It’s June, meaning that for most people, summer plans are starting to take shape. Whether you’re going on a road trip, planning a trip to a different country, or relaxing at home, the summer can be an exciting time for people. It can also be stressful; making plans takes time and patience, and road trips often come with their own flavor of difficulties. Here at Walmsley EFAP we want you to have an enjoyable summer no matter what you’re up to, so here is our first annual guide to summer mental health and wellness.
Firstly, get outside and embrace nature! This seems like it’s self-explanatory, but some may need a reminder and some motivation to spend time outdoors. Vitamin D and fresh air are natural mood boosters, so even a walk around your neighbourhood or sitting outside sipping your first cup of coffee can make a positive difference. Sunscreen is a must, of course, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day. If you are feeling adventurous, try going for a hike or explore a part of your city that you’ve never been to before. There are so many different ways to enjoy these moments, so choose the ones that best fit what you want, whether it’s more activity on a hiking trail, or relaxing on a beach with a new paperback.
We live in a culture where there is a constant expectation that we must be busy all the time, otherwise we aren’t contributing or proving our worth. This is simply untrue, especially during time off from work during the summer. Take time to relax, and if those thoughts start to creep in around the edges that “you’re doing nothing,” challenge them by remembering that you are recharging your batteries and taking a much-deserved break from the hustle and bustle.
Striking a balance between social time and down time is hard any time of the year, but especially during the summer months. If you find your social battery is getting drained (feeling fatigued, irritable, or on edge) it’s completely understandable to take some time to yourself. Pick up a book, put on your favourite playlist, or jot down some thoughts in your journal.
For those who need a little creative inspiration, here are some suggestions from the Walmsley EFAP team to get your summer started right:
Rob: Light reads are great for summer, and there are so many good ones! Try The Vacationers by Emma Straub or the Monk & Robot series by Becky Chambers for easy, thoughtful books that won’t weigh you down. Also, 99% Invisible is a fun podcast for road trips, focusing on odd little design trends that often go unnoticed but are incredibly interesting. If podcasts aren’t your thing, make a custom playlist to listen to full of your favourite songs. And no summer is complete without watching Jaws paired with some homemade fish tacos.
Garth: Summer is a great time to reconnect with the outdoors and really take in the natural beauty of my surroundings. Getting out into my garden is not only a good summer project, but also provides fresh fruit and vegetables to serve at a community potluck. Also, the longer days mean finding time in the evening to spend with friends and neighbours making music together as the sun goes down over the water. There are few things better than that!
Laura : Embrace your inner child, have some fun and laugh! If you want to sit in the sun and blow bubbles, run with a kite in the wind, make mud pies, jump in puddles, or build sandcastles on the beach, do it! Laughter, with it's positive effects of increased oxygen to the body, improved heart health, and lovely influx of dopamine, serotonins and endorphins to help balance your mood and decreases those pesky aches and pains, turns silly moments into responsible decisions. And did you know, the creativity that is used to sculpt those fabulous works of art are actually helping you build resiliency for your mental health.
Tracy: Be adventurous! One of my favorite things about the summer is finding new and exciting things to see and do. There are many trails, lakes, waterfalls, and other fun places to explore in the summer. Take advantage of what your area has to offer and search your municipality’s website for “things to do.” Play “tourist” and find new and interesting activities such as visiting a local museum, attending a local festival, renting bikes or a canoe, or maybe a guided adventure such as horseback riding.
My husband and I love to plan a day trip and find a route in the back roads to explore. We pack lots of snacks and water, some emergency supplies and of course bug repellent. Don’t forget to take a few photos to share with your friends and family. You never know what you will see or find along the way, and you will create great memories!
Sherry: Connection is the key to mental health wellness. Spending time with friends and family decreases stress and promotes relaxation and is proven to lower cortisol levels. Try a friends and family picnic – or a camping weekend, plan a group float on a quiet part of the lake or meander down a river. Arrange an impromptu block-party.
Be spontaneous – you never know what new friends you may gain – and the relationships you build and the memories you will make will last forever!
Jeremy: Summer can get pretty wild and hectic when you're working from home with kids around, so staying connected with other parents in the neighbourhood who are in the same boat is key. The herd usually migrates from house to house, trashing places and tearing through snack supplies like a pack of velociraptors.
Our family absolutely loves camping, and my wife and I are always fine-tuning our camping set list. We're tent campers—but we consider ourselves tent glampers, if that's even a thing (and if it’s not, it should be).
One of my favourite moving meditative practices in the summer is stand-up paddleboarding. I like to slow things down and do sensory meditations when I’m out on the lake. If my mind is racing, I bring my attention back to what I can see, smell, feel, taste, and hear—tuning in to the way the paddle feels in the water and the sensation of all my muscles activating as I move.
Walmsley EFAP