Summer is the most wonderful time of the year for many people, but it doesn’t always mean it’s the chilliest. It may not be as relaxing as it was when we were kids, because we still have to work and do our daily chores. It can be quite uncomfortable experiencing the city heat with unbearable temperatures, especially on your way to work. However, the time we take off is the time we spend for relaxation and going on vacation with friends and family.
Managing stress during summer may not be as easy as it sounds. Therefore, we’ll give you a few tips on how to handle it this season.
Plan a trip
Traveling is good for your health and happiness, as it reduces stress and helps you have a more positive outlook on life. Going away for a few days and taking the time to relax can be just what you were looking for. An adventurous trip can provide an incredible amount of stress relief. You can choose a sunny location such as Florida, and plan your summer vacation or visit Disneyland. Find cheap studio apartments in Orlando for you and your family, and make sure you enjoy your trip.
If you decide to travel with your friends, pick a location where you can soak up the sun and have fun at the beach. Taking a trip can help you reinvent yourself, enhance your creativity, and make you mentally resilient. Note that going somewhere you feel excited and intimidated at the same time could help you toughen up mentally as well as emotionally. Getting out of your comfort zone will help you be more flexible and surrender control over the uncontrollable.
Keep to routines
If you plan to spend your summer relaxed without having to stress over simple tasks, make sure you organize your time and plans. Practice healthy routines, as they may help to provide some structure to avoid feeling stressed. For example, if working from home is making you feel unmotivated, try to give yourself a few breaks during the day and go out for a walk.
When going on vacation, you can also practice setting up routines to have a stress-free holiday. Reduce spending time on your phone or computer, and schedule a specific time to check emails and perform some work-related activities. It’s important to let people know you’re away and you’re taking the time to relax and unwind so you can come back to work more productive and motivated.
Go outside
Research suggests that the Japanese practice of “forest breathing” can reduce stress, thus improving your health. Spending time in nature is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce the stress hormone, boost your immune system, and improve your overall wellbeing. Try to enjoy being around trees and forget about counting steps on your smartwatch. Just be in the moment and experience the force of nature, smell it, and let it relax you.
You can also plan a weekend hike, take a walk outside with your pet or friends, or simply eat your lunch on a park bench. Stay positive by spending time outside, soaking up the sun. Just don’t forget to use sunscreen. Breathe deeply to relieve your mind of its many distractions. Try slow, deep abdominal breathing for 5-10 minutes to help lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and clear your mind. Focus on breathing, listening, and feeling the air rushing in and out of your lungs.
Take care of your body
The first thing to keeping your body healthy is making sure you’re eating well-balanced meals, exercising daily, and getting enough sleep. Avoid junk food and focus on more healthy choices like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Staying active is not only important to keeping your body healthy but also reduces stress. Choose walking, jogging, swimming, or dancing, whatever makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Note that if you’re lacking sleep, it can further cause stress. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night to keep your body and mind well-rested. Also, avoid caffeine and alcohol intake as these may aggravate anxiety or stress, and instead, drink more water. Additionally, try to reduce screen time before bedtime as it can also affect your sleep. Try to relax by doing yoga, meditation, and other gentle exercises.
Final thoughts
Summer is the perfect season for connecting with people and organizing walks in nature and picnics. You can use this support from friends and family to help you reduce your stress. If you’re still having trouble, make sure you consult with a professional like a therapist or a physician. Remember, everyone faces stress sometimes, but it can be managed if we are willing to make some changes.
