Healing Girl Summer is TikTok's answer to TLC

We hate to break it to Hot Girl Summer, but Healing Girl Summer has dethroned her 2019 energy. 

Like other trending hashtags on TikTok, #healinggirlsummer began to take shape—with a cool 75 million views and counting—and allowed for interpretation, be it through exercise, crystals or book recs. At its core, the term asks you to love yourself and live your truth.

In 2021, TikToker Helena Honey became a pioneer of the fad as she turned down toxicity and opted for positivity after overcoming an eating disorder.

"I felt like my summer needed self-care, learning to love myself and unlearning behaviors that were causing me stress and anxiety," she revealed to The New York Times (opens in new tab). 

Although we're about to part ways with the relaxing Cancer season, #healinggirlsummer asks us to take that mentality and use it to our benefit. We're all for it!

What is Healing Girl Summer?

Essentially a new wellness term to add to our glossaries, Healing Girl Summer asks us to reconnect with ourselves through things we love. It's about loving ourselves first, then loving others. 

Though it's about finding a spot for others in our hearts after getting hurt, the mentality is one to embrace whether you're single or coupled up. How are we supposed to give our attention to others if we're completely drained ourselves?

Healing Girl Summer examples

1. Nighttime routines

From turning on a sunset lamp to taking a relaxing shower, one TikToker's nighttime routine will help you drift off to Never Never Land soundly. 

@lauraramirezvlogs (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - Arleisha Marshall Official (opens in new tab)

2. Book recs

Self-care books can help you feel grounded and at peace with yourself. Check out the hashtag to see what TikTokers are reading and then make your way over to the library.

@theamayawhit (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - jex (opens in new tab)

3. Solo Date Nights

Catch a movie, treat yourself to dinner and enjoy spending time with yourself doing what makes you, well, you! If you're feeling hesitant, here's some expert-backed tips for how to enjoy solo dating. Yes, it's possible!

@lifestylewitt (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - 🚀𝐷𝐴𝐾𝐼𝐷𝐿𝑌𝑅𝐼𝐶🧸 (opens in new tab)

4. Exercise

Find a workout routine that makes you excited to hit the gym or join friends for a yoga class to help keep you motivated. You do you—that's the point of Healing Girl Summer, after all. 

@tamkaur_ (opens in new tab)

♬ Fancy Drake kristineqfit - Kristine (opens in new tab)

5. Journaling

Set intentions, write a list of what makes you happy, try your hand at fiction—your notebook is your gateway to creativity. Check out these guided journaling ideas to help you get started. 

@wellnessbyrachel (opens in new tab)

♬ original sound - ELLYE (opens in new tab)

Regardless of what you opt for, or if you'd like to try your hand at everything, Healing Girl Summer is all about restoring yourself back to what you makes you feel 100% and there's nothing wrong with being a little self-indulgent—in fact, it's encouraged.

"One thing 2021 has definitely shown many of us is how important wellness is, specifically taking time to prioritize yourself," says Nina Julia, wellness expert at CFAH (opens in new tab). "Self-care will continue to be the most prominent trend of 2022. But that involves a number of things!"

How will you kick off your #Healinggirlsummer? If you find yourself needing a little inspiration, get started by exploring a few self-care day ideas.