Now that summer is officially unfolding in the South Cariboo, it's time to talk about summer wellness and keeping your mental well-being in tip-top shape all season long. The summer months can be a busy time. Between camping, adventuring, exploring, and family gatherings, it can be tough not to feel the pressure of fitting it all in and avoiding being overwhelmed by the summer to-do list.
It's important to remember during all the hustle and bustle that you are only one person and that there are only so many hours in the day. Keeping yourself grounded and managing your stress levels should be at the top of your to-do list. We have compiled a few tips to help you beat summer burnout so you can make the most of the summer months.
Give yourself time to relax between big gatherings: Friendly get-togethers, family BBQs, trips to the lake, and vacation road trips can be great ways to spend your free time during the summer. However, these activities can start to add up, and before you know it, you might have a different event or function on every one of your free days. Being constantly on the go can lead to anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, and physical exhaustion. It's important to give yourself a day or two of rest between events to avoid social burnout. Taking some downtime between plans allows your mind and body the time they need to rest and reset.
It's okay to say no: If you feel like you have too many plans coming up, it's okay to say no. If you notice that you are overextending yourself with social activities, listen to your mind and body. Don't be afraid to speak up and decline an event or gathering that you don't feel like attending. Try being selective about the events you choose, opting for those that suit your mood and needs, and saying no to the rest.
Stick to a routine: It can be tough to stick to your normal routine during the summer months, especially if you are taking time off work, are on summer break from school, or have children who are off on summer break. Staying up late and sleeping in can be such a nice treat, but it also throws your routine into a tailspin. Sticking to your normal daily routine will help you maintain a sense of control over your life and keep your stability in place.
Prioritize and make a list: Making a list of things that need to get done, including vacations and get-togethers, can be helpful when you see everything all together. It can help you prioritize things that need to be done ASAP, things that can wait a bit, or things that can be moved way down the list. This can be helpful if you are starting to feel overwhelmed by the amount of yard work, housework, and socializing that come with the nice weather.
Keep Connected: Whether your loved ones, family, or friends live near or far, it's important to stay connected. While some may be busy and on the go during the summer months, others can be more isolated and spend more time at home. If you find that you are spending more time at home by yourself, remember to reach out and stay connected. This will help keep your mental health in check and prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Technology has made staying connected even easier with social media platforms, video chats, and emails. If technology is not your thing, there are many ways you can stay connected in your community. You can reach out to your local library, coffee shops, or district office to see what kind of community events are happening or ask for a list of local organizations or clubs. Most communities offer a variety of free community events during the summer months.
It can be a challenge trying to fit in all the fun summer activities. Weekends become busier, and even vacations can be an extremely busy time. After being cooped up inside all winter, when the nice weather does arrive, we can feel like we want to spend as much of our free time as we can outside. It can be tough trying to find the balance between things that need to be done and things that we want to do. Hopefully, our tips will help you create balance so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest.
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.
If you need support, you can:
• Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273.
• Call the Suicide Crisis Line at 9-8-8. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
