For many people winter is a time when spirits are low with less sunshine and shorter days. Depression and “sundown syndrome” is common. The opposite can be true in summer. Days are longer, the sun shines, and spirits become brighter and more positive. Let’s look at ways to indulge in summer self care: how to prioritize mental health and well being.
Tips For Prioritizing Mental Health And Well Being
Get Up Early
Don’t sleep away your day. Get up early and sit outside. If you garden, this is the perfect time to pull those annoying weeds while the sun is still low in the sky. Listen to the songs of the birds waking up. Enjoy the breezes of early morning, and sip your favorite coffee. What a nurturing and private way to start your day.
Do Some Decluttering
Take charge of your closet and pack away winter clothes, and prepare anything you haven’t worn in the last season to go to Goodwill or some other charity. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment to complete such a lingering task.
Maybe you have a room that needs “paring down.” Change curtains, remove them completely, rearrange pillows, add a small rug or remove one. Adding some summer-like accessories always boosts your spirit.
Makeup/Shmakeup
Put your foundation away. Find a mild moisturizer, and instead of foundation use a primer with bronzing. Try some new colors of lipstick and eyeshadow. Free your face from anything heavy or time consuming. Keep it simple; it’s summer after all.
Manage Any Unwelcome Stress
Just because it is summer, doesn’t mean there won’t be “pop up stress.” Acknowledge its presence and do something about it. Choose what works for you: yoga, reading, listening to music, taking a walk, or engaging in some exercise. If none of these are working, maybe seek an appointment with Psychiatry Unplugged. We all can use a little help.
Be OK With Doing Nothing
There is an art to doing nothing. Sit outside on your patio, read a book you put away for later, walk your dog, stroll through your garden, talk to your best friend, take a nap (yikes), plan very light dinners, and go to sleep early.
Increase Your Water Intake
Drinking lots of water is helpful anytime, but especially during the summer. Keep that jug handy to stay hydrated. Mix water with fruits and veggies and healthy salads.
Learn To Say No
Say no without feeling guilty. You don’t have to attend every single get together or happy hour. Summertime is a time for you to enjoy being with yourself. Yes, you heard right. If you are feeling overextended, take a break. Prioritize yourself.
Practice Happiness And Well Being
You know how. Think of the gifts you have been given. Gratitude is more than a cliche, so take a deep dive into all the many joys in your life like friends, family, children, grandchildren, a home. It’s a decision we all can make.
Schedule a Consultation in Los Angeles, CA Today
Contact Psychiatry Unplugged at (844) 616-1616 if you are finding it difficult to enjoy and practice summer self care. We are here to help.
Sources: 8 Summer Self-Care Practices to Try (everydayhealth.com)
30 Self-Care Ideas for Summer (balancethroughsimplicity.com)
