3 Ways to Overcome Anxiety in the Summer
Find Serenity this Summer.
As temperatures rise and days grow longer, summer often promises relaxation and rejuvenation. However, for many, this season can also bring out your anxiety. Whether it's due to social pressures, travel plans, or changes in routine and schedules, managing anxiety this summer is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Here are three effective strategies to help you navigate these challenges so you can find more serenity this summer:
1. Connect with Nature: The summer months provide ample opportunities to connect with the natural world, which can be incredibly soothing for anxious minds. Spending time outdoors—whether it's in a local park, at the beach, or hiking in the mountains—not only exposes you to fresh air and sunshine but also encourages mindfulness and relaxation. Nature has a profound ability to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm. Consider incorporating activities like walking barefoot on grass or the beach, practicing yoga or meditation outdoors, or simply sitting quietly and observing the beauty around you. These moments of immersion in nature can significantly alleviate anxiety and restore a sense of inner peace.
2. Maintain a Balanced Routine: While summer often encourages a break from routine (hello summer break!) maintaining a sense of structure can be beneficial. Aim to establish a balanced daily routine so that you are getting enough sleep each night. Setting small goals for each day can provide a sense of accomplishment and control, which are essential for reducing anxiety levels. Incorporate activities that you enjoy and find relaxing, such as reading, painting, or listening to music at similar times each day. Bonus points if you include music or the outdoors, such as going to a park and painting or writing in your journal while sitting on a park bench (in the shade!) on your lunch break.
3. Try one new thing: Goal-setting can create a sense of intention and purpose for our everyday lives. What is one thing that you are interested in trying in the next 3 months that could help create a fun summer memory? Trying a new yoga or dance studio class, tasting a new dish at your favorite restaurant, inviting a friend to ice cream to try their seasonal flavor, and/or going to listen to live music at a local venue. For something more social and pre-organized, check out local resources such as www.meetup.com for a calendar of events such as hikes, painting classes, and outdoor events!
Summer months can bring up all kinds of emotions and memories for folks. It can be helpful to have a little tool box of ideas (I like to call them resources) for when things get tough, “boring”, or lonely. I enjoy supporting my adult and adolescent psychotherapy clients in creating their personal tool-boxes. If you are interested in working together, I would love to hear from you. In the meantime, drink plenty of water and stay cool this season!