10 Summer Mental Health Wellness Tips to Remember

Summertime is a wonderful season full of sunshine, longer days, and opportunities to reconnect with nature, with others, and with yourself. While this warm season brings excitement and energy, it can also present unique mental health challenges.

At Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH), we believe in supporting your journey to wellness with compassion and practical advice, so here are 10 summer mental health wellness tips to help you thrive this season!

1. Embrace Nature

Take advantage of the beautiful parks, rivers, and trails in our community and throughout the PNW. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being. Even a short daily walk around your neighborhood soaking up some sun outside can make a huge difference.

2. Stay Connected

Summer is a great time to nurture relationships. Whether it’s a picnic with family, a hike with friends, or joining local community events, social connections are really important for our mental health. Don’t hesitate to reach out and make plans with your loved ones, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee!

3. Prioritize Self-Care

The longer days can make it tempting to over-schedule and maximize the time you have every day to do the most, but remember to set aside time for yourself. Read a book, listen to music, or just relax in the sun. Self-care is essential to our well-being!

4. Practice Mindfulness

With the hustle and bustle of summer activities, it can be easy to lose track of the present moment. Try practicing mindfulness throughout the day to center yourself; focus on your senses, notice the sounds, smells, and sights all around you, and take a few deep breaths to ground yourself and appreciate the moment at hand.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Good nutrition and hydration are key to feeling your best, especially in the summer heat! The heat can be draining, so drink plenty of water and enjoy the variety of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables available during the season.

6. Get Active

Physical activity is an amazing tool to support our mental wellness. Whether it’s swimming at your local pool or river, biking new trails, gardening, or horseback riding with friends, find an activity you truly enjoy and make it part of your routine. Movement releases endorphins that help lift your mood!

7. Protect Your Sleep

Longer days can disrupt our sleep patterns, so try to keep a consistent bedtime and create a calming, relaxing evening routine to wind down. Quality sleep is extremely important for emotional resilience.

8. Limit Screen Time

With more free time, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless scrolling or binge-watching. Set boundaries for screen use and try to spend more time engaging in real-world activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

9. Seek Help When You Need It

You do not have to navigate mental health challenges alone. CCMH is here to offer compassionate, judgment-free support for anyone struggling with their mental health. Reaching out for support, not weakness. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need support, just need someone to listen, or help guide you based on your specific needs.

10. Give Back to the Community

Volunteering or participating in local events can provide us with a great sense of purpose and connection. From community clean-ups to supporting local organizations, giving back not only benefits others but can also boost your own sense of well-being. Search online and explore opportunities to engage with your local non-profits and organizations based on what interests you the most.

By taking small, mindful steps to care for your mental health, you can make the most of these summer months. Enjoy the sun, our community and opportunities, and the natural beauty of the outdoors. And don't forget that CCMH is always here to support you on your journey to wellness. From our team at CCMH, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy summer!