How to Protect Your Mental Health Through the Summer
By Genevieve Cunningham
Mental health is a big deal. In the last few years, people have started taking it seriously, and this is truly a good thing. For the most part, the average person does a decent job of taking care of their own mental wellness. But this can be a little more difficult during times of change or breaks in the norm. And the summer, with different schedules and routines, can be a challenging time for those who suffer with mental health issues. So what can you do? While getting professional help is always an option, there may be some things that you can do to protect your mental health through the season. If you need a little push in the right direction, take a look at these tips to get you started.
Stick to a Schedule
Sticking to a schedule can really help. During the summer, we tend to stay up and sleep in later. We throw our routines to the wind, and we live each day on a whim. While this can certainly be fun from time to time, our bodies and minds really like routines. If possible, stick to the schedule as much as possible. Wake up at roughly the same time, and go to bed at the proper time as well. While it may feel like a drag, this one tip can really help keep your mental health in check.
Don't Think Ahead
When we think too far ahead, we tend to get anxious. For those enjoying some time off in the summer, it's normal to peek ahead a few weeks to when you have to get back to work or school. But if you can help it, try to avoid looking too far ahead. Don't stress over your summer coming to an end. Don't worry about your new schedule when the fall rolls around. Just enjoy each day as it comes. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the friendship, and enjoy the summer day by day. This can be a challenge, but it's absolutely one of the best ways to avoid anxiety and to protect your mental health.
Get Outdoors
Don't let the heat keep you inside too much. Our minds really like the great outdoors. They like the fresh air and the sun. They like the freedom that comes with getting outside. If you really want to keep your mental health in a good place this summer, make sure that you are getting outside on a regular basis. Go for walks, lay out in the sun, or do whatever feels good. Just make sure that getting outside is a normal part of your routine to protect your mental health and to keep your body healthy as well.
Keeping your mental health in check can definitely be a challenge. And it becomes even more challenging when your routines are altered. But with the right plan of action, you can keep your body and mind healthy all summer long. Use these tips to keep you moving in the right direction, and you may enjoy better health this season and all year round.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.