Take care of yourself this summer with these seasonal health tips.
| | | | Happy June, Wellness Wire fam! Although the summer season officially begins on June 22, June 1 has always felt like the start to me. On that note, we're offering mental and physical health tips so you can stay healthy this summer starting now. | | Before we dive in, here's what's on today's agenda: | | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
June 2, 2023 • 5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | Cara McNulty, DPA, is a population health specialist and the president of mental well-being and behavioral health at CVS Health. In her role, she oversees a national team in charge of developing company programs and products that help people improve their well-being. Below, she offers advice on how to take care of your mental and physical health this summer. | | *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. | | Q: | What's the connection between spending time outside and how it affects our health? | | | A: Spending time outside can be good for an individual's mental well-being. Seasonal affective disorder can be caused by colder weather, shorter days, and people staying indoors. By staying active and going outside, you're prioritizing your total well-being. | | Q: | Summer usually means BBQs, pool parties, and endless events to attend. Do you have any tips for anyone who needs help slowing down and honoring their needs? | | | A: While socializing with others through summer activities can help our mental well-being, sometimes declining an invitation to avoid an overbooked schedule can be just as important for managing stress and decompressing with some "me time." | | Give yourself time to decompress after a busy schedule to rest and relax. It's important to dedicate time to focus on yourself and your needs to avoid burnout. | | Don't be afraid to put yourself first. It's not selfish. Being open and honest about your mental health is crucial to avoid burnout. By setting healthy boundaries and communicating your needs, you're prioritizing your mental health. | | Q: | What are your tips for making the most of the summer season to achieve optimal mental health? | | | A: Enjoy seasonal activities that promote going outside, de-stressing, and prioritizing your well-being. Whether it's a morning run on the beach or sitting outside in the backyard, putting healthy habits into practice will help eliminate everyday stressors. Other seasonal activities that may help relieve stressors can include an outdoor movie, exercising outside, finding a new hiking trail, or going camping. | | Proactively seek help. There are a variety of ways to access resources depending on your needs and where you are on the mental health continuum. | | Lastly, remember "Stop. Ask. Listen." Make sure to check in with yourself on your mental well- being, reach out and start conversations with others, and provide comfort in listening. | | Scroll down to the end of this email to rate this interview! | | | | | | |
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| |  | | | Beat the summertime blues and live your best life with these tips | Wait, summertime blues are a thing? Yes! It's rarer than winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but many people experience this form of SAD or major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (MDD-SP). Symptoms of summer depression come on as soon as there's more daylight and typically include restlessness, poor appetite, anxiety, and insomnia.
How is this even possible? Although the exact causes of summer depression are unknown, experts theorize that seasonal factors may cause chemical changes in the brain. Although sun exposure is linked with happiness, too much sunlight may disrupt melatonin and serotonin production and your circadian rhythm, leading to wake and sleep cycle issues. Heat waves and hotter temperatures can make people feel anxious or angry, too. For example, research from 1984 suggests that people who live near the equator are more susceptible to MDD-SP.
Tips for beating summertime sadness. If you or a loved one get down in the dumps in the summer months, here are some coping strategies that may offer relief: | | | | Read more about summertime mental health: | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for reading! If you haven't already, don't forget to rate our interview on the one-click smiley scale below. Your feedback is important to us. Have a great weekend, and cheers to the unofficial start of summer!
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