Enjoying JULY. Brighter Days Ahead

July tends to arrive with a bit of a “summer is here!” feeling. The days are long, the temperatures climb, and when the weather behaves, it’s lovely to sit outside on a warm evening as everything finally cools off. Of course, this is the UK, so we can go from sunshine to showers in minutes, but that’s part of the charm.

I recently discovered a Bulgarian tradition called July Morning, where people get up at dawn on the first of July to welcome the sunrise. I loved the idea straight away. There’s something special about starting the month with that quiet moment of light before the day heats up — a fresh, hopeful beginning.

July naturally encourages people to get outdoors more. Walks, gardening, picnics, or just sitting with a drink in the garden all feel easier when the weather is warm. But the sunshine can be harsher at this time of year, so it’s worth enjoying it sensibly. If you’re heading out for a walk, go early in the day before the heat builds, or later in the evening when everything starts to cool down again. It’s more comfortable, and you avoid that heavy afternoon heat that can make even a gentle stroll feel like hard work.

You may have heard the warnings about walking animals, especially dogs, during the hottest part of the day. Pavements and paths can get extremely hot. A good rule of thumb is simple: if you can’t walk barefoot on it without burning your feet, they can’t either. Keeping pets in the shade, making sure they have plenty of water, and avoiding the hottest hours makes a big difference to their comfort and safety.

Hydration matters for us too. Hot days mean your body works harder, even when you’re not doing much. Drinking regularly and keeping your skin protected — feet included — helps you stay comfortable and avoid that tired, heavy feeling the heat can bring.

My hot tip for summer is this: cool your feet in a bowl of cool water. It relaxes you, helps your whole body feel cooler, and gives your feet a little moment of relief after being warm all day.

July is full of simple pleasures: warm evenings, early mornings, bright days, and the feeling that summer has properly arrived. And right at the end of the month, I always have my birthday to look forward to. It’s a lovely marker before my August break — a chance to rest, recharge, and get ready for a busy September.

Brighter days ahead, in every sense.