Make This Summer the Best One Yet!
“School is out and it's a sort of a buzz / But back then I didn't really know what it was…” Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Summertime
Raise your hand if the weather is starting to feel like summer in your part of the world! Alright don’t actually raise your hand… But Summer season is indeed upon us! Schools are out on summer break. The cicada apocalypse is buzzing throughout the south. Pools are opening, grills are firing up…summertime is here! Students are celebrating the beginning of summer break. Parents are either thrilled for the summer fun or scared to have bored kids at home for a few months. Others are planning their summer adventures and deciding what they want to accomplish before autumn. Regardless of your life stage and life choices, there are a few things you can do to help you have an amazing summer. And of course, it wouldn’t be summer without the all time summer time classic - Summertime. So turn up your volume, turn on the song and read the tips that can help you have a great summer.
Break the monotony
“Here it is the groove slightly transformed / Just a bit of a break from the norm / Just a little somethin' to break the monotony”
Something about the summer season feels like it’s breaking the monotony of life. If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder - or SAD - then you are likely extra aware of the mood boost that the sun provides. Seize the moment and come up with ideas for summer activities that will not only help break the monotony but bring you joy. These ideas don't have to be intricate or require expensive vacations to the beach. Taking a light picnic at the park or getting a cold treat on a balmy day can help transform our perspectives and break the normal flow of our day in a pleasant way.
2. Create space to unwind
“Summer, summer, summertime/ Time to sit back and unwind”
It might be tempting to fill your schedule with activities and events - just to make sure you are capitalizing on the summer. While plans and activities are great, avoid the distortion that you need to be entertained or account for every minute or every day. Instead, embrace the power of serendipity and plan for time to just unwind. Whether pool side with some friends or taking a solo sunset stroll - make sure you allow yourself to slow down enough to notice the summer before it passes. Can you spend 15 minutes laying on the blanket and looking at the sky and passing clouds? Or walk outside and notice 5 different plants, 4 new smells, 3 unique sounds of the summer? Consider making plans with friends to do nothing but sit back and unwind together while the kids play in the sprinklers. These carefree moments may just end up being your favorite ones of the summer.
3. Spend time outside
“It's late in the day and I ain't been on the court yet”
Whether it's the rhythmic dribbling of a basketball echoing through the neighborhood courts, the inviting greenery of local parks, or simply the neighborhood kids chasing the ice cream truck, there's an undeniable energy that comes with the arrival of summer. The warm weather encourages us to spend more time outside and soak in the summer air. If you’re a basketball player, you recognize the anticipation of getting on the court for a game of pickup. If you are a hiker, you will recognize the excitement that an early morning open trail head brings. Even if you are not a sports lover, the warm weather encourages us to spend more time outside which can boost our health and mood. (ICYMI check out our post on the impact of an exercise on your mental health). Think of open-air activities that you would enjoy in the warmer weather. Do you want to take on a sport? Volunteer? Finally plan that garden or host that bbq? Drink your morning coffee at the open window breathing in the fresh air? Regardless of the details, make sure you spend at least some time outside daily (and stay safe and hydrated!).
4. Get near a body of water
“The temperatures about 88/ Hop in the water plug just for old times sake”
Now what is more summer like than a swim in the pool, ocean or a lake? I recognize that many of us do not live near a beach or have a pool in our backyard and we cant just drive over to the Pacific or Atlantic for a daytrip. However, do not limit have another body of water nearby. Whether a community pool or the neighborhood swim hole, see if you can at least get near a body of water at least once this summer. It's not just about cooling off or getting sand in your toes, but about reconnecting with the simple joys of summer, the memories of sun-soaked days, and the timeless feeling of freedom that comes with floating in the vast, open water. And for any of you reading in the coastal states and within commuting distance to the beach - I don't want to hear excuses. Brave traffic for a day, get yourself to the beach and hot in the water just for old times sake.
5. Embrace your community
“All the kids playin' out front/ Little boys messin' round with the girls playing double-dutch /While the DJ's spinnin' a tune as the old folks dance at your family reunion”
As an adult, it seems like life often gets in the way of friendships. Summer, fortunately, often brings more opportunities for social gatherings, grill outs, and community outdoor events that can help you connect with loved ones and make new connections as well. Understand the power of social connection and the consequences of social disconnection on your relationships, health, and well-being. This summer try to reduce practices that lead to you feeling disconnected from others (no more doom scrolling and ignoring your family). Instead, try to participate in social and community groups such as fitness, religious, hobby, professional, and community service organizations to foster a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose. Or attend the BBQ your aunt always hosts that inevitably turns into a family reunion. Or finally schedule that get together with your buddies. Embracing your community during the summer can be incredibly beneficial for your mental and emotional well-being.
Wrap Up
Breaking the monotony and creating space to unwind during the summer can be incredibly rejuvenating. The warm weather and longer days provide a perfect backdrop for spending time outdoors, where the fresh air and natural light can improve mood and increase energy levels. Being near a body of water not only offers a serene setting that can reduce stress but also presents opportunities for activities like swimming or boating, which are great for physical and mental health. Planning social interactions can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community. Whether it's a picnic in the park, a beach day with friends, or an outdoor concert, these experiences can create lasting memories and a break from the daily routine. So, embracing the summer season by stepping outside, enjoying nature, and connecting with others is not just enjoyable, but also beneficial for one's overall well-being.
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AI Disclaimer: This post is original and written by Kevin Boyd of Future Full of Hope, PLLC. No AI tool was leveraged in the development of this post
