Healing Girl Summer is TikTok's answer to TLC

We could all use some time to focus on ourselves

Self-care day ideas
(Image credit: Getty Images / Westend61)

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

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

♬ original sound - Arleisha Marshall Official

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

♬ original sound - jex

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

♬ original sound - 🚀𝐷𝐴𝐾𝐼𝐷𝐿𝑌𝑅𝐼𝐶🧸

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_

♬ Fancy Drake kristineqfit - Kristine

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

♬ original sound - ELLYE

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. "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

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.