Seasonal Self-Care for Summer

Seasonal Self-Care for Summer

June 8, 2022

The days are getting longer and hotter. Summer is here! For some, summer is a time to relax and recharge. Others have a million activities planned to take advantage of all of that extra sunlight. Regardless of your summer style, we all need to prioritize self-care. Here are some ways to take care of your mental and physical health this summer!

Get Social

Summertime is perfect for spending time with friends and loved ones. With family get-togethers, barbeques and bonfires, there are tons of ways to stay social this summer. Here are some ideas to keep in touch:

Meet friends at your local pool for a day of fun in the sun.
On extra hot days, stay cool in the air conditioning by catching a movie or going bowling.
Keep it casual. Even a simple hang out with a friend can boost your mood.
Have a Zoom or FaceTime party with your friends or loved ones that live farther away.

Eat Well

Maintaining a healthy diet will keep your body fueled for all of your summer activities. Here are some ways to nurture a healthy appetite over break:

Summer is a prime season for many fruits and vegetables. Check your regular grocery store for deals or visit your local farmer’s market for fresh produce and other goodies.
Many farms will let you pick your own fruits or vegetables. It’s both a fun activity and a way to get some healthy, tasty treats.
Smoothies with no added sugars are a delicious way to stay cool. Experiment with vegetables like spinach and avocado - bonus points for adding a scoop of protein powder!
Look for new healthy recipes you can try at home. Google and YouTube can help with anything you can’t figure out by yourself, or you can learn cooking tips from our own Sol Tsonis.

Stay Hydrated

As the temperatures climb, you need to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make you very sick, and even mild dehydration can lead to you not feeling your best. Here are some things to help you remember to stay hydrated:

A good rule to follow is to drink eight cups of water each day - that’s eight 8-ounce servings - but you may need more depending on your activity level or how hot it is.
Sipping on a 64-ounce water bottle throughout the day can help you get all the water you need.
If you don’t like plain water, try adding fruit or other flavors. Even sparkling water and seltzers can help you stay hydrated.
Download a water tracker app to keep track of how much water you drink in a fun way.

Take Some Time Off

Taking time away from school, sports, clubs, and work can help your mental health and prevent burnout. Click here for more information about burnout and how to prevent it. Here are ways to get some rest this summer:

Look for opportunities to visit new places. This may be a vacation with your parents and siblings, or a trip to see family you haven’t met in a while. Checking out a new city or town can be both restful and energizing.
If you can’t get away, look for places, foods, and activities in your hometown you’ve never tried before.
Take advantage of days off if you can’t take any extra time away from work or other activities. Do what brings you joy and give yourself permission to not be productive all of the time.

Talk with a Professional

Depression and stress don’t always go on vacation just because the weather is nice. If you have feelings of depression or hopelessness, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Here are some things to get your mental health journey started:

Talk to your loved ones about how you’re feeling. You don’t have to be alone in your struggles.
Ask a trusted adult to help you find a mental health counselor. You can check out our article on the counseling process here.
Call the Ohio CareLine at 800-720-9616, or text '4HOPE' to 741-741 to reach emotional support and crisis care. Both options are free and confidential!