Practicing proper summer mental health is the key to having the best “hot girl summer” possible. Here are some tips that will keep you fresh all season long!
The sunshine, flexibility, and longer days are exciting times for most people. But some people might be filled with anxiety, stress, and the feeling that they’re losing control. Either way, it’s essential to practice good summer mental health techniques to stay positive, healthy, and prepared for any downswings.
You’re not alone if the hotter months bring bouts of depression, anxiety, and stress. Around 10% of people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience negative symptoms during the summer. In other cases, it may not be SAD or the warm weather that’s causing you to feel bummed out. The loss of routine, body image issues, financial worries, and anxiety about the coming semester can play a part.
We all know It’s important to take care of our mental health year-round;but June through August provide an excellent time to get ahead in our lives, build self-care routines, and take time to reflect. You can use this time period to develop healthy habits if you feel more bummed during the winter months. It’s equally important to practice self-care if you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed during this time. Follow along with these tips to have a “hot girl summer” from the inside-out.
Summer is a great time to get outside, breath in the fresh air, and soak up the sun. The benefit of sunlight is vitamin D, which plays a vital role in healthy body function and well-being. Lack of vitamin D has been correlated to symptoms of depression, as well as other illnesses.
Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day. Going for walks, lounging by the pool, or even taking your laptop outside are great places to start.
It’s no secret that staying active with regular exercise can improve your mental health. Exercise and activity release endorphins, which can reduce stress and pain, as well as increase well-being. Keeping active is just one part of your “hot girl summer.”
Moderate walks, light jogs, yoga, and bodyweight exercises are great places to begin. Even doing some much-needed yard work can get your heart racing and endorphins pumping. Build up to a minimum of 30 minutes a day or higher to receive the best benefits.
Losing the structure and routine of school can be jarring. Having loads of free time may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. It’s essential to keep a routine or schedule to ward off negative feelings.
Be sure to start small and take baby steps. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” To start, create a sleep schedule that works for your circumstances. A consistent sleep schedule will provide you with more stability and structure. You can schedule time for healthy meals, hobbies, hanging out with friends, and alone time.
It’s not uncommon to feel anxious or stressed from May to August. You may have upcoming obligations such as internships, work, family responsibilities, summer camps, or school. Planning ahead is one way to alleviate feelings of uncertainty.
Plan for the major priorities in your life. Use a calendar, daily planner, or journal to schedule tasks. Maybe you have a family vacation coming up or need to prepare for the upcoming semester. Either way, you can use planning and organization to stay on track all throughout the year.
Let’s face it: most of us are still experiencing the downsides of the global pandemic. This period brought more isolation and loneliness, and really hurt our relationships. Thankfully, the summer is here, allowing us to reconnect with the people we love the most.
Make time to hang out with your friends and family. Going for walks, staying active, or enjoying a good meal together are great places to start — check up on how they’re doing and let them know the same. Don’t be afraid to reach out, communicate your concerns, and have a heart-to-heart.
It’s crucial to take time for yourself during your “hot girl summer.” It’s easy to get caught up in daily to-dos, emotions, and plans. Even so, taking time to get in touch with yourself will create more momentum moving forward.
Take time to reflect on the previous year, what’s to come, and how you feel. Use a journal to write down any thoughts or concerns. Explore your spirituality with meditation, yoga, or other practices. Setting aside time each day to touch base with yourself is a great place to begin.
Your “hot girl summer” starts with summer mental health. Practicing good self-care techniques and building healthy habits will keep you primed for the winter. Be sure to start small, slowly increase your workload, and stay consistent. Following these tips will ensure you have a “hot girl” summer, fall, and winter!
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