Taking Care of Your Mental Health This Summer (From a Girl Who’s Been There)
I know summer is supposed to be this magical time full of beach days, road trips, and iced coffee runs—but can we be real for a second? Just because the sun is out doesn’t mean everything inside us feels just as bright. Mental health doesn’t take a vacation when the seasons change, and honestly, sometimes summer can bring its own set of challenges.
So, from one heart to another, here’s your gentle, reminder to take care of your mind while you soak up the sun.
1. Don’t Let the Pressure to “Be Happy” Make You Feel Worse
I remember summers where everyone around me seemed to be glowing—Instagram full of tan lines and sundresses—and I just felt…off. There’s this weird pressure to be constantly happy and social during summer, and when you don’t feel that way, it’s easy to think something’s wrong with you.
But trust me, nothing is wrong with you. Feelings don’t follow weather patterns. It’s okay to feel anxious, tired, or just “meh” even when the skies are blue. Your feelings are valid no matter the season.
2. Create a Summer Routine That Feels Good to You
Not everything has to be spontaneous and wild just because it’s summer. In fact, a lack of routine can make mental health struggles even tougher. Try to keep a gentle rhythm to your days—something that includes movement (even just a walk), some kind of nourishment (like fruit you actually want to eat), and a little joy (music, journaling, painting your nails, anything that lifts you up).
You’re allowed to slow down. Summer doesn’t have to be a race.
3. Protect Your Peace—Even From Sunshiney FOMO
Listen, I love a good pool party, but not every invite is an obligation. You don’t have to say yes to every plan, especially if your social battery is low. It’s okay to have boundaries, even when everyone else is going out. Your mental health is more important than someone else’s idea of “fun.”
And that social media feed? You might need to mute a few accounts or take a little break. Comparison is a sneaky thief, and you deserve to enjoy your life without constantly measuring it against someone else’s highlight reel.
4. Get Outside (In a Way That Feels Safe and Comfortable)
Nature can help us feel better, but you don’t need to summit a mountain to get those benefits. Just sitting on a porch, lying in the grass, or taking your morning coffee outside can give your mind a breath of fresh air. Vitamin D is real, and so is the calming power of a little breeze on your skin.
So step outside for a few minutes—even in pajamas.
5. Talk About It. You’re Not Alone. Seriously.
If your mental health is struggling, please don’t keep it all bottled up. Talk to someone you trust. A friend. A therapist. Even a journal if that’s all you’ve got right now. Getting it out of your head and into words can bring so much relief.
I promise you this: you are not a burden. You are loved. And help is always worth reaching for.
Last Thought, From Me to You
You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to deserve care. You’re allowed to be gentle with yourself, to take it slow, to feel what you feel—especially in summer, when the world might seem loud and fast.
So grab your favorite snack, put on a playlist that makes your soul feel soft, and remember this:
You are doing so much better than you think.
