Caring for Your Mental Health Through Summer
It’s a little ironic isn’t it? You might look forward to summer all year long and now that it’s here, you’re noticing you feel a little “off”. You notice how you love the sun setting later because you’re making the most of your full day. Sometimes the quieter work environment is welcome. The lack of routine is a bit refreshing, too. However, these things also dysregulate your nervous system a little bit. And, now you might be wondering how to care for your mental health through summer.
While routine can become stagnant and mundane – even a bit draining, it also provides a framework for you to live within. Meaning, when your mind, body and emotions know what to expect (such as a wake up time, lunch time, etc) it feels good. You feel good. It’s possible you find your mood is a bit more stable because of this. Or, your thoughts don’t run quite as wild because some of the structure to those non-summer days takes the guesswork out of life. You don’t need to overthink or anticipate in some of the ways you do in the summer.
Here are a couple of suggestions for you to keep caring for your mental health through these beautiful, warm, long summer days…
Try to maintain a consistent wake time and bed time.
Of course there can be some flexibility with this, just as you may create on weekends throughout the year. But whenever possible, give yourself the gift of a similar way and time of waking and winding down to go to bed each day. Your body really does thrive with healthy rhythms and this is a big part. I like to use the word rhythm rather than structure because rhythms are like waves, they are consistent but not identical. They are soft and not forceful. They create framework but not rigidity. You can sense some freedom and even notice a shift from your regular routine, while still supporting your wellness.
Sleep is one of the top contributors to mental and emotional wellness. It’s undervalued and not given the credit it deserves. I invite you to explore how you can make the most of your sleep time…whether that’s falling asleep, staying asleep or getting quality sleep.
Move your body and slowly breathe in that fresh air.
Your body needs to move and while summer provides long days, you might find you spend a lot of them not moving. Your weekends might be filled with friends, drinks, boating, camping and other adventures! These experiences are so helpful to you!…and your body will also benefit from intentional movement. If you can prioritize a 20min walk at the start of the day and a big glass of water, you’ll notice your body thanks you. In turn, your mind will feel more alert and engaged. You might notice more calm rather than ruminating. When you move your body, you release emotional energy that otherwise stays trapped. This is really healthy for all parts of you.
Walking (or running or really anything that moves you) can also give you a few moments to take some deep, intentional, grounding breaths. Grounding yourself by breathing intentionally, slowly, and right into your diaphragm is regulating for your (parasympathetic) nervous system. That’s the part that helps keep you calm and open minded.
Do something different – often!
If your summer looks similar to the rest of your year in that you aren’t taking time off of work, or away from home with your family, mix it up! Rhythm and routine is healthy and so is FUN! Human adults can become stuck in work that play, creativity and fun is lost. Your mind needs this outlet. Fun might be appies with a friend in the middle of the week. It could mean taking some type of lessons (paddle-board, boating, biking, a running club, pottery, painting, cooking, etc). Fun might mean going to a local nursery and wandering the plants. You might also find you just want to go for a drive and sit at the water’s edge somewhere. There’s no end to fun and play and they are infinitely important for your analytical mind to rest and refresh. I invite you to get creative!
If your mental health is suffering a little, the summer is a great time to reach out for support.
Many clients find that stepping into counselling in the summer, gives them solid tools for the Fall. You might find that some family dynamics (or your kids!) are causing a lot of distress. Why not begin to explore some of these struggles during some possibly quieter months so that when life ramps up again, you feel more equipped. I’ve noticed many clients appreciate the extra time in the summer to implement some of the tools discussed in therapy. You might find there are parts of yourself (that more laid back part for example) that might serve you well, come the Fall. You want to explore how to integrate that part of your into the rest of the year. Clients often find that the routine of attending therapy, set in the summer, is helpful through the year. Prioritizing and caring for your mental wellbeing is not only self-care, it’s deeply important for you and those around you.
If you’ve been feeling off, or not enjoying summer like you expected to please reach out. I’d love to connect with you through the summer. Or book your Fall appointments if that seems like a more opportune time. Even prioritizing yourself with these appointments, implicitly communicates to your nervous system that you are invested in yourself.
