Tending to Your Summer Wellness
As summer approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the sunshine, warmth, and leisurely days ahead. However, for some, the season can bring its own set of stressors and challenges, from managing children at home to navigating travel plans and work demands. The pressure to curate a picture-perfect summer experience can sometimes overshadow the importance of maintaining our mental wellbeing. Unchecked, this pressure can take a toll on our emotional and physical health.
Research from the American Physiological Society suggests that people often experience higher levels of stress hormones during the summer months compared to winter. Factors such as extended exposure to heat can contribute to sleeplessness, lethargy, and dehydration, further exacerbating our mental and physical wellbeing.
Recognizing the multidimensional nature of wellness, it's essential to address various aspects of our lives to promote holistic harmony and personal wellbeing. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines eight dimensions of wellbeing, including emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual, each of which plays a crucial role in our overall wellness.
How to apply the eight dimensions of wellness:
Emotional Wellness: Practice coping skills and self-care activities such as journaling, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies to express and manage your feelings effectively.
Environmental Wellness: Create safe and nurturing environments, both physically and emotionally, by being mindful of the spaces you inhabit and the people you surround yourself with.
Financial Wellness: Maintain financial satisfaction by setting and sticking to a summer budget, allowing for enjoyment without unnecessary stress or anxiety.
Intellectual Wellness: Stimulate your mind with educational activities and projects, whether it's visiting museums, learning new skills, or setting goals for personal growth.
Occupational Wellness: Find purpose and fulfillment in meaningful activities, whether through your career, volunteering, or contributing to your community.
Physical Wellness: Prioritize exercise and adequate sleep to support both your physical and emotional health, choosing activities that you enjoy and rejuvenate your body.
Social Wellness: Cultivate connections and support systems through social activities, volunteering, and spending quality time with loved ones, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Spiritual Wellness: Nurture your sense of purpose and meaning through selfless acts, mindfulness practices, and gratitude exercises, enhancing your overall sense of wellbeing and fulfillment.
Seeking Support and Practicing Self-Care:
As we embark on the summer season, it's crucial to acknowledge and address the unique stressors and challenges it may bring. Seeking support from mental health professionals and prioritizing self-care practices can empower us to navigate the season with resilience and positivity, ensuring a happy and healthy summer for ourselves and those around us.
Remember, wellness is a journey, and by nurturing our mental and emotional wellbeing, we can embrace the joys of summer with a renewed sense of vitality and balance. Here's to a season filled with warmth, growth, and wellbeing.