5 Summer Stressors Everyone Should Recognize
We all love summertime, but it can be a real struggle to keep our cool when the mercury rises. With the warmer weather comes the pressure to have the perfect beach body, and the increased temperature can make us feel hot and frazzled. Throw in a few extra demands on our time, and we can quickly start to feel overwhelmed.
If you’re starting to feel the heat this summer in more ways than one, here are a few common stressors to look out for and tips on beating them!
Body Image Issues
One of the biggest summer stressors is body image. Whether we’re donning a bathing suit for the first time in months or just trying to stay cool by swapping out our winter wardrobe, it’s easy to start feeling self-conscious about our bodies.
If you’re feeling down about your appearance, focus on the things you love about yourself rather than spending time on social media. And if you’re worried about how you look in your swimsuit, remember that no one is paying as much attention as you are!
The Heat
Another common summer stressor is the heat itself. It can be tough to stay cool physically and emotionally when temperatures soar. We may find ourselves feeling irritable, impatient, and short-tempered. Try to beat the heat by staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat. And if you’re feeling stressed out, it’s ok to take a break from the summer fun and relax indoors for a while!
Vacation Stress
Summertime is often synonymous with vacation, but planning (and paying for) a trip can be a major source of stress. If you insist on traveling but are worried about the cost, try to look for deals and discounts in advance. And if you’re struggling to find childcare during the summer months, consider signing your kids up for camp! But remember there is nothing wrong with the other kind of camp: one that involves tents and trees!
Entertaining Your Kids During Break
It’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed with kids out of school and everyone trying to fit in as much fun as possible. It never takes long before the prospect of summer goes from enjoyable and exciting to busy and chaotic.
If you’re struggling to maintain your summer schedule, set aside some time to relax and recharge each week. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself, whether reading your favorite book in the shade or getting a massage.
Hectic Schedules
Summer is when we often find ourselves with a lot more free time. But everyone else, including ourselves, anticipating this free time by filling it all up makes it hard to relax! Even if we’re not going away, we may feel like we need to be doing something fun every weekend or getting out of the house every day. You’re likely not the only one with a few weekday BBQs or trips to the kid’s museum lined up between your weekend ventures.
It’s important to remember that it’s ok to say no – and that it’s perfectly fine to relax at home sometimes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your summer plans, try scaling back and setting some healthy boundaries. That way, you can enjoy the summer without feeling too stressed out!
Make Mental Health A Priority This Summer
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