BY EMILIE WEINBECK, FEATURES EDITOR
Summertime is the perfect time of year to focus on your mental health and do things to put your mental health first. Being a college student and coming back to living with your family can be a hard adjustment and sometimes that can put a strain on your mental health adjusting back into a family dynamic. So, here are a few ways that you can put your mental health first this summer.
Sunshine and warm weather can be the best stress reliever. Soaking up the nice weather can help you not only feel better but also get some quiet space. Take a lawn chair or blanket and find a sunny spot to read a book, sunbathe or even watch some of your favorite TV shows.
Going for a walk can be a great way to clear your head. Bringing a friend that you have not seen in a while can also give you the opportunity to get anything off your chest. This is also a great opportunity to go check out a new park or a new neighborhood so you can feel like you are getting a mini getaway.
Trying a few new restaurants or cafés can be a great way to try new foods and get out of the house for a little bit. Bringing along a friend, partner or even family member you have not seen in a while can make it an even more fun experience. This is also a great way to take yourself out on a date and check in with yourself.
Tidying up or refreshing a space in your room can help you to feel in control of your space and help to feel more at ease in your room. Even just cleaning out a dresser drawer or wiping down your desk can help. Switching up some of your room decorations can feel like you have transformed your space and make it a place you want to be.
Doing an at-home spa day can be a great way to spend the whole day relaxing. You can find everything you need for a spa day at Walmart so you do not have to spend a fortune to relax. Having a spa day can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed so you can tackle anything that the week throws at you.
At the end of each week do a needs assessment. This way you can reflect on what you can do better for the week ahead so your self-care needs can be met. Whether that means you get more sleep each night, need to get out of the house more during the week, take more quiet time for yourself or do some prep work to make the week easier for yourself. Just listening to what you need each week can be a great way to check-in with yourself.
Even just incorporating one of these tips into your summer can help you keep your mental health a priority and ensure that you can have the best summer possible that focuses on yourself.
