WELCOME TO PART 1 OF YOUR HOLISTIC SUMMER SPECIAL
SUMMER PROOF YOUR MIND
Summer-proof your mind for maximum well-being
Summer is well and truly in full swing and now is a good time to check in with your health and well-being. In part 1 of this Holistic Summer Special I will share with you some tips to help you stay happy and positive. Hopefully you are taking care of yourself so you can enjoy the summer to its full potential but if you feel like your mental health has taken a dive during the past few months it is understandable and you are not alone!
Now more than ever you need to look after your mind as well as your body to be truly happy and healthy and to be able to handle day to day stress and keep anxiety at bay.
Get moving to boost your happiness
Exercise is not only good for your body but also improves your mental well-being and helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Make the most of the warmer summer weather to do some form of exercise outdoors everyday. This can be anything you enjoy from walking the dog, running, cycling, playing sports or jumping up and down on a trampoline! Just make sure you are moving. The more energetic the exercise the better as more endorphins will be released to lift your mood and make you feel so much better.
Live in the present moment
One way to get the most out of your summer is to remember to take some time to practice mindfulness, especially if you are feeling under pressure. This allows you to disconnect from anxious thoughts and give your worrying mind a short break and helps you feel more calm. Make the time to experience the summer with all of your senses. Next time you are outside just pause for a few minutes and pay attention to what is around you without judgement. Feel the sun (or rain!) on your skin, the ground under your feet, the warm breeze against your face and notice any sounds. When your mind starts to wander and get lost in thoughts just accept and bring yourself back to the present moment.
Summer gratitude practice
At the beginning of the day be thankful that you are awake and alive to experience another summer day instead of waking up and focusing on your problems. The new day is a precious gift and not guaranteed to any of us. Try and take this feeling with you throughout the day and not get irritated by the small stuff. At the end of the day bring to mind 5 things that you are grateful for instead of allowing your thoughts to focus on anything negative that may have happened . This will put you in a better frame of mind for sleeping.
Use positive affirmations this summer
If you suffer from anxiety issues, low self esteem or tend to have negative thoughts about yourself or your life then you may not be in the best head space to enjoy your summer. You could try positive affirmations. Repeating a few kind positive words to yourself on a daily basis can help change negative thought patterns, help you feel more positive and boost your confidence. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your life just as much as anyone else.
Use this summer month to forgive and let go
Holding on to bad feelings against a person due to their actions towards you it will impact your mental well-being. Use this summer month to let it go so they don't have a hold on you. Even if you feel a particular person doesn't deserve forgiveness you will be doing yourself a favour by releasing yourself from the hurt and letting go of the past.
Have a regular media detox this summer
To protect your mental well-being this summer remember to also take a break from social media. The urge to keep posting, compare your life to that of others and be constantly checking your phone will not do your mental health much good. Neither will constantly focusing on the bad news stories around so disconnect from that too sometimes to avoid being overwhelmed.
Summer planning
Summer is not over yet and planning to do something you enjoy will give you something positive to focus on and look forward. Maybe you can't go abroad to your favourite place this summer and this has caused you anxiety, upset and disappointment but all is not lost. There are still plenty of things you can do to take a break this summer even if its day trip to the beach, lake or park. Plus the negative ions found in these natural areas are known to enhance mood and reduce feelings of stress!
Use this last month of summer to really check in and give yourself a well deserved well-being boost! The coronavirus pandemic may have taken some of the joy out of it but summer is not over yet so make it count!
Look out for part 2 next week – How to
Summer-proof Your Body for Maximum Health and Well-being.
Sharon K
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Reiki Master/Teacher
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Disclaimer
Information provided for general educational purposes only and not intended to replace medical advice