How Summer Months Affect Our Mental Health and Well-Being

Summertime has been associated with relaxation and a good mood for many people since childhood and lazy summer breaks. With the long and dark winter months behind us, our mood and overall sense of well-being have improved.

However, even many people who don’t suffer from the seasonal affective disorder (a kind of depression that appears and disappears with the changing seasons) experience low moods and energy levels during the winter months.

If you feel down, have trouble concentrating, and are anxious during the fall and winter, the longer days and warmer weather that accompany the first days of summer might help. One of the most significant advantages of summer is that it improves mental health and a sense of well-being in many people. In addition, the abundance of sunlight during the summer months provides us with vitamin D, boosting our mood and energy levels.

In addition, one study of 3,300 older adults found that dementia symptoms may improve over the summer months. According to the findings of this study, older people’s thinking, working memory, and focus increased throughout the late summer and early fall months.

So, here are some of the most important advantages summer has to offer for our mental health and overall well-being.

The Summer Sun Provides Plenty of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary for the preservation of healthy teeth and bones, as well as the management of phosphorus and calcium absorption, among other things.

Many people, particularly those in the northern hemisphere, are vitamin D deficient during the gloomy winter months. A deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to various mental and physical health issues, including depression, fatigue, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Research shows that low vitamin D levels could be linked to a higher risk of dementia. Survey results suggest that raising vitamin D levels could stop 17% of dementia cases.

A mere ten to fifteen minutes of sunlight a day is enough to receive a daily dose of vitamin D. The extended daylight hours during the summer months are the ideal time to soak in the sun, get a lot of it, and maintain a healthy body and good mental health.

However, because you will be exposed to the sun with naked skin in the summertime, bear in mind that ultraviolet (UV) rays are detrimental to the skin. Use sunscreen with a high SPF to stay safe while getting your daily dose of vitamin D.

You Can Spend More Time Outdoors

Summertime is terrific for getting out and being active. In addition to offering the longest day of the year, summer also provides us with long hours of sunlight each day, perfect for physical activity. Pleasant morning and evening temperatures in the summer are ideal for getting more active, whether swimming, running, hiking, cycling, or any other outdoor activity you prefer.

For example, the summer months offer perfect temperatures for outdoor swimming. Swimming is a highly beneficial activity that can help you relax and improve muscle strength and flexibility, making it ideal for people with joint and arthritis pain.

According to research, physical activity, regardless of age, improves mental and physical health. In addition, outside activities can help with stress relief, mood enhancement, attention, and focus. For example, one study on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) found that spending time outdoors enhanced their focus.

Exercise has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These brain neurotransmitters help you feel happy and composed.

However, regular physical activity can be particularly beneficial for aging people, boosting their energy and immune system and improving their sleeping patterns, concentration, and memory. Unfortunately, staying physically active during the winter can be challenging for many older adults. So, staying active in the summertime is also an excellent opportunity to be more socially active, helping reduce loneliness and isolation and boosting your optimism and confidence.

Exercise has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These brain neurotransmitters help you feel happy and composed.

Summertime Provides a Wide Variety of Fresh, Healthy Foods

Healthy eating is critical to our physical and mental well-being. During the summer, you can get many fresh foods full of minerals and vitamins. So, take advantage of this and eat well.

Fresh local produce such as vegetables, fruit, fish, dairy products, whole grains, and lean meat are high in nutrients essential for our minds and bodies. Vitamins and minerals are abundant in seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables such as cherries, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and melons. Furthermore, well-cooked fish and seafood are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent or alleviate osteoporosis, prevent brain cell loss, and lower the risk of dementia.

In addition, summertime fruits such as berries contain lots of fiber, antioxidants, and minerals essential for your health.

So, whether you have a garden at home or shop at a farmer’s market, you should take advantage of the fact that there is a lot of fresh summer produce available.

Summer is the Perfect Season for Vacations

Stress from daily obstacles at home and work can lead to anxiety, sadness, burnout, and other mental health disorders. In addition, a lack of balance between work and personal life and constant exposure to work-related stress can cause physical health problems (like high blood pressure), less work output, and relationship problems inside and outside the workplace.

The benefits of taking a break from the daily routine have long been established, including improved mental health, increased productivity, higher life satisfaction, and better physical health. Also, going on vacation is one of the best ways to spend time with your family and friends.

According to research, spending quality time with people, we love benefits our health and well-being.

Close relationships with significant people in your life can reduce stress, improve your resilience, boost your immunity, improve your mood and optimism, and much more.

So, summer is the perfect season to take a break and enjoy your well-earned vacation days. Use the slow-paced, bright summer days to rest, hang out with friends, and improve your emotional, mental, and physical health so that you feel ready for winter.