8 Tips for Maintaining Mental Health During the Summer

Sometimes summer is so packed full of activities it’s hard to stay on top of your mental health. 

Mental health and well-being doesn’t stay the same year round. There are periods of rest and periods of activity. What you need to maintain your mental health might shift from season to season, and that’s okay! 

Why do seasons like summer impact our mental health?

Our needs change throughout the year, just like the seasons do. When we think of seasonal mental health disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder, we typically think of people who are primarily impacted in winter, but summer can have a big impact on mental health too. 

Many people feel a boost in their mental health and wellbeing during the summer, especially folks who live in climates where summer means a break from bad weather. For some people, long sunny days and warm summer evenings can contribute to improved mental health, lower stress, and increased well-being. Increased vitamin D exposure from the sun can help support mental health, and the nice weather usually means there are tons of opportunities to socialize and see your loved ones, which can help you feel happier.

That’s not the case for everyone, though! And even if you do typically feel better during the summer, you may still struggle with meeting the demands of this busier season. 

So, what can you do to support your mental health this summer?

Remember its okay to slow down

We live life pretty fast, and it can be hard to slow down without feeling like you’ll miss out, especially during the summer. However, overextending yourself can have negative effects on your mental health, like increased stress and exhaustion. If you’re so busy you don’t have time to enjoy things, you might feel overwhelmed. 

Remember that even in the warmer months, it’s okay to slow down! Practice noticing your capacity before you commit to any plans, and know that it’s okay to say no if you need to prioritize rest. 

Take advantage of nature 

Nature has many mental health benefits, and summer is the perfect season to spend time in nature. Taking daily walks around your neighborhood can help you notice the life cycle of the plants and animals in your neighborhood, and can even help you meet your neighbors. 

Spending time in nature can help improve your mood, lower your stress level, increase creativity, and provide a sense of wonder and belonging that is extremely powerful. It’s important to find ways to connect with things that are awe-inspiring or bigger than ourselves, to remember that we’re not alone. 

Create a routine

Your routine doesn’t need to stay the same year round, and developing a routine specifically for summer can help you meet your needs while still having fun this season. This is especially helpful if you have kids that are on summer vacation! A routine can keep everyone up to speed on what’s going to happen and when, so you don’t have to think about it. Make sure to give yourself time for self-care, rest, and fun regularly during the summer months! 

Try online therapy

Getting mental health support when you’re busy can be tricky, but teletherapy, or online therapy, can make it easier to fit into your schedule. If you can’t make it into the office, you can likely work with a therapist over video! 

Online therapy can travel with you so you can get the best of both worlds - enjoying your summer while supporting your mental health. 

Give yourself things to look forward to

Having things to look forward to can be helpful in improving your mental health. It’s fun to have things you’re excited about doing! You don’t have to break the bank, or go out of your comfort zone, but try to plan things regularly that you’ll be happy to do. 

Maybe it’s a weekly trip to the farmer’s market for a local treat. Maybe it’s a weekly hike with your dog or your best friend, so you can catch up. Maybe it’s taking your vacation time and going on a trip! As long as you’re looking forward to it, you’ll benefit. 

Stay nourished + hydrated

Summer is full of sunshine and activities, so it’s extra important to nourish yourself regularly and stay hydrated in the heat. Summertime is a perfect season to explore local seasonal produce at the farmer’s market, if you’re interested in adding more nutrition to your meals and exploring new flavors. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try infusing it with berries or herbs to make it taste better! 

Electrolyte mixes may be helpful if you’re feeling dehydrated, or if you’re doing intense activities that make you sweat. Popsicles can also be hydrating during the summer, if you’d like to add a little fun to the mix! 

Notice what you’re grateful for

It can be hard to keep up with everything that’s going on during a busy season like summer, so making time to acknowledge what is going well, or what you’re grateful for, can help. When you slow down to take stock of what’s going right, you help train your brain to notice positive things. 

Over time, you’ll start to notice lots of things to be grateful for or that you want to remember. And in the colder, darker months, you can refer back to your list of gratitude to remember that good times are coming again. 

Work toward body neutrality

Summer can be hard for people who occupy bodies that don’t fit our beauty standards. No one wants to feel judged or ashamed for the way that they look, but many of us do. One way to help interrupt the negative body image cycle is to work toward body neutrality. 

You don’t have to feel positively about your body all of the time, but can you work toward feeling neutral instead of negative? Your body isn’t good or bad, it just is. How would it feel to internalize that message that your body isn’t a problem? Over time, focusing on body neutrality can help you feel less emotionally overwhelmed by body image issues, which can help your overall mental health. 

Do you need extra mental health support this summer? Our therapists are here to help you navigate your path to wellness. Contact us today to get started with one of our clinicians.