midsummer in Sweden. It is a lively festival with flower crowns, maypole dancing, and traditional foods like pickled herring and strawberry cake.

Inti Raymi, Peru: On the Summer Solstice, the Incas hold this festival in honor of the sun god Inti. For this tradition, people wear bright costumes, play music, and do rituals at holy places like Machu Picchu.

Litha (Pagan Tradition): The Summer Solstice is celebrated as Litha in some religions. This is a festival that honors the sun’s power and the land’s ability to grow crops. Rituals may include bonfires, herb gatherings, and symbolic sun wheels.

Dree Festival, Shetland Islands:  As part of the Dree Festival in the Scottish Shetland Islands, people light huge bonfires and carry flaming tar barrels through the streets to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

You can learn more about the Summer Solstice and its meaning in different cultures by looking into these different traditions. You could use parts of these traditions in your own celebrations or make up new ones that fit with your own beliefs and values.

Closing Thoughts

As a woman over 50, I love the Summer Solstice because it makes me feel like life is full of color and beauty. This yearly celestial event reminds us of how much we have and gives us a chance to fill our summer days with joy, vitality, and connection.

For me, the best way to enjoy the Summer Solstice is to do things outside that are good for my body, mind, and spirit. Every moment spent outside feels like a celebration of life, whether it is doing yoga in the sun in the morning, taking long walks through lush greenery, or swimming at sunset under the stars.

When the Summer Solstice comes around, it makes me think about how thankful I am for all the good things in my life and how far I have come. It is a time to make plans for the future, to be open to new experiences with wonder and curiosity, and to treasure the friendships and family ties that make my days better.

In the end, we can connect with the magic of summer and make memories that will warm their hearts for years to come by welcoming the Summer Solstice with open minds and hearts.

Happy Summer Solstice! 🌞 May the longest day of the year bring you warmth, light, and endless happiness as you enjoy the beauty of nature and plenty of life.

♡ Love ♡,

Schellea