As the temperature rises and the summer heat waves start to settle in, it is important to stay mentally healthy. The team at Lifeline WA have put together a great list of suggestions on how to maintain your mental health during the warm weather.
Whether you’re feeling depressed, anxious, a little down, or even if you’re feeling good, the following suggestions can help you plan mentally healthy ways to spend your summer.
- Enjoy the sunlight. Spend plenty of time outdoors soaking up that vitamin D.
- Plan a neighbourhood project. Whether it’s a garage sale or collecting back-to-school supplies for children in need, you’re likely to enjoy the challenge.
- Start an exercise program. If you don’t like going to the gym, think creatively. Swim, find a tennis buddy, walk with friends in the evenings, or put on your favourite playlist, draw your curtains closed, and dance!
- Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink eight cups of water a day.
- Read a book. Reading is a great way to relax and get that down time you deserve.
- Do something to help another person at least once a day. You get extra points if you do it anonymously.
- Enlist your entire family in a housecleaning day. They won’t be thrilled about the process, but they’ll love the results.
- Volunteer to help out at your local animal shelter.
- Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
- Pace yourself. Don’t try to do too much at once. After all, you’ve got the whole summer.
- Although alcohol might give you a buzz in the short term, in the end it is guaranteed to bring you down.
- Establish a daily routine but don’t feel like you have to schedule every minute.
- Gather up some friends and see a blockbuster movie on the big screen. Don’t forget the popcorn and soft drink.
- Check out what your local council has on. Perth Cultural Centre host a number of fun activities throughout January and February, so make sure you keep yourself updated.
- Enhance your mental health. If you’ve been coping with issues like depression or anxiety, make this the summer to reach out to a counsellor or therapist for the help you need to find your balance.
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Image: YayMicro phovoir, article by Lifeline WA, reprinted with permission.
