Every season brings different challenges for our mental health, even summer. Despite the fact it is widely thought of as a happy time what with all the sunshine, holidays, beer gardens and having fun. It is still as important as ever to take care of our brains.
After all, it can be pretty challenging. Whether it’s FOMO for holidays you can’t afford, a sense that everyone else is having a better time than you or struggling with body image when diet culture and body shaming is rife. Let’s also take into account the increased number of hot, humid nights and unsatisfactory sleep. It can get to you.
We know we have to look after our brains all year round, but here are some summer specific ones that can help your brain stay fit and healthy in the heat.
Get Outside
You are a human, you need sunlight and vitamin D and to feel the breeze against your skin. It reminds us that we are alive! And this is a great thing to be reminded of.
Getting outside can be anything from sitting on a bench for 15 mins just taking in the scenery. Or it could be a 3 hour hike. It’s your choice. I obviously don’t recommend going out in the middle of the day when it is really hot. Early mornings, and late evenings are my personal favs for summer. Try it out! And if you need convincing, read this article for some more info of the benefits.
Fuck the FOMO
Everyone is having a better time than you and everyone is out doing things and having fun right?
Not necessarily the case! Of course, we know that social media is not showing all the colours of people’s inner lives. It’s a snapshot and a highlight reel . But it can feel like the whole world is out having a jolly and that can feel a bit rubbish if you are stuck at work. It’s especially frustrating when you are unable to afford your own holidays and adventures. With the cost of living being so high at the moment, it’s not that surprising that some of us are having to sit out the usual holiday plans. And that can feel rubbish.
Well fuck that. Comparison is the thief of joy. Refocus on your own life. What can you do right now that will feel good to you? What adventures can you make happen without even leaving your town?
Watch the Sunset or the Sunrise
Cost- nothing. Benefits? Feeling grounded, puts things in perspective, also really pretty to look at. I recently did this myself and I think it was the first time I had ever purposefully gone out to watch the sunset. I went with my partner and dogs, we found a good spot and we sat down, cracked open a beer and watched the sun slip down below the horizon. It was really, very nice. I give it 5 stars and highly recommend the experience!
Wear clothes that are comfortable in the heat
Shout out to all my readers who have spent many a summer in jeans and leggings, sweating and uncomfortable because they are determined not to show anyone their body. I have been there, done that, got the oversized and long sleeve t-shirt. Enough is enough. No more.
You deserve to be comfortable, I don’t care what your body looks like, it’s worthy and you are worthy of respect and that respect comes in the form of comfortable clothes that fit and are appropriate for the season. We know that it’s easier said than done. But think of it like you are talking to your best friend. They come to you and say “I am so uncomfortable in this heat but I can’t possibly wear anything that shows my body because I don’t want people to look at it”.
What would you tell them? Wear the comfy clothes!
Everybody has a beach body
Your body is already beach ready.
There is no one type of body that is allowed access to a beach. Fuck the ‘beach body trend’. You have a body, and you take it to the beach. That is the only way to have a beach body. There is no prerequisite to look a certain way to be able to access a beach. The fact that this has become somewhat of a thing over recent years is utter bullshit made to make you spend money on trying to fix the fictional things they are telling you are wrong. For more in body acceptance, check out this other article I wrote, accepting your body when the world is well you not to.
Move your body
It releases endorphins and we love endorphins! Plus, moving your body in a way that you enjoy is so good for your confidence. Challenging yourself physically can help you to build self belief, you are proving to yourself every time that you are capable and you can do the things you set out to do. It’s great and great for your mental health. Plus the benefits for your body are stellar:
Increased lung capacity? Yes please.
Increased muscle mass so you are strong enough to crush your enemies and do parkour? Hell yes!
Increased bone density? Okay now you are spoiling us, but it can literally make your bones stronger. Do you know how powerful that is? Plus you are looking out for your future self, osteoporosis is a real risk factor in later life, you are showing yourself so much love by moving your body.
There are lots of fun summer activities to try out – outdoor swimming pools or wild swimming, hiking to a picnic spot or surfing. It’s all right there!! If you are on a budget though, You Tube is your friend, as well as walks and runs. We especially like emkfit for really fun dance workouts that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Eat the summer food that feels good for your body
BBQ, Ice cream, fish and chips by the seaside. Whatever your thing is, eat it. YOU ARE ALIVE AND YOU ARE HERE TO LIVE. That translates to, eat the delicious food because you can and enjoy every mouthful of it.
Try something new
There are a whole range of activities available to us in the summer, let’s try some.
Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Hiking ( big or small), pottery, watching a play in the park, camping in the garden, outdoor cinema. It’s all out there for the taking, you just gotta take it.
Take the pressure off
It’s not anyone else’s summer, it’s yours. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You do you, enjoy the sun while it’s out and look after your mental health.
We would love to hear how you get on! Let us know in the comments. We will be back for autumn mental health tips when the time comes 😉
