Easy wellness & mental health ideas to implement this summer

Jul 12

Summer is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate both your body and mind. Here are some simple yet effective wellness and mental health tips you can easily incorporate into your routine for a happier, healthier living.

Prioritize Sleep

While the longer summer days may tempt you to stay up later, prioritizing sleep is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being and energy levels. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to allow your body and mind to rest and rejuvenate. Good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, is essential.

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

Incorporate mindfulness and gratitude into your daily routine. Adding 5-10 minutes of meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking can help reduce stress and increase your awareness and appreciation of the present moment. Additionally, keeping a gratitude journal and writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and improve your overall outlook.

Reconnect with Friends

Use the summer to reconnect with friends. Plan a picnic, a barbecue, or a simple coffee date. Social connections are vital for emotional and mental health and can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Declutter and Organize

Take some time to declutter and organize a small space in your home. Whether it’s your desk, a closet, or a kitchen drawer, creating an organized space can reduce stress and boost your productivity.

Spend Time Outdoors

Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air by spending more time outdoors. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike, or just sitting in your backyard, nature has a calming effect and can improve your mood.

Implement a Self-Care Routine or Spa Day at Home

Treat yourself to a self-care routine or a spa day at home. Light some candles, play soothing music, and indulge in a face mask or a relaxing bath with essential oils like lavender. Taking time for yourself is crucial for mental well-being.

Volunteer or Give Back

Consider volunteering for a local cause or community event. Helping others can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose, boost your mood, and create stronger community ties.

Digital Detox

Take a break from screens and social media. Set aside specific times to unplug and engage in offline activities. This can reduce stress and improve your focus and overall mental health.

Embrace Healthy Eating

Focus on healthy eating by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Summer’s bounty of fresh produce makes it easier to prepare light, fresh, and nutritious meals.

Explore Local Farmer's Markets

Visit local farmer’s markets to find fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables. Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but you’ll also be incorporating nutritious, seasonal produce into your diet.

Stay Hydrated

Keep yourself hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain energy levels and support overall health. Make sure the quality of your water is good. Try not drink from plastic bottles. A recent study, published in January this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that a liter of bottled water contains an average of approximately 240,000 detectable plastic fragments. This amount is 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated. For context, a liter is slightly more than 32 ounces, or one quart.

Try a New Exercise or Hobby

Summer is a great time to try something new. Whether it’s a new exercise routine, like yoga or swimming, or a hobby, such as gardening or painting, engaging in new activities can be both exciting and rewarding.

Have Time for Yourself

If you have kids, ensure you carve out some time just for yourself. Whether it’s an hour of reading, a solo walk, or a quiet cup of tea, taking time for self-care is crucial for maintaining balance and mental health.

Make a Summer Playlist

Create a summer playlist filled with your favorite upbeat tunes. Music can lift your spirit, provide motivation, and make your summer activities even more enjoyable. What we hear can significantly impact our mood and mental state. Choosing positive and uplifting music can enhance your well-being, just as the media we consume and the foods we eat affect our overall health. Curating a playlist of happy, energetic songs can set a positive tone for your day.

Protect Your Skin

Remember to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Check out my article in the blog about Sun Protection Tips & Vitamin D.

Read a Book

Dive into a good book. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a self-help book, reading can be a great way to relax, learn something new, and escape from everyday stress.

Explore a New Place

Take a day trip or explore a new area in your city or town. Discovering new places can be exciting and refreshing, and it offers a change of scenery that can stimulate your mind and lift your spirits.

Cook a New Recipe

Try cooking a new, healthy recipe. Experimenting in the kitchen can be a fun and creative way to enjoy nutritious meals and spend quality time with loved ones.

Engage in Creative Activities

Indulge in creative pursuits like drawing, writing, crafting, or playing a musical instrument. Creative activities can be a great outlet for self-expression and stress relief.

Set Personal Goals

Set achievable personal goals for the summer. Whether it’s learning a new skill, improving fitness, or starting a new project, having goals can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

Incorporate these simple wellness and mental health ideas into your summer routine to create a season filled with joy, relaxation, and personal growth. Remember, taking small steps towards self-care, and creating small atomic habits can make a big difference in how you feel and how you shape your new healthy identity. Enjoy your summer, embrace the warmth, and take care of yourself—you deserve it!

Conclusion

Incorporating these wellness and mental health tips into your summer routine can transform the season into a time of rejuvenation and joy. By prioritizing sleep, practicing mindfulness, reconnecting with friends, and exploring new activities, you can enhance your well-being and create lasting positive habits. Embrace the warm weather, protect your skin, stay hydrated, and enjoy the abundance of fresh, healthy foods. Whether you're spending time outdoors, engaging in creative pursuits, or simply taking a moment for self-care, each small step contributes to a healthier, happier you. Enjoy your summer, savor each moment, and take care of yourself—you deserve it!