There’s a lot that may come to mind when you hear the word “summer.” You might think of fireworks, barbecues, and long days at the beach. Summer is a popular vacation time, and for many, the season they most look forward to. For others, however, summer can be somewhat stressful. Between hot days, planning trips, and attempting to balance practical obligations with the desire to connect with friends and make the most of the summer season, you might find yourself feeling a bit out of sorts.
Thankfully, there is a lot you can do to try and regain your balance when you’re feeling the summer blues. This article will cover some simple self-care tips you can try to enact in your life to see if you feel a difference.
However, if you feel that self-care isn’t enough and you’re feeling the effects of a mood disorder, it might be time to seek health from a Maryland wellness center like Triumph Behavioral Health. Don’t delay when it comes to prioritizing your behavioral health, whether that’s through summer self-care or the benefits of psychotherapy.
4 Top Summer Self Care Tips
#1: Spend Time Outdoors
For many, one of the best things about summer is the weather. No matter how dreary the winter, most Americans at least are treated to bright sunlight, long days, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from – think hiking, rock climbing, swimming in lakes or pools, or sunbathing.
Of course, remember to take caution outdoors in the summer. Always bring plenty of water (especially if you are going somewhere remote), lather up with sunscreen, wear bug spray, and keep an eye out for wildlife. When enjoyed with care, many report that time outdoors is some of the best ways to tap into your wellness.
That being said, time outdoors does not always work its magic if you are struggling with mental health concerns. For instance, someone living with depression might feel too fatigued or down to make it outside. If that sounds like you, now is the time to seek out mood disorder treatment and explore your options for medication therapy management services.
#2: Take Time to Rest
Summer is not just a time to plan a glamorous vacation or swim in the pool with your friends. This season is also a time to rest, recharge your batteries, and prioritize plenty of down time. For many, it feels too hot during the summer to do anything except catch up on sleep and enjoy slow, calm days.
If you are feeling like you need a break, summer can be a great time to seek it. Take a nap when you feel groggy, set an early bedtime, and allow yourself to spend Friday night on the couch with your favorite movie. Listen to your body – and when it tells you to rest, do so.
If you feel as though your sleep is not restful or your mental health is getting in the way of your rest, consider contacting a nurse practitioner therapist. There are paths to feeling better, and seeking help from a Maryland wellness center to begin treatment and establish your goals of psychotherapy is a great way to start.
#3: Socialize Meaningfully
This summer, don’t feel as though you need to say yes to every plan, at every second of the day. Although the invites might be pouring in for get-togethers and bonfires and block parties, take a second to evaluate where you are in life and who you want to surround yourself with.
Maybe you have a group of friends who always bring the summer fun, but rarely ask you meaningful questions or check in when you are feeling low. Maybe you are yearning to catch up with your childhood best friend, but they live across the country, and your travel budget is low.
This summer, make the social decisions that keep you feeling grounded, centered, and strong. Surround yourself with positive influences, and rest assured that you are always allowed to say “no” – even if you feel that you could be disappointing people. If setting healthy boundaries is hard for you, or if you feel your social life has an intense effect on your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek out a nurse practitioner therapist to begin a new behavioral health journey.
#4: Seek Help When You Need It
If you feel as though you’ve done everything you can do on your own – tried every self-care tip, gotten plenty of rest, seen your best friends, and spent meaningful time outdoors – and yet you feel as though it’s not quite enough, it may be time to seek mood disorders treatment and discover the rich, wide-reaching benefits of psychotherapy and medication management.
By working with a team of dedicated, invested professionals and establishing a unique set of goals of psychotherapy for you, you will be able to watch your mental health soar and your mood improve to new heights.
Everyone deserves to have the summer of their dreams… or at the very least, to not feel as though their mental health is suffering during a season that is supposed to be filled with joy, connection, and plenty of relaxation.
It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that you will never feel better – that summer, and every season, are going to be times where your mental health spins out of your control. But with the right mental and behavioral health support, it does not have to be that way.
This summer, make a change to last a lifetime. Pursue what you need, whether that’s medication therapy management services, talk therapy, or something totally different. See how different summer can be when you make one of the best self-care choices of all: investing in your mental health at a Maryland wellness center like Triumph Behavioral Health.
Make the Most of Every Season
For those who want to take self-care to the next level, look no further than Triumph Behavioral Health. Our highly-qualified professionals and nurse practitioner therapists are ready and waiting to help you have the very best summer of your life. You could watch a season that often feels stressful, restless, or rife with mental health triggers become your favorite time of year.
So don’t wait – contact our team at Triumph Behavioral Health now, and see how much your quality of life improves when you prioritize your mental health. At Triumph, we care.