How to Get into a Healthy Mindset for Summer

We’re all counting down the days to summer, enjoying the long hours of daylight and planning out at least a few relaxing beach vacays. As we shake off the last of any residual winter blues, sometimes our bodies and minds need a little help re-energizing. Surprisingly, Seasonal Affective Disorder is not only a winter thing; summertime sadness is real (just ask Lana Del Ray) and can be caused by heat, irregular schedules, or body image pressure that rears its head once the sun’s out. Here are three simple tips to get yourself in the right mindset to enjoy the season.

1.Remind yourself that you can always reboot. Everyone has days where they feel that they’re “not good enough,” but when those feelings turn into constant anxiety, it’s time to reboot. It’s easier said than done (as are all good things in life), but the simplest, most valuable mindfulness trick you could master is to take a moment to re-focus your mind to bring a sense of peace and well-being. In the words of the Beatles, “Let it be.” Or rather — let yourself be! When life gets tough, step back, take a break (or log off temporarily), breathe, and reboot. This is where mindfulness meditation kicks in. Set aside just 3-5 minutes a day for a quiet retreat into your comfort zone. Focusing on your thoughts and emotions will soothe your mind. We’re firm believers of the “mind over matter” credo, so take our word that it really pays to learn how to control your inner voice(s).

2.Take YOU time. Feeling tired is your body’s way of letting you know that you need to take care of yourself. Spend time doing something just for you. Mindfulness is a great way to practice self-care and self-love. When you sit in silence, you’re doing so much more than sitting there — you’re taking the time to appreciate the self that you are instead of pressuring yourself to always be more. Setting big goals and pushing yourself to exceed them is great, but even Olympic athletes alternate between heavy exercise sessions and high-quality rest. Taking time to disconnect and recharge is important for balance and overall health. Reflecting inward instead of outward can leave you more centered and clear-minded in everything you do.

3.Be present. Paying attention to what’s happening inside and around you at any given moment allows you to enjoy the present instead of worrying about the past or future. It allows you to, at least temporarily, simplify an overly complex world. Treat mindfulness as a free health-giving tool that can guide you through almost any challenge in life. You can try free apps like Aura (iOS, Android) for short breathing exercises or meditations. When you’re concentrating on the “now,” you let go of judgment, anxiety, worry, and discontent.

So next time you’re tired, just remember: It’s when your mind and body are working in harmony that you find yourself more present in your daily life, more in tune with the world around you, and more focused on the path that lies ahead.

What are your favorite mindfulness tips? Share them with us @BritandCo!