Amy Schmidt, podcast host, author, speaker, media and lifestyle expert, joins us today to talk about how to manage summer stress. Summer is the season of fun in the sun, backyard barbecues, and family vacations. But it also brings the stress of changing schedules, high expectations, and managing responsibilities. Travel and family responsibilities can quickly fill up your weekends, leaving less time for self-care. Today, Amy Schmidt speaks about how to reduce stress and improve your mental health during the summer season. Here are some tips on how to improve your mental health to get through the summer.
1. Gain the power to say “no.” You don’t have to attend every event, party, or family trip. Even if you have nothing else planned and feel like relaxing at home, give yourself permission to say “no.” “Me time” is self-care.
2. Unleash your inner kid. Summer is a time for fun and gathering around the table to make memories that can be shared for years to come. Laugh more. Lower your levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
3. Prioritize self-care. Listen to your body and the signals you’re receiving.
4. Set screen time limits and focus on accounts that interest you – Apps are there to grab your attention, so this is hard to cut back on, but set limits and time limits.
5. Recharge your batteries with a Mental Health Day and practice 10 minutes of silence every day (with the whole family). For example, sip your coffee slowly and feel the taste; breathe in and smell your surroundings; sit on the grass and feel its textures. If you find it difficult to be quiet, start with 5 minutes.
For more information on how to improve your mental health and reduce stress, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org or hbr.org.
