Mental Health During the Summer
- Category: Mindfulness
- July 15, 2022
The warmest season of the year has arrived and with it comes new adventures and memories between yourself and loved ones you can cherish forever. The joys summer brings include sun exposure, pool time, tanning, vacations, and much more, providing a warm sensation that only lasts for three months. Use this time-limited season to your advantage so that you can greatly improve your health and well-being in ways that are unique to summer.
With it being summer, you likely have more free time for self-care, a chance for outdoor activities that improve your physical health, and can benefit from eating the fresh fruits that are back in season. Now is the best time to check in with yourself, update your personal needs, and most importantly, kick back, relax, and soak up all the sunlight you can.
Why Summer Is Good for You
One of the many benefits of summer is the impact it has on your mental health. Believe it or not, the sun is a free way to directly aid your happiness and it provides daylight to allow for more practical ways of taking care of your mental needs. Exposure to sunlight increases the release of the chemical serotonin in your brain which is responsible for making you feel happy. This partially explains why seasonal depression exists in the wintertime—people get less sun exposure and thus less serotonin, resulting in lower moods.
For those of you fortunate enough to have a summer break, it is a perfect time to target any issues going on in your life that you desire to deal with now that you have more free time. Whether it’s your physical or mental needs, here is a list of just a few of the many benefits you can receive during the summertime.
More Vitamin D
When you go to the doctor’s office for a check-up, they often ask whether you are taking any vitamins regularly. Though the body is wonderful and works in magnificent ways on its own, some essential nutrients tend to be missing from most people’s diets, making it necessary to obtain them in other ways.
A common deficiency is vitamin D, which is good for growth, your bones, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Some foods contain vitamin D and you can take it as a pill supplement, but the best way to get lots of this nutrient is through sunlight. Especially during the non-summer seasons, people may not get enough vitamin D if they don’t make a point to go outdoors.
Since this is a supplement that improves your physical health, it can greatly improve your mental health as a result. Those who get sufficient vitamin D may find themselves more energized and more willing to partake in activities promoting their mental state. Take advantage of the plentiful sunlight and vitamin D you can get from it this summer.
Improved Focus
Three months of extra free time and more daylight means more of a chance to stay on top of your goals. You might find it useful to write some of these goals down in a journal to visualize them and make it more likely you’ll execute them. Then, implement a plan to help you prioritize your mental and physical health by getting more sleep, eating balanced meals, and exercising regularly. This can greatly improve your ability to stay attentive and focused.
Your environment and surroundings can have a huge impact on your productivity, so by taking advantage of the increased time you have to plan and execute goals in the summer months, you can start to notice an improvement in your performance with tasks.
Lessened Anxiety
Using summer as a way to target your anxiety is perfect due to your renewed ability to implement different activities in your life that bring you joy and take your thoughts away from anxious feelings. Implementing a routine that healthily incorporates a good sleep cycle, balanced diet, and exercise can lessen those anxious thoughts and feelings.
Now is the time to start brainstorming fun summer projects such as cleaning your closet, setting a goal for how many books you want to read by the end of summer, or taking up a new hobby. Be careful that you’re not using these things as a distraction from anxiety. This can make your anxiety come back fast and hard when you don’t have something to do. If this sounds like you, seek out a therapist so they can help you get to the root of the problem.
Free Your Mind This Summer
We encourage you to soak up all of the benefits that summer has to offer. Summer is a one-of-a-kind season that comes as quickly as it goes. Take advantage of all the opportunities provided during these months and use them to better your mental health.
Summer is a season that many look forward to as it is full of life, laughter, and positivity that you can easily access if you take the necessary steps to prioritize your mental health. Anyone can take advantage of the benefits that come during this time which can help you strive toward a better and happier future. If you still struggle with your mental health when the warm, sunshine-filled months come around, get help from Headlight, a team of qualified counselors, coaches, and therapists who offer services to help you cope with any issues you are experiencing. While there are many positives to this season and time, others may find it particularly difficult and that is completely normal. We’d like to help you discover a potential in yourself you’ve yet to see and make summertime the best it can be. For more information, call Headlight at 800-930-0803.