For those of us still in school, summer is often associated with feelings of leisure, fun and preparing for the school year ahead. However, the additional time can feel overwhelming if you don’t know how to spend it. Summer can be an optimal time for bettering mental health when engaging in the right activities. Here are some bucket list ideas to try that may boost mental wellness.
- Watch at least one sunrise/sunset each week
One of the best things about summer is being able to enjoy the outdoors without a 10-step routine to bundle up. Summer is prime time to appreciate all that nature has to offer, and a beautiful sunrise or sunset can be observed from anywhere in the world. Bring a journal or coloring book, throw on your headphones, and allow yourself to slow down, reflect and be present outdoors away from screens and distractions.
- Create a feel-good playlist
Music can significantly impact emotions. Create a playlist with your favorite mood-boosting songs that will motivate you, hype you up and make your everyday activities more enjoyable. Whether you’re driving, exercising, or engaging in hobbies, associating music with positive memories can improve your mental state when listening to it.
- Try a new outdoor activity
Sticking with the theme of appreciating nature in the summertime, trying out a new outdoor activity can excite the mind by changing up your routine and boost serotonin through vitamin D and sunlight exposure. Add activities such as biking, hiking, swimming, running etc. to your bucket list to change up your routine and get your body moving.
- Have a screenless day
It’s easy to fall into hours of mindless scrolling or binge-watching when given extra down time. While that can help us unwind from time to time, it often leaves us feeling unproductive and sluggish at the end of the day. While you don’t need to cut out screentime completely, try dedicating a day to screenless activities to keep your mind and body stimulated and feeling productive. Unplugging for a bit can be a great mental reset, help you slow down and be present with the world around you.
- Get your body moving in some way each day
It doesn’t have to be difficult or extensive, but moving your body will increase blood flow to the brain to keep you alert and energized, and release endorphins to boost your mood. It can be difficult to find the motivation, but utilize the people around you. Ask a friend or family member to go on a walk, hike, run, to the pool, or any other physical activity you enjoy most.
For students especially, the summer offers more downtime than during the school-year. It can be difficult to figure out how to spend this time, so adding these ideas to your summer bucket list can help you find things to do that can foster positive mental wellbeing.
In addition, Apple Psychological offers other Support for parents and teens. Find out more information and Register HERE or book a free consultation by Clicking Here