May saw National Mental Health Week. To support your mental health, lets start with a little self-care.
Self-care entails taking intentional steps to preserve and enhance your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Adopting self-care measures can help you avoid becoming overwhelmed, stressed and burned out. Fortunately, Summer is the perfect season to prioritise your health, particularly as the days get longer and there are more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the weather.
Summer self-care entails implementing practices that prioritise your wellbeing into your routine. For example, you could integrate a rejuvenating outdoor activity, such as a 30-minute daily walk.
Self-care measures are deeply personal, and what works for you may be different from others. Experimenting with different self-care approaches throughout the Summer can help you discover what brings you the most joy and fulfilment.
The importance of self-care in the Summer
Summer is a great time to bring a renewed focus to your overall health. In fact, engaging in self-care practices during this time of year is crucial for sustaining your physical, mental and emotional health, and it may provide the following benefits:
- Renewed energy and vitality
- Enhanced mood and emotional health
- Increased motivation and productivity
- Deepened connections with nature and the outdoors
You could try exploring the following tips tailored for springtime:
- Embrace outdoor movement
Take advantage of the warmer weather by engaging in outdoor activities. Whether it’s cycling, yoga or simply walking in the park, spending time in nature can uplift your spirits and invigorate your body. - Prioritise fresh, seasonal foods
The Spring and Summer months brings an abundance of vibrant fruits and vegetables bursting with flavour and nutrients. Incorporate colourful produce into your meals to support your health and culinary creativity. - Tend to a garden
Nurturing a garden or tending to indoor plants provides physical activity and fosters a sense of connection with nature. - Engage in seasonal de-cluttering
Clearing out physical clutter can create mental space and promote a sense of lightness and clarity. Use the act of decluttering and organising your space as an opportunity for introspection. - Limit screen time
Many people turn to their phones – social media, specifically – out of habit or to relax. While a complete digital detox may be unrealistic, taking a break from apps and notifications can give you some space, help you unwind and allow you to connect better with others. Assess your phone or social media usage and, if necessary, take a break and try an alternative source of entertainment, connection and relaxation. - Nourish your creativity
Tap into your creative expression by exploring hobbies, activities or artistic endeavours that bring you joy, whether it’s painting, writing or crafting. You could even try a new hobby or pursue a new interest.
These ideas offer a starting point for nurturing your mental health. Remember, self-care is a journey of exploration, so finding what truly suits you is crucial for a fulfilling and balanced Summer season.
Don’t hesitate to seek support from a trained health care provider if you or a loved one needs assistance with their mental well-being. If you have a Private Medical Insurance policy, check the details to see if you can seek additional support.
If you are interested in learning more about how we can help protect you and your family, please call our health and wellbeing specialist Steve Hope on 07920 840741, email healthandwellbeing@adlerfairways.co.uk or fill in this quick form.
Credit: Zywave
