Do you feel…
burned out?
mentally exhausted?
like you’re just going through the motions without real joy?
A cold winter, a wet spring, stress, an overly busy schedule, and the like can do that to a person.
But as the sun shines a bit brighter and the temperatures become a bit warmer, summer can be the perfect time to recover from what has ailed you. So, don your flip flops and sun hat, because your summer may be about to give you the blissful makeover you need!
For a mood pick-me-up, look to seasonal summer opportunities such as these:
Soaking Up Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been shown to increase mood while decreasing negative emotions and depression-like symptoms.
Aim for 5-20 minutes of sun exposure daily (make sure to protect face, ears, neck, lips, and hands) to soak up enough ultraviolet rays for the body to produce the vitamin.
Slowing Down
You do not have to do it all or be it all so try to let go of any unrealistic expectations.
Allow summer to help you create a pace that is restoring, not exhausting. Loosen up on rigid schedules, say no if needed, and unplug when possible.
Spending Time in Nature and Prioritizing Recreation
If you’ve been doing the same exercise regimen for a while (especially indoors), summer can be a great time to forgo the usual and get your body moving outside in a new way. Hiking, swimming, pickle ball, tennis, golf, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, fly fishing, frisbee golf, rollerblading, and so many more activities can be wonderful ways to support physical health while clearing the mind, learning something new, and enjoying oneself.
Eating Fresh
Take advantage of summer’s harvest and boost your mood because of it. Reach for colorful fruits and vegetables with anti-oxidants that can reduce inflammation, fiber that can regulate bowel movements, and juices that can hydrate.
Visit farmer’s markets, grow your own garden, and peruse the fresh produce aisles of the grocery store.
Connect with Others
Summer, for many, is to be spent with others and can be good for social health. Whether a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, a beach day of swimming and floating, a meet up for a hike, or just a relaxing get-together over a glass of sun tea, consider expanding your social network during this season.
In addition, volunteering can be a win-win for both mental health and the wellbeing of others. Raise money for a run/walk, clean out the pantry and donate unused items, or join a volunteer organization in a special field you are interested in.
Relax and Reflect
Think about your favorite ways to relax and include them in your daily and/or weekly schedule. Set aside time to truly enjoy the things you love and that fill your bucket rather than empty it.
And when there’s a bit of extra time, reflect on your life, your achievements, your future goals. Note what you are particularly grateful for and how you can nurture more relaxation and fun in life.
Mental health and your mood is a vital part of overall wellbeing. While there are many ways to use summer as a way to kick negativity and foster love, kindness, and growth, sometimes more support is needed.
For additional naturopathic mental health care and counseling, please call our office at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule an appointment.
No matter the season, it is always a good time to focus on mental health. And we can help.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
REFERENCES
https://www.aware.app/magazine/the-science-of-vitamin-d-how-it-improves-energy-mood
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