With the new and improved warmer weather coming our way, some of our life problems seem to melt away. It’s much easier to forget our stressors with a slight tan, nice weather to walk to class in, and the beginning of the summer season. As our winter-scaries start to dissolve and we embrace the sunny mindsight of the new season, I think it’s important to remember the difficulties we’ve faced throughout the year and cope with them now that we’re in a softer environment and a traditionally less stressful time of year.
I’m not sure if this post will resonate with everyone, but summer has always been a relaxer for myself. According to the American Psychiatric Association, over 5% of American adults struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (popularly referred to as seasonal depression). This means that like myself, I know there is a large population that experiences some release and less anxiety as the weather becomes warmer. I want to offer some practices that are mostly viable in the summer to help you remain relaxed and to work through some of your struggles you may have faced throughout the year.
Visit a New Place with Comfortable People
On a post by Go Abroad, their team emphasizes the ability travel has on curating new mindsets, building connections, and combatting stress and anxiety. Although I know how stressful traveling can sound, with the right set of people and an open mind, the pay off will be worth it. Traveling can give you an opportunity to get away from your normal environment and reflect in a new place. This may mean a solo day trip or maybe a cross-country trip with your closest friends. Either way, a change of pace is sometimes good for the soul.
Practice Physical Activity Outside
My favorite thing about summer is exercising outside. I love the ability to go sweat outside then jump into the closest body of water. Like traveling, I’m sure this can feel intimidating to try. All you need to do is get yourself outside and hike, walk, swim, run, whatever suits your fancy. This is an amazing way to get your body moving, endorphins pumping, and soak up some sun while your at it. I’ve also found that exercising outside offers a new sense of peace and a great time for some introspection.
Join a New Group
Again…sounds intimidating. But totally accomplishable. Joining a new group could mean establishing a different routine where you will see familiar faces on a daily basis, attending a community meeting, or just saying hi to some new people. Because this endeavor is not always simple, summer is a great time to tackle this task. MyKellyJobs offers 6 great tips on joining a new group that can apply to all aspects of life, not just from a career orientation.
Now I know that these three tasks do not always look or feel simple but I do believe they are healthy challenges to implement into your summer plans. Spreading your horizon in terms of friendships, places, and experiences can be easier done in times of your life that seem less stressful. Summer is a great time to relax but it also offers new opportunities to push your limits.
I really enjoyed all of the suggestions! As soon as the sun was up and it was over 60 degrees, I was outside trying to get as much sun as I can. Unfortunately, it was a little too much sun, resulting in a bad burn, and now I am peeling like a lizard, but oh well! I think everyone has some form of S.A.D, even if they don’t realize it. Even reflecting on myself, my mood has been much better in the past two weeks given the fact that I can walk out of the gym at 8am and see the sun shining rather than clouds. Also, now that the weather is nice, I intend to spend much more time exercising outside, as it is a very good recommendation 🙂 Running is my go to all the time, how about you?
Travelling is always a good stress reliever, even if it’s just exploring streets around your neighborhood you’ve never been too. For me, a change of scenery is one of the best ways I de-stress and regain motivation. Over break, there’s definitely a handful of new places near home that I want to visit. Like you mentioned, exercising is a good way to find some peace, so I hope to take up some archery or just running this summer.
Sara,
As much as I LOVE the warm weather lately, it definitely makes it so much harder to stay focused on school! I want to lay out in the sun all day lately. I absolutely did not choose Penn State because of the cold weather, so I am really soaking up the great vibes that have been rocking campus over the past week. I do think it is important to keep busy or try new things when the weather isn’t so nice, though. I am super involved in a couple of clubs, and keeping myself so busy definitely helped me make it through the bitter winter here. I really love reading your blog and gaining all of your amazing insights.
Sara, this is such a timely post to remind people how to gather themselves and really refocus during this last part of the semester when all the conditions are against them. Everyone is tired of classes and getting stressed by finals and final projects, and the nice weather is making focusing even harder, but using your advice definitely makes it easier to find a balance with everything. Great advice and at a perfect time!
This is such a great post and healthy reminder to all of us! The nice weather is easily my favorite time of year, but finding balance is so important. Although I will miss being cuddled up under all my blankets, there is no doubt that I am so excited to be able to lay out on the beach tanning even more. My favorite suggestion of this post is to do some physical activity outside, as it’s one of my favorite de stressors and keeps me entertained. Overall great job!