Summer Mental Health Tips: Staying Cool When the Temps Are Rising

By Christine Murray

As we’re getting closer to the official start of summer, we’ve taken this week at Start Here Counseling & Consulting to focus on how we can promote our mental health during the summertime. Below you’ll find tips to help you stay emotionally cool and grounded as the temperatures rise.

Tip #1: Recognize and Process Intense Emotions that Can Come with Rising Temperatures

As the heat of summer increases, it's common to experience heightened emotions. If you find yourself becoming more irritable, stressed, or experiencing mood swings due to the rising temperatures, know that this is a normal response.

The stress of high temperatures can push our minds and bodies into overdrive as we work to stay cool and regulate our internal environment. This discomfort alone can contribute to feelings of irritability.

To manage these emotions effectively, practice self-compassion and take steps to process your emotions in healthy ways. This can include expressing your feelings openly, perhaps through journaling, and finding constructive outlets for your emotions, such as talking about them with a counselor or trusted friend.

Tip #2: Embrace Flexibility in Summer Schedule Changes

During the summer months, life often becomes more unpredictable as schedules and routines shift. Whether it's people taking time off for vacations or children being out of school, these changes can bring both excitement and added challenges. Finding childcare, planning vacations, and managing all the related logistics can all add to our stress.

However, these changes offer an opportunity to practice flexibility and self-care. Embrace the sometimes-unpredictable flow of summer by adapting to new schedules and routines, prioritizing self-care, and finding moments of relaxation amidst the busyness.

Tip #3: Stay Present in the Moment During Summer Adventures

Summer often offers opportunities for adventures, both big and small. 

Explore the sense of adventure that summer brings by trying out new activities and embracing spontaneity. Even on a budget, there are plenty of ways to enjoy adventures, such as exploring new hiking trails, treating yourself to a new ice cream flavor, or simply taking in the beauty of a sunrise.

Let summer’s longer days and spirit of adventure inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and learn more about yourself along the way.

Tip #4: Prioritize Rest Alongside Summer Fun

Amidst the excitement of summertime fun, be sure to prioritize rest for your well-being. With so much to explore and do, it's tempting to stay constantly on the go.

However, remember that our bodies require adequate rest to recharge and stay healthy. Make time for restful activities like quality sleep, relaxation by a pool or body of water, and moments of mindfulness. 

Use these moments to be fully in the present moment, letting go of thoughts about upcoming tasks, to-do lists, and schedules. Balancing summer fun with rest ensures you can enjoy the season to its fullest while also caring for your mental and physical well-being.

Tip #5: Practice Good Sleep Hygiene During Longer Summer Days

With longer and sunnier days during summer, it's important to be proactive about maintaining good sleep habits. While the extended daylight can be enjoyable, it also has the potential to disrupt our natural sleep patterns.

To promote high-quality sleep, stick to a consistent bedtime routine, wind down before sleep by limiting screen time, and aim to wake up around the same time each morning. 

These practices help regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle, ensuring you get the restorative rest needed to feel refreshed, both emotionally and physically.

Cheers to an Amazing Summer Ahead!

While summer can bring a sense of fun and lightness, it also can come with changes, disrupted routines, and hot temperatures that may affect our mental and emotional well-being. This week, we've explored tips to support mental health during this summer season.

Here's to a summer full of adventure, moments of pure joy, and plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation. Wishing you the best that this year’s summer season will be a time of growth, self-care, and meaningful experiences!