How can I improve my mental health this summer? Summertime as a parent can be chaotic, especially if your mental health thrives with a school year routine. For others, the summer break is a mental health boost with less obligations and more Vitamin D. If your emotional well-being is important year-round, take charge now to make sure it doesn’t change. Here are some ways to improve and maintain your mental health through self care from June to August.
Maintaining your mental health should always be a top priority, regardless of the season. I find myself on a rollercoaster of emotions during the summer with mixed periods of low anxiety and high stress depending on our plans. Fortunately I’m not the only one who feels out of control during June, July and August. According to experts, some people experience increased anxiety and panic attacks due to disrupted sleep, climate anxiety and pressure to make the most of the summer months.
How Can I Improve My Mental Health This Summer?
There is nothing worse than missing out on an opportunity to make a beautiful summer memory due to poor mental health. For example, why do I always stress myself out in the days leading up to a trip? Even if packing for a family of five is chaotic there is no reason why overwhelming feelings should carry over into the vacation itself. The solution is to leave your emotions in the moment where they belong. Vacations are meant to be fun, but don’t pack stress and anxiety!
8 Self Care Tips for Mental Health During the Summer
This summer I am looking for ways to keep calm so I can fully enjoy making memories with my family. Good mental health starts at the source with a conscious effort to care about yourself inside and out. Here are 8 ways to improve and maintain your mental health through self care from June to August.
Stay hydrated. Did you know dehydration causes stress? And when your body is stressed, you experience depression and anxiety as a result – so drink ALL the water this summer.
Feel the sun shine on your face (for a few minutes). Even if it’s hot and muggy, make it a point to get outside during the summer. Simply being exposed to sunlight helps boost serotonin (the hormone that regulates our mood). Don’t forget your sunscreen and to limit outdoor hours between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Keep your sleeping environment cool so you get adequate sleep every night! If you don’t have air conditioning, place a fan beside your bed or an ice pack under your pillow. Another tip: take a cool shower before bedtime!
Make a Summertime Playlist with your favorite upbeat songs. Pick up a new book at the library. Music and literature can lower levels of stress in the brain!
Spend time OUTSIDE of social media. Sign off to avoid experiencing the negative addictive impacts of technology.
Limit alcohol and indulgent meals. Hangovers don’t always come from alcohol – high fat/high sugar food can cause you to feel low too!
Wear clothes that you make you feel amazing – and not what you think you’re supposed to wear. Don’t like bikinis? Don’t wear one. Hate shorts? Don’t wear them. A bad outfit can ruin a good mood!
Schedule an appointment with a mental health care professional. If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, sad or just not yourself – don’t ever hesitate to speak to a therapist. Therapy is totally normal and can be positively life changing.
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