Summer brings memories of pool parties, popsicles, barbeques, watermelon, and the hot sun. For those suffering from mental illness, however, summer can quickly become a depressing cycle of feeling left out, alone, and downright miserable. It feels like your summer has no joy. It can also feel like there is something wrong with everything, especially yourself.
To get out of the summer funk, try these 10 tips for a joy-infused summer.
Get outside more
It’s really hot outside during the summer, but that’s a great reason to get out! If you can spend even just 15-20 minutes in the sun, the natural vitamins it provides you can help you feel so much better. One great way to get outside is to go swimming because it’s the perfect combo of hot (the sun) and cool (the water). If you’re not feeling confident because you don’t have the so-called “summer body”, look at it as an opportunity to start loving yourself at this point of your journey.
Plan a trip
This doesn’t have to be a huge, fancy trip. Even just a trip up your local canyon to camp or to a nearby town is good enough. Summer is a great time to travel, and the adventure of traveling can do wonders for your mental health. It can also help you create new, fun memories! Now that’s a joyful summer!
Eat good food
Summer has some of the best foods, from barbecues to ice cream and watermelon. Prepare a special meal this summer for yourself or for others. Serving yourself and others can bring satisfaction and joy into your life.
Take more pictures
These can be selfies, wildlife, nature… anything! Create memories by taking more pictures this summer.
Find water
As a Hawaii girl, I’m always looking for large bodies of water. I absolutely love being near water because 1) it’s beautiful, 2) it’s calming, and 3) it cools me off. Like the first tip, get outside more and stay cool by finding water. It can be a pool, a lake, a reservoir, or the ocean… but find water and play, relax, and enjoy the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen though! 😛
Try something new
In a nearby town or city, find a new skill to learn or try. There are many fun activities to do that don’t cost very much. Bowling, ax throwing, making art, ceramics, etc are a few of the many fun things you can try. When I lived by myself as a college student, I appreciated that the city had lots of fun things to do. One of the fun things was a chocolate tasting tour. If you’re feeling down, that’s definitely a pick-me-up!
Get enough sleep
Summer days go on forever. The sun rises early and sets late at night, so it’s easy to stay out super late. However, the inconsistency of your schedule can cause a lot of problems—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Be sure to stick to a routine. A late night every once in a while is ok, but every night will keep you feeling drained.
Sleep under the stars
I had the recent experience of sleeping under the stars at Lake Powell. I marveled at their beauty and felt humbled by my experience. It helped remind me of my sense of place. If you feel down and don’t feel like you belong, sleeping under the stars will remind you of a loving God watching over you. That’s enough to boost the joy for your summer and refresh you for the fall and winter months ahead!
Spend a little more time with people
(and less time on the screen)
Our phones take up so much of our lives and time, so unplug for a day or two. Spend more time with people you love and enjoy being with. People have a little more time during the summer to do things, so schedule some dinners or activities to build your relationships. If the thought of getting together with others feels overwhelming, then take it one step at a time. Maybe get together with just one close friend and work your way up to getting together with a few people.
Keep a journal
With all of the memories you’re making this summer, keep record of it. You will be so grateful to look back at the pictures, your feelings, and the activities you did this summer—including the hard stuff you went through. Keeping a journal provides you with an outlet for the good, the bad, and the ugly. But it can mostly help you focus on the most important things in your life. After all, the quote goes:
The most important things in life aren’t things.
As you continue your journey this summer, I hope you can use these tips to bring more joy into your life! Even if you’re at a very difficult point in your life, know that there is always something to feel mahalo for and something that can bring you joy.
I send all the aloha and good vibes your way for a joy-infused summer!
Love,
Lei
P.S. Want to try something else this summer? I have a free 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness Mini Course that you can receive in your inbox today!
