Summer is upon us! On the one hand, summer break can provide more flexibility in your schedule. With yourself or the kids out of school, you have more freedom to do what you want with your days. On the other hand, if you’re a working parent, having the kids home might add a challenge to the warmer months.
Whether summer break feels like a breath of fresh air or a new hurdle to navigate, this time of year does present some opportunities for your mental health. No matter your situation, we have tips to help you take advantage of summer break to improve mental wellness for yourself and your family.
#1: Get outside
Being in green spaces and near the ocean often translates into a mental health boost. With the sun setting after 8 p.m., we have more time now to lean into these opportunities.
Getting outdoors could be as simple as going on a walk on your lunch break (which delivers added wellness benefits) or planning a beach afternoon with your family or friends. You don’t need to block out a full day to reap the mental health benefits of the outdoors.
Look for ways to work it in where you can, and see how it impacts your mood. If you discover that more fresh air helps to freshen your outlook, you’ll have extra motivation to get outside during this summer break.
But look: we know, at least here in Southern California, getting outside can be hot! So if the heat is intimidating you these summer months, try entertaining the idea for a day trip up the coast, or taking a scenic (air-conditioned!) drive.
#2: Explore new hobbies
During the summer months, clubs, local Parks & Recreation departments, and other groups lean into the off-school time to launch new activities. Whether you’re looking for childcare support or you want to try something new for yourself, summer break could be a great time to explore a new interest.
The Tarzana Recreation Center, for example, offers kickboxing classes every Saturday this summer for ages 13+, and martial arts for kids ages 5–12. Or if you send your child to the Tarzana Summer Camp, they’ll have the chance to explore lots of fun stuff. They might learn that they have a lot of fun kayaking on Lake Castaic, or that they love thrill seeking at the amusement parks the Camp visits throughout the summer.
For our families in Ventura, the Parks & Recreation Department has a wide range of activities and opportunities. There are sports camps and swim lessons for the kids, plus a number of ways adults can explore a new hobby. Your options include pickleball, sailing, dance, yoga, art, and more.
All told, the added flexibility many families get during the summer break makes it the perfect time to finally check out something you’ve been curious about. Use these warm months to warm up to a new hobby. It can make you happier and boost your mental wellness.
#3: Take time together
Make it a point to schedule some time with your loved ones this summer. Maybe you plan to have family dinner on Wednesday nights, or you book a standing coffee date with your friend on Friday after work.
Social connection is good for you in a number of significant ways. It alleviates anxiety and depression symptoms and helps to boost your self-esteem. At the same time, it benefits your immune system and is even tied to helping you live longer.
The late sunset and warm weather might help to motivate you to get out of the house and into situations with the people closest to you. Strengthening these connections during summer break can help to improve your mental health.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. But if you feel like you could use some extra mental health support this summer break, we’d love to talk in person. Our therapists are here at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana.
