While summer is often considered fun in the sun, it doesn’t mean the season is totally carefree. Especially for those facing challenges or struggling with summer depression, this time of year can be taxing on a person’s mental health.
Wellness tips for summer
With the beautiful weather and the abundance of events, summer can be a great time to revitalize your mental health. Our Westerville Wellness and Recovery Center shares some summer wellness tips to help you make the most of this time of year and give your summer mental health the boost it needs.
Go outside
One of the best parts of summer is the good weather. Take advantage of the sun and go outside. Not only is there a lot to do, but spending regular time in nature has been shown to decrease depression, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.1
Check out local events
Another benefit of summer is the full calendar of community events. Instead of fighting boredom and letting negative thoughts creep in, these summer events can keep you busy and provide a good distraction. Gather a friend or go solo and see the festivals, concerts, markets, and activities in your area.
Spend time with others
Another way to improve your mental health in the summer is to spend time with others. Social isolation and loneliness can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide, but with so much going on in the summer, it’s easy to find things to do with friends and meet new people. two Especially after months of COVID lockdowns and social distancing guidelines, it’s important to reconnect with others if you can safely do so. Don’t be afraid to expose yourself and join a class, team, or group to make new friends.
Try something new
Along with the full program of community events, summer makes getting outside easier and opens the door to many new activities. Use this summer to try something new. Good summer activities for mental health include hiking, yoga outdoors, photography, and even dance classes in the park. Not only will trying something new keep you busy, but you may also find a new passion.
Plan a trip
During the summer, many people will go on vacation. While it’s fun, there are several mental health benefits to the holidays, too. Your journey can help you de-stress, reduce depression, decrease anxiety, prevent burnout, and improve your overall well-being.3 Your vacations don’t have to be complicated or far away either. You can also take a few days off for a vacation at home.
Outdoor exercise
Rather than doing the same exercise routine at the gym, the beautiful summer weather gives you more options when it comes to staying active. Sign up for a fun or 5K run, join a recreational sports team, go for a walk on a nearby trail, or try an exercise class in the park. Not only can these outdoor activities make it easier to find motivation to exercise, but they also make the activity more fun. With regular exercise, you can also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while improving your mood.4
Keep a good sleep schedule
While it may be tempting to throw out your normal summer sleep schedule, it can wreak havoc on your mental health. One way to maintain good health and well-being during the summer is to follow a good bedtime routine and schedule this summer, and you may see your mental health improve.5
If you are struggling with how to take care of your mental health in the summer and you are not seeing any improvement, it may be time to ask for help. At Vertava Health Westerville, our Columbus mental health professionals and therapists are here to guide you on your journey to healing. Learn more about managing your mental health and improving your overall well-being by contacting us today.
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