Wellness Wednesday: 8/14/24 (6 Summer Mental Health Helpers)~

Healthy Living Team Leaders: @PoliteOcean @SunShineAlwaysGrateful @vivelespatates

@SunShineAlwaysGrateful @vivelespatates @Regmo @purpleTree4652 @InsightfulPhoenix @nordurnStar @KateDoskocilova @SirenOfSerenity @Rebekahwriter13 @EmbStitcher33 @calmsoulmeet @sweetrosa1987  @AffyAvo @Bre4Me  @Caringmama2022 @CarolineEmily01 @CyclingThroughLife @determinedCat7367 @diamondintheROUGH2022  @GoldenNest2727  @selflessSpruce1515 @SilverSeastar @Spectaculaur @BestMaple2045  @determinedNest6866 @HipsterChic @DestinyM2026 @charmingSky597 @GreenFairie @WayJay @orangeHuman868 

**And ANY & ALL NEWBIES!

@PoliteOcean

☀️The ways in which I'm navigating and supporting my mental health this summer is eclectic.

While I don't have a strict and rigid schedule I do have a list of wants, needs and what's non-negotiable.

@PoliteOcean

Awesome post and much needed, thank you! 💚

@PoliteOcean

I keep my routine year around. I don't have a social life to interrupt it. 

QUESTION:

☀️IN WHAT WAYS ARE “YOU” NAVIGATING & SUPPORTING “YOUR” MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS THIS SUMMER?!

Here are my responses to the prompts......

1.) Even though it’s Summer, sticking with a proper sleep routine can help you to continue to feel your best.   My Sleep schedule is terrible....I have tried to get it straight but can not seem to do so...I think getting up at 3am for work 5 days a week has a lot to do with it......I've given up and accepted that "it is what it is"

2.) With summer holidays, BBQs, picnics etc.. it can be challenging to eat well… But you don’t need to give up favorites. Simply remember that moderation is key! Remember your summer fruits, vegetables, and Plenty of Hydration!  Other than my sweet tooth that forces me to have a peanut butter wafer bar every night before bed,(and I have it with a small glass of almond milk), I really don't eat much junk.  I do have at least one apple every day, and have salads for lunch or dinner at least 2 times a week.  My main issue is over eating when eating the good stuff....I workout 5 to 6 days a week for at least an hour or more so I can eat what I want.....I know it doesn't work that way but in my mind it does lol....I do stay hydrated, although not really much water....more like sports and electrolyte drinks....

3.) Extreme summer heat can make it challenging to get outdoors! (Keeping you cooped-up “indoors”)!…. Here's the thing: Exposure to natural sunlight increases vitamin D and serotonin levels, which boost your mood…. Try early morning or early evening activities when it’s less humid. Or Plan for some Aqua/Water activities! Or..stick to walking or socializing in a well ventilated or Air-conditioned space! I can't stand being indoors.  I spend at much time outside as possible when the weather permits.  I suffer from seasonal depression in the winter so when its warm or hot and sunny, I have to be outside....I spend alot of time riding my road and gravel bike.....at least 3 rides a week varying from 15 to 30 miles a ride, or I'm on porch or deck, alone....or with my girlfriend...only because I keep my circle very small....I'm not much of a people person

4.) Spending “too” much time at work & not utilizing Off days or vacation time can lead to burn out, stress, and can take a toll on your mental health!.. Every now and then, we all need to escape the daily grind to help clear our mind and boost our mood. Days off help us to clear our minds, boost our moods & recharge! I do take vacations, long weekends, and try to enjoy my days off, but a lot of time, work controls my mind when I'm not there....I have a hard time shutting it out and turning it off....I've gotten a lot of ideas and support from the 7cups work, stress, and burnout forums though, that I try to incorporate into my daily routines.....it doesn't always work but there are times that it does.....

5.) If you struggle with Body image issues in the summertime, try to remember that “Healthy comes in all shapes & sizes”. Practice gratitude & Self-compassion. (Or even find extra support if you need help navigating those feelings)~ I don't really suffer from body image issues, my body comparison issues fall into the category of "keeping up with the jones"  in the fitness world, in the form of how much weight I'm lifting, how fast and far I'm riding my bike, that sort of stuff....I need to be the best in show for my age group in whatever activity I do...I can accept when I'm not, but it just makes me push myself harder and be harder on myself.....

6.) Last but not least, While many seize summer as a time to hang with friends and family, for others it can be a little lonesome Without regular human interactions stemming from school and work etc… we can sometimes feel lonely and isolated. Try connecting with friends, family, co-workers. Or try to volunteer! Evidence shows that when you help someone, there are physiological changes in the brain linked to happiness. In other words, when we help others, we help ourselves!  Like I said above, my circle is small....I'd rather not socialize if I don't have to....I do go to social events, but with my girlfriend, and she is usually the only one I interact with.....I'm not a huge people person.....I know why I'm this way, and this isn't the forum to get into the reason, but at this point in my life, I really don't have it in me to try to change that.....

@PoliteOcean

Hi, Ocean,

IN WHAT WAYS ARE “YOU” NAVIGATING & SUPPORTING “YOUR” MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS THIS SUMMER?! 

I'm taking new pills, rexulti and a sleeping pill, in addition to the buspirone and lexipro i have been taking for years..  I'm sticking to my sleep schedule.  I have a new job so I have to be getting enough sleep.  I'm also taking my time unpacking.  

Yesterday, unfortunately, I fell at work.  It was a big fall.  So, when that stuff happens, I'm sticking to relaxing my body and not unpacking anything.  Today I feel much better, so that's good.  I'll be unpacking some stuff tonight.  I'm trying to eat as healthfully as I can.  I haven't found my cookware and knives yet, so I do have limitations.