How to Care for Your Physical and Mental Health This Summer

Summer is a much-needed time for us to reset and recharge after a very long and difficult first half of the year. Whether you are in Orlando, Denver, or Seattle, these months of warmth and sunlight grant us a unique opportunity to add some warmth and sunlight into our mental and physical health.

Rest

First and foremost, it is significant to get lots of rest whenever possible, even when you have a packed summer schedule with vacations, camps, or festivals. Always make sure you plan some downtime too. The best time is usually in the mornings, just after waking up. Taking a few minutes out of your day to reflect, meditate or pray will work wonders for your mental and physical health.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy food is another step in the right direction to improving your overall health this summer. Getting lots of vitamins and minerals and ensuring a balanced diet will go a long way. Those in their 50s and beyond need to make sure they add an Omega-3 supplement to their daily regimen.

Exercise

Getting in a good amount of exercise is crucial to keeping your body in tip-top shape. You don’t have to become the face of the gym or become a professional athlete over the course of your summer. However, keeping your body active with a brisk walk, a run, or engaging in your favorite recreational sport is key for a healthy body, and never forget there is a direct correlation between having a healthy body and having a healthy mind.

Dental Checks

Halfway through the year is always a great time to get certain things done, including taking a brief visit to the dentist as recommended every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. One is never fully dressed without a smile, and this summer, when you go out, you want to make sure you carry with you a beautiful smile to brighten up your day and that of everyone you meet.

When it comes to smiling, some younger people with braces face a challenge to their mental health because of their visibility. To improve this and ensure that both your mental and physical health are catered for, there is an exciting new option in the form of Invisalign, a clear aligner that does all the golden work that braces do but without their visibility. Almost 47% of Invisalign users surveyed had a boost of self-esteem in the process of treatment compared to just 22% of teens with metal braces.

Socialize

Meeting new people and strengthening existing social relationships is another great way to make the most of your summer in a way that has a positive effect on both your mental and physical health. It is important to go outside and make the most of the sun during the summer. Building stronger relationships with family, friends, and neighbors is a highly beneficial practice that increases your bond, enhances a sense of belonging, and overall has a positive impact on your wellbeing and that of those whom you choose to interact with.

Set Goals

Having a goal for the summer is another great way to keep your mental and physical health in check. Using your free time to maintain a level of productivity on any project of your choice is a great way to pass the time.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of how to take care of your mental and physical health this summer, but these tips will definitely come in handy. Please do not hesitate to contact a counselor for more tips and information.