As the hot weather and summer activities begin, it can be too easy to get caught up in busy schedules and forget about self-care. While the excitement of summer is enticing for most, it can be overwhelming and cause feelings of anxiety or depression for some. These feelings are quite common and can be caused by many things such as summertime Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), disrupted sleep schedules, the heat and body image concerns.
Nevertheless, for those who are struggling with self-care, here are some simple tips to try during the summer months.
Go on a walk: a 20-minute walk outdoors has been shown to greatly improve mental health!
Maintain a sleep schedule: keeping a sleep routine stabilizes hormones and improves your mood.
Plan a getaway: Planning a vacation, even only for a day can provide an opportunity to unwind.
Practice mindfulness: taking 10 minutes to practice breathing exercises can reduce anxiety and stabilize mood.
Reconnect with friends and family: spending some time with others can uplift mood and increase social support.