Savoring Summer's Benefits
For a lot of us, summer is a time where we get to slow down and enjoy life more. As we move back into the routines of fall, it can be hard to stay present.
We asked three of Happier Living’s clinicians to share with us their tips for holding on to the therapeutic effects of summer.
Dr. Alexis Weisinger, Director of Clinician Experience
– Take some moments to be mindful and present during some favorite summer activities. For instance, if you love going to the beach, spend a few minutes engaged in meditation, tapping into your five senses. When you close your eyes, what comes into your awareness? Maybe it's the feel of the sand between your toes and the warmth of the sun. Perhaps it's the smell of salt water and suntan lotion and the calming sounds of the ocean waves rolling into the shore. Whatever it is, take some moments to really be present and to take a "mental snapshot" that you can recall when the season has subsided. Bonus tip: To really embed the memory and sensory experience, practicing these mindfulness exercises will begin to lay down new neural paths in the brain that become easily accessible on demand.
– Bring back souvenirs! Pictures that you can keep in your work area, video footage of the ocean waves rolling in or a "memory glass" filled with sand and shells can be a quick and easy way to transport you back to the experience of summer, in order to hold onto the therapeutic effect.
– Take advantage of the changing weather patterns. Summer may technically end in September or may appear to end when the kids start going back to school, but the change in weather means that September, and maybe even October, may provide opportunities to get outside and engage in some of your favorite summer activities, whether it's grilling, hiking, boating or simply taking a spontaneous road trip.
Dr. David Asamoah-Duodu, Clinical Psychologist
– Soak in a few minutes of natural light. Open a window, step outside for five minutes, sit near sunlight during a break.
– Bring a bit of nature inside. It could be a small plant or a rock from a hike.
– Plan small joys. Enjoy a treat after work. Have "no plans" hours on weekends.
– Have a summer mindset. Slow down when possible. Say "yes" to rest.
– Keep one summer habit. This could be listening to music that reminds you of summer, stretching outside, or going for a walk.
Julianne Dunn, LCPC
– Try and hold on to the lazy days of summer by keeping a slower pace whenever you can. Resting, relaxing, slowing down are like vitamins for mental and emotional wellbeing.
– Take time to sit and sip your coffee or tea without looking at your phone, TV, or laptop. Go outside and listen to the sounds of nature around you, or curl up by a window and reminisce about favorite summer memories. The feelings that you get when you remember a pleasurable experience will come back to you when you recall those experiences.
– I like to have nature sounds playing when I work, beach waves or thunderstorms, because the sound brings me into a more peaceful and relaxed space, which automatically calms the central nervous system, which is exactly what we need in our busy and stressful lives.
– Plan vacations or fun and special days all year. Having something to look forward to can be an instant shift in thoughts and feelings and help direct them to a more positive vibe.
