Embracing the Importance of Mental Health in the Summer Season
As the warm sunshine graces our days and nature blooms with vibrant colors, the summer season beckons us to embrace the outdoors and indulge in leisurely activities. With the excitement and relaxation, it is important to recognize the significance of mental health during this time. The New Mexico Department of Health said Summer serves as a unique opportunity to prioritize self-care, rejuvenate our minds, and cultivate a sense of wellbeing that can have lasting effects on our overall quality of life.
1. Connecting with Nature: Summer offers an abundance of natural beauty, inviting us to reconnect with the outdoors. Spending time in nature has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased feelings of happiness and well-being. Whether it's taking a leisurely walk in the park, hiking through scenic trails, or simply enjoying a picnic by the beach, immersing ourselves in nature during summer can bring a sense of calmness and rejuvenation to our minds.
2. Engaging in Mindful Activities: The slower pace of summer provides an ideal opportunity to engage in mindful activities that promote mental well-being. Practicing mindfulness, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Additionally, engaging in creative pursuits, such as painting, writing, or gardening, allows us to express ourselves, boost our mood, and tap into a state of flow and tranquility.
3. Nurturing Social Connections: Summer often brings opportunities for socializing and strengthening our relationships. Spending quality time with loved ones, whether it's through outdoor gatherings, vacations, or shared adventures, contributes to our mental health. Social connections play a vital role in promoting a sense of belonging, fostering emotional support, and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. By prioritizing social interactions, we can nurture our mental well-being and create cherished memories.
4. Balancing Rest and Recreation: Summer is a time for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is essential to find a balance between rest and recreation to maintain optimal mental health. While enjoying the season's festivities, it is equally important to prioritize adequate sleep, establish healthy boundaries, and listen to our bodies' needs. By honoring our need for rest and leisure, we can recharge our minds, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
5. Managing Expectations and Embracing Flexibility: The summer season often comes with expectations of endless fun and relaxation. However, it's essential to manage these expectations and embrace flexibility. It's okay to have unproductive days or moments of restlessness. Acknowledging and accepting these feelings without self-judgment allows us to navigate the season with grace and compassion. Embracing flexibility in our plans and adjusting our expectations helps alleviate stress and cultivates a positive mindset.
Summer is a season of warmth, growth, and rejuvenation— a perfect opportunity to prioritize our mental health. By connecting with nature, engaging in mindful activities, nurturing social connections, balancing rest and recreation, and managing expectations, we can make the most of this vibrant season while safeguarding our emotional well-being. Let us embrace the summer months as a time for selfcare, self-discovery, and personal growth, ultimately creating a foundation for long-term mental well-being.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis
and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com
Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474
Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.