It’s no secret that summer can be a difficult time for mental health. The warmer weather and longer days can be a trigger for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), while the added pressure of swimsuit season can lead to body dysmorphia. For many, the “lazy days of summer” are anything but, as they juggle work, family, and social obligations. So how can you prioritize your mental health this summer?
Summer Self-Care Activities
Here are some curated mental health self-care tips from our team of experts:
- Go to the Beach or Spend Time Near Water
Grab a blanket or chair and something to read and set up camp by a stream, lake or ocean. The sound of moving water is soothing and can help boost clarity.
- See a Feel-Good Movie
One of the best ways to beat the heat this summer is to head to relax indoors with a feel-good flick. Bonus points if you invite a friend or loved one and spend some quality time together.
- Spend time with loved ones or reconnect with Someone
Spending time with loved ones can be a great way to boost your mood and reduce stress. Whether you stay in touch via text or in person, quality time with those you care about is crucial for maintaining mental wellness. Or reach out to an old friend or plan something special with a loved one and enjoy some well-deserved quality time.
- Picnic in the Park
Enjoying a meal outside is an easy way to get some fresh air and shake up your routine. Bring a blanket, a few of your favorite foods and maybe even a yard game or a book and have a picnic in your backyard or at a park or beach.
- Enjoy a Community Event
Consider checking out a county fair, local festival, community flea market, yard sale, or outdoor movie. Search online or in the local paper for events going on around town.
- Go Camping and Unplug
Spending time in nature is good for mood. Plus, camping is a great opportunity to step away from technology, unplug and make time for real connection.
- Start a Garden or Join a Community Garden
Gardening can be a form of meditation and a great way to bond with family or make new friends. Plus, at the end of the day, you’ll get to enjoy some home-grown food or flowers.
- Try a New Gym, Art Studio, Dance Class or Hobby
Indulge in a group workout full of motivational cheers, try a dance class or pick another hobby to invest in this summer. Hobbies can be a great way to express yourself and check-in.
- Start or Continue a Journal
Writing can be a great way to express how you feel and check-in with your emotions. Try journaling to practice gratitude, explore meaning or even keep track of your summer self-care checklist.
- Go to Therapy
Therapy is a great summer self-care activity that can help with a range of key topics from anxiety to sleep to relationships to mood.
- Visit the Zoo
Take a trip to your local zoo and see your favorite animals in-person. Watching cute animals can help reduce stress as well as boost mood and productivity.
- Tidy One Small Space
Organize your space and declutter your mind. Focus on one room at a time, one area of the room at a time, one surface or drawer at a time.
- Plan a Vacation or Staycation
Where you go isn’t as important as taking the time to do something for yourself. Consider taking a road trip to a place that’s especially beautiful this time of year or enjoy the sights and sounds of your own city.
- Shop at a Local Farmer’s Market
Pick out some seasonal produce while supporting local vendors. This can be a great opportunity to try a new food or challenge yourself to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your routine.
- Visit a museum
Spend a relaxing afternoon at a museum to learn about history or admire art. Focusing on intellectual wellness can reduce the risk of depression and dementia, as well as boost self-confidence, self-esteem and overall outlook on life.
- Make Your Favorite Recipe
Many delicious ingredients are in season in the summertime. Try making your favorite recipe from scratch using fresh produce.
- Plan an At-Home Spa Day
Make yourself feel cared for with a bubble bath, face mask, or pedicure. Candles, essential oils, and a relaxing playlist can boost relaxation and make your home feel like a spa.
- Go Strawberry Picking
Berries are a mood-boosting food that always tastes better when you pick them yourself. Find a local “u-pick” farm and spend an afternoon strawberry picking. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Participate in Playful Activities
Which summer activities did you love the most as a child? Connect with your inner child and play whether it’s by visiting a waterpark, enjoying a backyard BBQ or playing minigolf.
- Do a Mini Check-In
Think back on the past seven days. How did you feel? Maybe you could have used more sleep, more social time or eaten healthier meals? Think about how you can make time for whatever you need to best care for yourself.
- Go Exploring
Having fun doesn’t mean you have to travel far. Find a new area of town that you haven’t been to yet and check out the sights or try something new.
- Make time for yourself
It’s important to schedule in some “me time” this summer, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes each day. Use this time to do something that makes you happy, whether reading, walking, or listening to music.
- Be mindful of your thoughts
Pay attention to the way you talk to yourself. Are your thoughts positive or negative? If you think negative thoughts, try reframing them in a more positive light.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Mental Health
While summer is a time to relax and unwind, it can also be busy and stressful. Self-care practices are a great way to prioritize your physical and mental health; however, they may not be enough when it comes to treating and managing mental health conditions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, or other conditions, reach out to our expert clinical team, comprised of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists. Neuro Wellness Spa offers high-quality, insurance-based mental health treatments tailored to meet your specific needs.
Call us today to schedule an assessment and learn more about your treatment options, including in-person and online psychiatry for medication management, integrative brief psychotherapy, and TMS therapy. Your mental health and well-being are our top priority, and we can’t wait to help you on your journey to achieving your mental health goals.