Kicking Off Your Summer Self Care Goals: How To Create a Mentally Well Summer
As the temperatures rise and the days lengthen, summer is often the season many of us look forward to all year long.
But as delightful as the season may be, maintaining our mental health during it can still be a challenge.
Summer is a great time to set goals and kick off new habits to boost your mental wellbeing, but with all the fun activities and heightened social expectations, it’s easy to lose focus on those intentions.
Whether you’re battling with seasonal depression or simply aiming for a more stress-free summer, being intentional about your mental health can make all the difference.
So, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you create and maintain a mentally well summer.
Can You Develop Seasonal Depression In The Summer?
The short answer? Yes!
While many people understand the concept of seasonal depression during the winter months, it may come as a surprise that this mental health condition can also develop during the summer.
Factors such as high temperatures, increased social expectations, and changes in routine can all contribute to a shift in mood. The longer days and warmer weather may bring about feelings of pressure to be constantly productive and active, leading to anxiety and burnout.
For some, the heat and humidity can feel overwhelming and cause a lack of energy or motivation.
Others might find themselves feeling lonely or left out as friends and family take advantage of summer activities.
Whatever the reason behind it, it’s important to recognize that seasonal depression can strike at any time of year and seek treatment if necessary.
5 Mental Health Goals To Keep This Summer:
With the warmth of the sun and the longer daylight hours, summer is supposed to be a season full of fun and happiness.
However, for those of us struggling with our mental health, it can be a challenging and draining time.
The good news is that there are some simple yet effective mental health goals that you can set for yourself this summer to help make it your happiest one yet.
Whether you can’t afford or access therapy or medication, or you simply want to take charge of your mental health from the comfort of your own home, there are steps you can take to feel better and enjoy your summer to the fullest.
Let’s explore some of these goals together and take the first step towards a happier, healthier season.
5 Ways Nature Can Help Our Mental Health:
#1 Keep a Balanced Routine
Keeping an established routine is critical for good mental health, as it provides stability and structure that can be greatly beneficial.
While it’s nice to have a more relaxed schedule, a messed up routine can quickly lead to anxiety, irritability, and other negative emotions.
This occurs because our brains thrive on consistency and predictability , and the regularity of a routine creates a sense of safety and security.
By prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, nutritious meals, and regular exercise, we can help ensure that our minds and bodies stay healthy and happy all summer long.
#2 Prioritize Self Care
Summertime is the season of sunshine, beaches, and outdoor activities – but it’s also the perfect chance to prioritize your mental health.
As schedules fill up with social engagements and work obligations, it can be easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. However, neglecting self-care can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout.
That’s why it’s essential to make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation , whether it’s reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.
Allocating dedicated time each day or week for self-care can go a long way in nurturing your mental well-being and ensuring a more balanced and fulfilling summer.
#3 Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is an effective way to boost our mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Not only does it give us a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it also provides us with an opportunity to connect with the world around us.
With the warm weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or gardening.
Even simply relaxing in a park can provide a sense of calm and rejuvenation. Exposure to natural light and fresh air can help us feel more energized and revitalized, which makes it an essential part of any mental health routine.
So go ahead, take that nature walk and feel the benefits for yourself.
#4 Stay Connected
One of the key goals to focus on is staying connected with loved ones. While summer can disrupt our regular social routines, taking the time to plan outings or meetups with friends and family can make a big difference.
Whether it’s going for a picnic, organizing a game night, or having a barbecue, social connections provide support and help combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Even if you can’t meet up in person, there are plenty of ways to stay connected virtually through phone calls, video chats, or social media.
#5 Set Boundaries and Prioritize Rest
Maintaining good mental health is a crucial aspect of our wellbeing, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed when our boundaries have been pushed too far.
One of the five most important mental health goals to maintain this season is to learn to say “no” and prioritize rest. Engaging in social activities can be fun, but it’s essential to strike a balance between a busy schedule and quality downtime.
Whether it’s taking a nap, going for a walk, or simply spending time with your loved ones, make room for self-care and recuperation regularly.
Setting boundaries is not about being selfish or disconnected from others. Instead, it is a way of protecting our own inner peace and sanity from those who may demand too much of us.
So, make sure to prioritize your mental health this summer by setting boundaries and giving yourself the space you need to thrive. Just remember, you deserve to put yourself first.
Key Takeaways:
Summer is the season of sunshine, beach trips, and relaxation. But for many people, it can also mean a decline in mental health.
Whether it’s the heat that makes us feel irritable and exhausted, the fear of missing out induced by social media, or seasonal depression kicking in, it’s important to prioritize our mental wellbeing during these months. And yes, that may require some intentional effort.
However, it’s worth it.
By keeping a routine, putting our needs first, and setting boundaries, we can create a summer that feels more fulfilling than ever before.
So let’s be proactive about our mental health and make this the happiest, most rejuvenating summer yet.
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