Try these tips to boost your mood
Cookouts. Campfires. Sunny beaches. For many people, summer is the best season. For others, however, warm-weather months can usher in the blahs. “People can feel down in the dumps in any season, not just winter,” says David Greenspan, MD, the chair of psychiatry for Einstein Healthcare Network. You may still miss someone, or have certain memories of this time of year. Admit that you are out of sorts, and try these strategies.
Soak up more light
Sunlight improves levels of chemicals that affect our brains and moods. Aim to spend at least 10 minutes or so outdoors. Take a walk, work in the yard, or just sit and read a book. It’s best to avoid the sun when its rays are strongest, from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
Adjust for weather changes
Make sure your room temperature is right for sleeping. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 65 degrees, but your ideal may differ. Experiment with different temps to see if that helps. Hot, humid mornings can make anyone grumpy—and there’s nothing wrong with chilling out indoors until things cool down.
Do something active
Physical activity is a proven stress buster and mood lifter. Take a walk, go for a swim, ride a bike, play with the grandkids. Anything that gets your body moving is good for you. Don’t wait until late in the day to exercise, though. That can keep you awake and throw off your sleep cycle, Dr. Greenspan says.
Set aside time for you
Between family barbecues and trips to the beach, there can be a lot of pressure to pack your schedule with social events. Problem is, Dr. Greenspan says, if you’re more reserved than outgoing, you might start criticizing yourself for staying indoors, which will make you feel even worse. Socializing can be healthy, but don’t feel like you have to attend every event.
Try to talk to someone close to you about what you are struggling with, including health or money worries. It really does help to share thoughts with another person, Dr. Greenspan says. Something as simple as “I feel kind of bummed out in the summertime, so don’t take it personally” will work. Talk to your doctor if these feelings won’t go away.
We Have You Covered
Your benefits include coverage for outpatient mental health care, as well as mental health care services that require a hospital stay. You also are covered for “partial hospitalization,” a structured program of active psychiatric treatment provided in a hospital outpatient setting or by a community mental health center, that is more intense than the care received in your doctor’s or therapist’s office and is an alternative to inpatient hospitalization. For more details, see your Evidence of Coverage, or call the Member Help Team at the number on the back of your ID card.