Three Summer Self-Care Goals That Can Boost Your Mood

What are your goals for the summer? Relaxation? Fun? Adventure? Summertime is the perfect opportunity for all the above! But have you considered setting some goals that can help you enjoy these ventures even more?
“Self-care is at the center of improving our mood and experiencing greater happiness. This is because self-care is largely responsible for our ability to cope with our feelings and regulate our emotions,” said Inna Lee LMFT, CCHt, CEO and Founder of New U Therapy & Family Services.
When you set self-care goals for the summer, you lay the foundation for the best that the season has to offer. If you’re ready to make the most of your summer, here are three self-care goals you can set and achieve this summer:
Practice mindfulness regularly.
Awareness refers to our ability to be present in the moment and attuned to our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations to understand them better. It is the foundation for positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
When we are aware of our inner experiences, we can more easily regulate our emotions and make decisions that align with our goals. After all, if you don’t know how you’re feeling, it’s hard to know how to react. It’s hard to know and take what you need, which is what self-care is all about.
One way to practice awareness is through mindfulness practices, which can be as straightforward as focusing on your breath. Take a few minutes daily to feel the air move in and out of your lungs, feeling the rise and fall of your chest. This can help calm, focus, and reinvigorate your mind and body.
Start a gratitude journal.
When it comes to happiness, gratitude is key. And what better time to focus on all you're grateful for than during the summer? This season is full of possibilities, adventures, and memories waiting to be made.
Gratitude has been shown to boost our mood and overall wellbeing. It helps us savor the good
moments and gives us something positive to focus on when things get tough. Additionally, gratitude helps us to build and maintain strong relationships.
How can you start incorporating gratitude into your life this summer? One way is to start a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. This practice will help you pause and appreciate something as ordinary as a cold glass of ice water on a hot day.
Strike a healthy work/life balance.
We all know that summer is a time for fun and relaxation. But for many of us, it's also a time when we must balance work and play. Take some time for fun this summer and make the most of the extra sunlight.
Summer is a great time to try new things and explore new hobbies. And it’s also a great time to relax and enjoy the simple things in life. Don’t let untreated mental illnesses stand in the way of finding your joy. Our psychiatry services can help you feel better and enjoy all that summer has to offer.