Summer solstice is here. It’s the longest day of the year, with the sunset due to take place at 9:51 pm. 

In druid and pagan traditions, the summer solstice is a day of spiritualism and mysticism. According to Ronald Hutton, professor of history at the University of Bristol, midsummer was traditionally seen as “a time when the normal laws of nature or divinity could be suspended, when spirits and fairies could contact humans, when humans could exceed the usual limitations of their world”.

For many,  the summer solstice still means longstanding rituals – perhaps a bonfire, a pagan-inspired celebration, or even a pilgrimage to Stonehenge. In fact, around 10,000 visitors are reportedly at the mystical stone formation today.

But for others, the summer solstice is just another weekday. You might even have forgotten about it altogether. 

If you don’t usually celebrate the summer solstice, maybe this year you could give it a try. And your summer solstice celebrations don’t necessarily have to go full Midsommar if that’s not your style. In fact, even acknowledging the summer solstice with a few small gestures can be surprisingly good for you.

“The summer solstice is seen as a time of renewal, abundance and growth. Celebrating the solstice can provide an opportunity for reflection, setting intentions and embracing the positive energy and possibilities of the season,” explains life coach Gemma Perlin. “There is something so powerful celebrating something so outside of ourselves that allows us to get really present.”

There are plenty of little ways you can honour the longest day of the year. And don’t worry — no elaborate flower crowns or mysterious stone structures are required.

Make a no phones pledge

Use the summer solstice as an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. If you don’t have time to go for a hike or light up a bonfire, this may simply mean limiting scrolling time. Try to set aside your phone when you can today. 

“Don’t worry about the unreplied to emails and the to-do list, but focus on what is happening right now,” suggests Perlin. “Being present with what is happening in the moment builds our resilience and reduces our stress.”

Step outside on your lunch break

While many people might be celebrating outdoors all day long, others aren’t quite so lucky. However, if you get a chance, step outside during your lunch break and simply sit in the sun (wearing adequate SPF, of course). Spending a few mindful moments in the sunshine on the summer solstice can be a wonderful way to feel a little more grounded and, perhaps, a little more in touch with the natural world.

Use today to have a reset

In our fast-paced world, you might often feel like you’re always playing catch up – racing from one thing to the next without ever really taking stock. Use the summer solstice, which falls almost right in the middle of the year, as an opportunity to check in with yourself. Reflect on your year so far and consider your hopes and goals for the rest of summer and the autumn to come. 

“Use the theme of renewal to really take stock of the year so far, set new goals, and make positive changes,” offers Perlin.

Have a picnic dinner

If you have some time in the evening, have dinner outside. Eating outside in the sunshine is a wonderful way to unwind, while also giving you a chance to connect with nature. Practically speaking, it’s also the longest evening of the year – so make the most of it.

Take an evening stroll

If you don’t have time to put together a picnic, carve out some time in the evening for a stroll.

“Studies have consistently shown that time in nature is an antidote to stress. It allows us to be really present and moves our focus away from what is troubling us,” says Perlin. “Go on a walk this evening, utilising the wonderful light and become really curious about how the trees look different, how they feel, how they sound as their branches move in the wind.”

Take an outdoor yoga class

Connect with your spiritual side with a slow, mindful yoga class in the evening sun. It’s the perfect way to connect your mind and your body with the world around you.

Bring nature inside

Don’t regularly buy flowers? Maybe today is the day to try. Splurge on a big bouquet of wildflowers for your kitchen table to bring some of the spirit of midsummer into your home.

Watch the sunset

Find a nice viewpoint near your home and sit back and watch the sun slip beyond the horizon. Watching the sunrise and sunset isn’t something many of us do all that regularly, but it can be a magical experience – and the summer solstice is the perfect day to give it a try.

Make your own ritual

It’s never too late to start a new ritual. Even if you don’t have a summer solstice ritual of your own, invent one this year.

“Rituals, which are a series of actions performed in a specific way, have been part of human existence for thousands of years,” says Perlin. “They make us feel great, increase our performance and reduce our anxiety even if we scientifically don’t fully understand why. Why not create your own ritual to mark this summer transition?”

Whether it’s a picnic, a walk, or simply a few minutes checking in with yourself, give yourself your own solstice ritual this year.

Image: Getty