We tend to associate seasonal anxiety and depression with the fall or winter seasons given the shorter days and colder weather, however, it’s possible to be affected with the seasonal anxiety disorder in the summertime. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 18 percent of the U.S. population -40 million adults- are affected with anxiety or some form of anxiety disorder.
Whether your anxiety is anticipatory or not, dealing with anxious emotions and thoughts are never easy. Thankfully, there are effective remedies that you can start now to help you ease your anxiety. So, if you’re finding it hard to cope this summer, here are five ways to help you be good to yourself and help improve your overall mental health.
Take in some Vitamin D
During the summer months, spend more time outdoors soaking up some sun. Go to the beach or lake and go for a swim and read a book that you’ve had your eye on for a while; start a garden, go rollerblading, bike riding, or head to a new restaurant and eat on the patio. Whatever activity you decide to partake in, aim to do it outside, if possible.
Travel to a new city
Going somewhere new and creating new experiences is
always a good idea. Don’t feel pressured to break the bank to create an Instagram-worthy vacation or a lavish trip, it’s possible to explore a city you’ve never been to before and thoroughly enjoy yourself while on an affordable budget.
If you choose to travel this summer, you can make it even more special by planning a solo trip! Solo traveling gives you 100% creative freedom for you to do what you truly want without the input of others around you.
Wander around your new surroundings and get lost, but of course, be safe and aware. Whether you travel with friends or go about taking on a new city solo, traveling gives you the opportunity to try and see new things and learn more about yourself, thus helping you grow and putting your mind at ease.
Meditation
I’m definitely an advocate for mediation, primarily because it’s helped me (and still does) with anxiety. Meditation helps you stay in the present moment by teaching you not to concern yourself about yesterday or tomorrow.
One of the many great things about meditation is that it can be done anywhere, at any time. You can choose from several apps to help you meditate, you can go to a meditation or yoga studio and take a meditation class or you can choose to practice meditation on your own by saying mantras and positive affirmations aloud or you can simply just breathe.
Re(treat) yourself
Whether you’re interested in a
one-day event or an overseas experience, there are several wellness tours and retreats happening this summer so be sure to do your research to find any events that you may be interested in attending.
Keep a journal
Instead of keeping all of your thoughts jumbled in your mind, become more aware of your feelings and experiences by keeping a daily journal. Since our thoughts affect our overall well-being, it helps to keep track of any patterns or progress you notice in order to be more mindful of how you’re treating yourself.
Shawna Davis is a wellness journalist and the founder and creator of the wellness lifestyle blog, Froing and Flowing. Beyond the blog, she is a certified yoga instructor, wife, dog mama and is a natural hair enthusiast that’s passionate about health, wellness, and natural beauty. You can follow her on Instagram @itsshawnadavis.
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