Summer is here! It’s time to hang out with friends and family, shop, and enjoy the weather. While these summer plans sound amazing, we mustn’t forget one very important thing. Let’s gear up to experience mental wellness with the sunshine and beautiful cool nights.
Here are five practical ways to avoid a summer slump!
1. Promote Mental Wellness
Make a declaration to take time to breathe fresh air. Breathe deeply for ten minutes at a time. Enjoy lunch on the patio, under the air conditioner, or in the backyard. Enjoy the early morning breeze and embrace the calmness of evening temperatures.
2. Get Active
A great way to deflect anxiety is to move that body and activate those muscles. Embracing the warm weather, absorbing the sunshine, and moving those arms and feet are sure ways to alleviate a racing mind.
3. Try Something New
Take on new challenges and activities. Dancing, swim classes, karaoke, traveling, outdoor yoga, marathons, or even taking a local getaway or dream trip can bring feelings of accomplishment and gratification. Taking action outside of your comfort zone releases stress hormones and increases feelings of pleasure. Your body will thank you for the exhilaration.
4) Stay Hydrated!
Water! Water! Water! Suffering from dehydration can increase feelings of exhaustion, depression, lack of concentration, and appetite. So grab those water bottles, jugs, or pitchers and drink up.
5. Make Good Use of Time Off
It’s okay to use your time off to see that movie you have been putting off or reading the book that you’ve been meaning to get to for the last month.
Sometimes we feel obligated to use vacation and paid time off to “catch up” on unfinished business or overdue appointments. This can lead to feeling tired or frustrated because you didn’t enjoy your time with something or someone that you really wanted. It’s okay to use your time off to see that movie or read that book that you’ve been meaning to get to for the last month.
Get ready to plan for fun, relaxation, and adventure during your next day away from work or school.
Kimberly Thomas, Ed. D. in Counseling Psychology is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in Partner Violence Intervention, Substance Use Disorders, and Anger Management. Her volunteer work includes helping build faith-based community programs, workshops, and community awareness campaigns. When Dr. Thomas is not working, she enjoys being a mother, singing and attending retreats.
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