With longer days and warmer weather around the corner, summer is the perfect opportunity to switch up your routine and embrace the importance of mental and physical wellness. It’s also a great time to set good, healthy habits in motion that can serve as a strong foundation for colder months ahead. Keeping your mental health and self-care in mind, here are four great tips to get you started:
1. Embrace the outdoors.
Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun. Exposure to natural sunlight is known to increase vitamin D levels and serotonin in the body, both of which are proven to boost mood and energy. Try experimenting with a new outdoor hobby, such as gardening or an evening walk, to combine your physical health with mental wellness.
2. Maintain a sleep schedule.
While late sunsets and balmy evenings often beckon many new adventures, it’s important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule to maintain your mental well-being. Sleep deprivation is known to affect your psychological state and decrease your productivity throughout the day. So, remember to prioritize a full night’s rest so you’re ready to take on a new day with vigor.
3. Explore local produce.
Take advantage of the local produce available in abundance at your local farmer’s market or farm stand. It’s also the perfect time to incorporate new foods into your diet. Check out what’s in season here.
4. Plan a getaway.
Sometimes a change of scenery can positively affect your mental health and it usually can make a big difference and a marked shift in your perspective. Blue skies, lush landscapes and sandy shores might be just what you need to break away from life’s stressors which are known to increase your anxiety. So, take advantage of vacation time and allow your body and mind to relax, helping to refocus and reset before returning to your daily routine.
Changes in mental health can affect any individual, during any season. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, Oaks offers caring, compassionate programs for adults, children and families living with a mental illness. Our programs throughout New Jersey give individuals the opportunity to make healthy choices, stabilize symptoms of illness and eventually reach his or her full potential. To learn more or access services, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
