How to Help Improve Your Mental Health During the Summer

It's July. It's hot. It's summer time. When it's this hot outside, its easy to stay inside all day and wait out the heat. But after a while, you may find your mental health suffering. Here are some quick tips to help maintain or improve your mental health even though its super toasty out there.

1. Go for a Walk

Okay, you may be thinking, "BUT ITS SO HOT OUTSIDE!", and you're right. So I'm not suggesting going for a walk at 2pm, right when the sun is beating down on you. What I am suggesting is going for a walk first thing in the morning. This especially goes out to my teens. I know it's summer and you want to sleep in, but when we start waking up at 3pm...it's not wonder your mental health starts to decline. We miss times when friends, we're only seeing the dark part of the day, and we're awake when everyone else is asleep. Try going for a walk in the morning, you'll hear the birds chirping, people will say "Good Morning" to you, and you'll be reminded that life is worth living.

2. Read Outside

Again, I know it's hot outside. But try it. Grab a favorite or new book, catch a shady area, and read for a while. Even better if you find yourself on a beach or something. Reading helps us relax and if we do it outside, you're getting that sweet Vitamin D that helps combat depression. Plus we can change our scenery a bit from those bedroom walls.

3. Have a Picnic

Grab a basket, a friend, some La Croix, and some fruit. Find a shady place to hang for a while, or even try a late dinner under the stars. Its therapeutic.

4. Grab Coffee with a Friend

Now we're indoors! But still out of the house. Text someone you haven't caught up with in a while and hang out at your local coffee shop.

5. Stay Hydrated

You may be amazed how much water intake affects our mental health. I'm serious. And when it's 100+ degrees outside...why not?

Good luck my friends :)

You Got This

Samantha