Day: July 21, 2014

  • Beating the Summer Blues

    Beating the Summer Blues

    #depression
    The days are filled with sunshine, everyone is outside playing
    and mingling, scents of watermelon and funnel cake linger in the air—and yet
    you’re sad. Summer is a happy time for most people, but it can be a difficult
    time as well. Sadness and challenges can be with you no matter what season, and
    summer has its particular set of difficulties. But, you can beat the summertime
    sadness with the help of these suggestions.
    Beating the Exhaustion
    Your kids are on their summer break from school and you have to
    find ways to entertain them all day. As much as you love to watch them run and
    play, it may leave you feeling exhausted both physically and mentally. It’s
    important especially in this season, as in all seasons, to make time for you.
    Allow yourself opportunities to take part in your favorite activities that lend
    to a peaceful atmosphere such as yoga, walking with friends, or even taking a
    nice bubble bath. Rather than feeling guilty for setting aside this time for
    yourself, recognize that recharging your own batteries will allow you to give
    your best time and efforts to those tasks and people who are most important in
    your life.


    Sleeping the Sad Away
    One of the great things about the summer months is that daytime
    hours are longer, giving you more time each day to work and play.
    Unfortunately, these longer days also mean shorter nights, which oftentimes
    result in you getting less sleep during the summertime. Not getting enough
    sleep can cause the body to release increased amounts of the stress hormone
    cortisol. Keep your cortisol in check by striving to get a full 7-8 hours of
    sleep each night, no matter how strongly the sun may be calling your name. If
    necessary, invest in some heavy curtains or an eye mask to create a nighttime
    atmosphere.
    Overcoming Depression
    There may come a point where you feel as though you are
    constantly living in a mental fog, so to speak. You can’t think clearly and
    your hobbies don’t interest you anymore. You withdraw from your friends and
    family and feel hopeless and even angry. Depression is a real issue and can
    affect you in any season. Depression can be due to a lot of different factors:
    stress, a traumatic event, your genetics, or even unbalanced hormone levels.
    More and more studies are showing that depression can be due to a hormone
    deficiency. Check out this article to learn more. A doctor can test you
    for hormone and chemical imbalances and get you on the right track with
    treatment. With the right blend of diet, lifestyle choices, and medical
    treatment, your depression will diminish and you will start feeling like
    yourself again. 
    Making Fun Inexpensive
    Summertime is vacation season for many people. Your friends
    might be going on exotic expeditions through the jungle, on fancy cruises to
    the Caribbean, or on a backpacking trip through Europe. You may feel left out
    if you can’t afford to go anywhere this year. But, you can still get a big bang
    for your buck doing simple things as a family. For example, you could go to the
    movies to escape the heat or have a family game night in your backyard. You
    could even take a day trip to a local place you’ve never been like hiking in
    the mountains. All you have to pay for on a day trip like this is gas and snacks.
    You can still have fun this summer without shelling out large amounts of money
    on expensive plane tickets.


    Dealing with Body Image    
    Summertime, also known as swimsuit season, can be hard for
    those who struggle with body image. You may feel uncomfortable and
    self-conscious at the beach and the pool and may want to avoid those places
    altogether. In order to build yourself up and create a positive body image,
    keep a list of the top 10 things you like about yourself and repeat them
    anytime a negative thought comes to mind. Also surround yourself with positive
    people like family and friends who love you unconditionally and make you feel
    like a million bucks. In your moments of weakness, find gratitude for the
    functions your body performs and appreciate all that your body does for you.
    Using these helpful tips, you should find yourself feeling confident in your
    own skin.

    Some summertime difficulties may seem hard to overcome. You may
    be overwhelmed physically, emotionally, and mentally. You may have depression,
    even in the midst of a schedule full of pool parties and summer night
    barbecues. It is possible to beat these summer blues by making time yourself,
    getting enough sleep, understanding the physical causes, doing fun activities
    with your family and loving your body. No matter how difficult things may seem
    at times, you can triumph over summertime sadness. 
    About the Author: Victoria Candland is a traveler, runner, and professional writer. She enjoys finding creative fixes to life’s everyday problems and sharing them whenever she can. She especially loves creating fun ways for families and friends to spend time together.