Summer comes with a lot of excitement- long sunny days, brighter and greener nature, soaking up the lovely sun, picnics, beaches, and the list goes on and on. However, for some, summer seasons can be tough.
We expect summer to be all about going on vacations and different adventures, meeting up with friends, and generally having a more carefree and social life. Still, for many, this may sound a little overwhelming.
Those who feel a lot of pressure to be social and make plans, remember, it is okay not to do it all. It’s essential to take care of yourself and your personal needs first. If you can’t find the time between your work and everyday responsibilities, it is okay to pause and rest for a day or even two. However, it is also essential that you do not isolate yourself; we are, after all, social animals. The key is to find the right balance and do things that make you happy!
Here are our top 5 tips on how you can take care of your mental health better this summer:
- Enjoy your time off.
Whether it’s over the weekend or booked holidays, make sure you enjoy it!
Often most of us get caught up in running errands and doing other things we particularly do not enjoy doing so much. Of course, running errands is necessary, but make sure you give yourself enough time to do things you love.
You can have a mini spa day at home, arrange catchups with your friends, set up a picnic or barbeque by the beach, watch your favourite shows, or even simply spend some quality time with your family. Do things that bring you joy and energises you.
- Move around and get outdoors
During summer, one of the best things is to be outdoors. You can go hiking, arrange picnics or go for a simple walk around your local nature park. Of course, these are also things you can do by yourself, with your pets, or with a group of friends or family- whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Trees, grasses, and plants are a lot greener in summer, and the sound of nature can really help you feel calmer, which can significantly impact your mental wellbeing.
- Settle with a good routine
In summer, the sun rises a little quicker and sets a bit later, and additionally, schools will be closed, and most people now are most likely work from home, meaning there will be a lot of changes to your everyday routine.
It is essential to create and stick with a healthy everyday routine. From waking up, starting and finishing work, eating your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all other general everyday bits, it is better to have a set schedule for these, so when it comes to the day and doing things, you automatically know when to start and finish.
- Looking after your physical health
In summer, higher temperatures can make us feel unmotivated and quickly tired. An easy option is to sit down and beat the heat with cold drinks and a fan nearby; however, make sure that you are moving and exercising as often as possible. The best time to exercise is in the morning before the temperature rises or in the evening when the sun is setting.
Additionally, it is vital to stay hydrated during summer. To make your drinks more interesting, add different summer fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberry, and lime to your water.
Eat healthily and make it fun for you by trying different recipes, and if you are someone who enjoys planning and organising, why not meal prep for your week ahead- this will ensure that you are eating healthy and saves you a lot of time later.
Lastly, always remember to wear your sunscreen!
- Prioritise your mental wellbeing
As always, prioritise your mental health and wellbeing. Practice mindfulness and other self-care activities such as meditations, at-home yoga, and aromatherapy. Even simpler things such as noting down your feelings on a journal, reading a good book, or talking a short walk around your local park can help.
See our previous articles to learn how you can incorporate self-care routines into your daily lives here.
We hope this article can help you look after your physical and your mental health better this summer. Remember to make time for yourself and prioritise your mental wellbeing!
If you are looking for qualified therapists to help you prioritise your mental health better, please visit our service page here, or contact us on 0203 322 8176 to talk to our team!
