Ways to Spark Joy During the Summer Months

Ways to Spark Joy for Your Mental Health

Summer Months Edition

Do you feel an increase in mood and energy levels now that the days are longer and the sun is out more? Are you hoping to set aside time for yourself over the summer to recharge? Let’s talk about some ways that you can find joy and fun this summer, and why it’s important to do so with intention.

The Summer Hiatus

For a lot of working individuals, summer can feel like the perfect opportunity to find relaxation and restoration. It can also serve as a much needed respite for educators and students after a long school year.

For those who struggle with seasonal depression, it can be especially important to take advantage of the summer months to cultivate one’s mental health and create positive memories and experiences to carry through the rest of the year. Below are some ideas of ways to spark joy for your mental health this summer:   

Explore the outdoors.

Tis the season for parks and beaches! If you live near any parks or accessible bodies of water like beaches and lakes, this could be a great way to spend leisurely time outdoors. It may also be fun to try out a nearby hiking trail or simply start your day with a nice walk around your neighborhood. No matter how you do it, spending time exploring and moving your body outdoors can leave such a positive and lasting effect on your mental health.

Make travel plans.

If time and money permits, traveling over summer can be exciting and full of opportunity since the weather allows for maximum amounts of outdoor activities and community engagement. Whether you are traveling to visit friends and family, taking a road trip to another city in your state, or jetting off to a long awaited destination, it is important to change your environment every now and again and treat yourself to a vacation.

Make a summer recipe list.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables call for seasonal snacks and meals! Between cookbooks, social media, and the internet, finding new recipes is as accessible as ever. Creating refreshing drinks, meals, snacks, desserts, etc. that are best suited for warm weather can add to the ambience of these summer months while also bringing friends or family together for an interactive kitchen experience. 

Initiate social gatherings with friends.

Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends and integrate people from different areas of your life. Planning a beach bonfire or group picnic could be just what you and your friends need to kick off summer while also creating an environment to foster new connections and friendships. 

Feed Your Creativity.

Nature is an amazing source of inspiration, especially when it comes to creative expression. Take advantage of the clear skies and warm weather to camp out at a park or even in your own backyard with some art supplies! There are so many ways to feed your creativity. Here are some of our favs: Painting, Drawing, Taking a Pottery Class, Learning a new instrument, and so many more!

Escape the heat when needed.

While summer is all about outdoor activities, somedays will be a little too warm to spend much time outdoors. On these days, it can be really refreshing to participate in some cooler indoor activities such as visiting a local indoor swimming pool, museum, bookstore, new cafe, or trying a new ice cream shop in town.

Still Need Help Sparking Joy?

If you’re having trouble sparking joy or just having a rough time in general this summer, feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our providers here.