Summer Wellbeing – 8 simple ways to make your mental health a priority | Blog

The summer months can often bring a change in routine - holidays, time off work and full social schedules. These changes can sometimes mean that our own self-care and mental wellbeing can slip to the bottom of the priority list. However, taking care of our wellbeing doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated, and there are little things we can incorporate into our days to prioritise our mental health. Small things can make a big difference to how we feel.

We've put together this blog to share some creative, no cost tips, to help inspire and maintain our wellbeing during the summer months.

1. Spend 10 minutes outdoors

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and in natural surroundings.  This could be a local park, coastal path or just a leafy street.  Spending 10-15 minutes outdoors can lower stress, improve mood and boost focus.

Why not try committing to a daily nature break - a walk after dinner, lunch in the park or just sitting under a tree.  Try and observe sounds, smells, and all the things you can see.

 2. Make a You first summer plan

We know summer can often be a packed schedule with events, visits and travel but have you set aside any time for yourself?  It's very easy to say yes to everything but just as important to schedule time for yourself.

At the start of each week, pencil in at least two me time self-care blocks. This can be just 15 minutes where you do something for yourself. Treat these slots like appointments and do something that feels right for you. It could be reading, journalling, stretching, listening to a podcast or doing nothing at all.  It's your time and your time is just as much a priority.

 3. Connect with people who nourish you

The NHS recommends connecting with people is good for mental health and it's one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Make a point of having one-to-one catch ups with people you trust and feel relaxed around. Social interaction is a vital part of maintaining positive wellbeing so a walk and talk with a friend, a video call with family or even a text check-in, can be so rewarding and elevate our mood.

 4. Try a Mindful moment challenge

Studies have shown mindfulness can help with stress, anxiety and depression and just five minutes of mindfulness can reset your mood.

Why not try and bring more bring mindfulness into daily life.  If time is a challenge, try doing one simple activity a day mindfully - brushing your teeth, making a cup of tea or hanging the washing out.  Focus fully on the task, noticing sensations and slowing down your thoughts.

When more time allows, our on demand  Mindful Living  course is a great introduction to mindfulness techniques. You can access the online course at any time and go at your own pace.

  5. Start a summer gratitude list

Each evening, jot down three things you are grateful for.  It could be something as simple as the sun shining, a blue sky, or a conversation.  Popping the notes on your phone is a quick and easy way to do this and means over time, you can look back and reflect on all the positives at a glance.

  6. Walk for your wellbeing

Movement is medicine for the mind.  You don't need to hit the gym though.  Just a short walk every day with the intention of clearing your head.  You could combine this with listening to a podcast, catching up with a friend, listening to your favourite playlist or simply being with your own thoughts.  Let your body do the processing your mind might be struggling with.

  7. Embrace slower moments

The summer months don't always need to be non-stop.  It's ok to rest, say no, or choose calm over chaos.  Once a week (at least!) allow yourself to do nothing for half an hour.  Sit outside, lie on the sofa, or listen to the birds.  These quieter moments help the nervous system to reset and with no guilt needed.

For reminders to set some time aside for yourself, you could also download the free  Action for Happiness Calendar , where each day has a little prompt to help boost your wellbeing over the summer months and beyond.

  8. Use summer themed dates to prioritise your wellbeing

Summer brings more than just (hopefully) sunny weather!  It offers a calendar of themed awareness weeks designed to inspire healthier, happier living.  These are gentle nudges reminding us to slow down, step outside and reconnect.  All aimed at improving how we feel.

Check out the below for inspo - whether it's a simple cycle ride, a sandwich in the sun, or a mindful stroll through your local park, these seasonal events might help to put your wellbeing back at the top of the priority list.