Take care of mental health during summer months

Summer months. A time most of us in Wyoming anxiously wait for as winter can seem cold, bleak, and feel like it can drag on forever. People often report the best mental health in the summer. This can be due to various factors including longer days, warmer temperatures, and an increase in Vitamin D. So how can you take advantage of the summer months and improve your mental health at the same time?

Let’s take a closer look at Vitamin D and the impact it can have on mental health. It is estimated that more than 40% of Americans have a Vitamin D deficiency. During the winter months when the sun is not shining as brightly, we can find ourselves lacking the Vitamin D that we need for energy. Being out in the sun during the summer months can help us get back some of the Vitamin D that we might be missing. A lack of Vitamin D has been linked to osteoporosis, cancer, muscle weakness and depression. Therefore, getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D is imperative. But remember to be smart about sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are harmful to your skin. Too much sun resulting in a sunburn can be dangerous. When you are in the sun, protect yourself and use sunscreen.

Another great thing about summer is that things seem to slow down a bit. Children are out of school, and families tend to take vacations during the summer because of the warmer weather. During this time, take some time out for yourself. Find an indoor or outdoor activity that you enjoy that helps you relax and increase your mood. Even if it is just a five-minute walk outside around the block. Take advantage of the relaxed nature of summer and find ways to slow down and de-stress.

Another idea is to re-focus your energy and plan a getaway. Get out of town and experience new scenery. This is a great way to re-focus your energy and unwind a bit. Whether it is just taking a drive, getting away for a day trip, or an overnight getaway, escaping the business of the daily grind can help clear your mind and boost your mood.

Sleep is imperative during the summer months as well. Just because school is out and kids can stay up later does not mean they should. Try to maintain a healthy and regular sleep schedule for yourself and your kids. Obviously the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep is an essential component to maintain positive mental health.

Stay physically active. Idle activity, such as binge-watching television programs, can promote negative consequences to your physical and mental health. With the warmer weather comes more opportunities for outdoor exercise and play. Set a standard for how active you are now so that you will more likely find ways to stay active moving forward.

And lastly, balance your fun and responsibility. Spending time outside and enjoying the weather often times includes alcohol consumption. Heat and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Up to 70% of water recreation deaths of teens and adults involve alcohol. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and if alcohol is consumed, be smart. If you plan to drink, always have a plan for getting home safely.