June always feels like the true beginning of summer ☀️
The first mornings where stepping outside in a T shirt suddenly feels natural again, evenings that seem to last forever, and weekends slowly filling up with spontaneous plans. There is something about this month that invites us to live a little lighter. More time outside, more movement, more connection.
But while nature is fully waking up around us, June is also a reminder to slow down every now and then. To take care of ourselves while enjoying everything this season brings. From protecting your skin in the early summer sun to nourishing your body after movement, or simply escaping the city for a moment of calm 🌿
This month is all about finding balance between energy, health and enjoying the little things.
The first real summer days
The warmer weather has finally arrived, and with that comes the return of short sleeves, sunny terraces and evenings spent outside. But even though it may not feel extremely hot yet, the sun is already surprisingly strong. We have already seen UV indexes reaching 7 this month, which means your skin is working harder than you might realize.
Of course, everyone loves a sun kissed glow. But taking care of your skin is also a form of self care. There is a Dutch saying that loosely translates to: “today a tomato, tomorrow a chocolate bar” 🍅 Meaning yes, tanning takes time.
And honestly, after putting so much effort into healthy food, movement and wellbeing, it would be a shame not to protect the skin we live in every day. A good SPF, enough water and occasionally choosing the shade over direct sun really do make a difference, not only now but also long term
Running into summer
Last month I wrote about getting inspired by the Rotterdam Marathon, and since then I have been running more consistently myself. At the moment I can comfortably run around 7 kilometers within the hour, something I genuinely never thought would become part of my routine 🏃♀️
But running in warmer weather is definitely a different experience. The moment temperatures rise, you notice how much more fluid your body loses. Recovery suddenly becomes just as important as the workout itself.
One thing that has really helped me lately is adding electrolytes after longer or more intensive runs. Especially in the heat, they help your body hold onto hydration better instead of simply losing everything through sweat. It is one of those small habits that makes a surprisingly big difference. Feeling energized afterwards instead of completely drained.
Another reminder that movement and recovery should always go hand in hand.
Slow mornings & fresh ingredients
With warmer weather, I naturally start craving lighter and fresher meals. Recently I visited a small farm just outside the city to pick up fresh vegetables and eggs, and honestly, it turned into one of those unexpectedly perfect afternoons 🌱
There were tiny baby cows walking around that you could actually pet, so naturally I spent way too much time there. Sometimes these slower places remind you how calming it can feel to step away from the city for a moment. Fresh air, open space, a coffee in the sun, and nowhere to rush to.
And speaking of coffee… my latest discovery might sound slightly questionable, but trust me on this one: banana milk with a shot of espresso. Somehow it tastes exactly like summer in a glas
Meal prepping for busy summer evenings
Back home, all those fresh ingredients turned into one of my favorite warm weather meal prep recipes. A savory quiche made with eggs, cottage cheese, spinach and whatever vegetables you have left in the fridge.
Simple, nourishing and easy to keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Perfect for those evenings where you quickly come home from work, change clothes, and head straight back outside again. Instead of ordering something or skipping dinner altogether, you already have something healthy and filling waiting for you.
Because balance does not always have to be complicated. Sometimes it is simply making life a little easier for yourself.
Escaping the city
This weekend will also be my first beach day of the year 🌊
It is finally going to be 25 degrees, which means only one thing: escaping the heat of the city.
A car filled with friends, a cooler packed with snacks, fresh fruit, cold drinks and probably one or two bottles of rosé, heading towards Zeeland for a full day of sun, salty air and absolutely nothing productive.
And maybe that is exactly what June is really about.
Finding more ways to reconnect with nature, even in simple forms. Whether that is visiting a local farm, wandering through a market in the city, running through the park after dinner or spending a day by the sea. Nature has a quiet way of slowing our thoughts down and bringing us back to ourselves.
Because at the end of the day, taking care of your mental wellbeing is just as important as taking care of your body 🌿
Be a true Botanian this month and make space for both.
