How can I improve my mental health this summer? Summertime as a parent can be chaotic, especially if your mental health thrives following a school year routine. For other parents, 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 your mental health doesn’t suffer this summer. Here are ways to improve and maintain your mental health this summer.
How Can I Improve My Mental Health This Summer?
Is mental health better in the summer? According to the American Psychological Association, taking summer vacations help reduce stress by removing people from environments and activities that are associated with stress or anxiety. This study feels controversial considering many parents do not vacation for the entire summer. And if a vacations does occur, parents may not feel as relaxed as one expects.
Why do I feel stressed out and anxious during the summer?
During the summer, I find myself on a mental rollercoaster with mixed periods of low anxiety and high stress. 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 (source). There is nothing worse than missing out on an opportunity to make a beautiful summer memory due to poor mental health.
Picture this: Inside Out 2‘s Anxiety is in charge of packing for the family vacation. The wild haired toothy grinned orange creature is zooming back and forth in your mind as you make packing lists, tidy the house, and create itineraries. Am I the only parent who stresses myself out in the days leading up to a family trip? Anxiety can be somewhat expected for parents before a vacation if you feel a perceived lack of control, worry of the trip itself, or thoughts that packing is a constraint. Even though the feelings are expected, there is no reason why Anxiety should carry over into the vacation itself. The solution: leave your emotions in the moment where they belong. Vacations are meant to be fun, but don’t pack the pre-trip stress and anxiety too!
8 Self Care Tips for Mental Health During the Summer
There are many ways to ‘keep calm and carry on this summer’ so I can 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 this summer.
- 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.
As someone who understands the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially during the warmer months, I deeply appreciate the insights and suggestions you’ve shared.