Perfect Summer Activities that are Good for the Soul and the Mind
Summer is well and truly on its way and sometimes this can be a positive turn in the year for someone who struggles with mental health.
It offers the perfect opportunities to plan some summer activities good for the soul and mind.
The weather is better, the sun is shining, and people seem much happier. While you can never predict when you will have your bad days, and even if the sun is shining the fog can still return, there are things you can do during the summer that are good for your soul and for your mind.
Going camping
Camping is one of those activities that some people might not immediately enjoy, but beyond sleeping in a tent, it offers significant benefits for your mental well-being. Being outdoors, surrounded by nature, has a calming and therapeutic effect. The peace and quiet allow you to truly disconnect and relax. Sitting around a campfire with loved ones, watching time pass without distractions, can be an incredibly rejuvenating experience. Having the right camping gear, like portable stoves or kettles, can help enhance your comfort, especially on campsites that offer electric hook-ups. Now, for those looking to take their camping experience to the next level, converting a vehicle into a camper can offer both flexibility and added convenience. Not to mention, there is the option of converting said vehicle into one that is fit to go off the grid while camping, running on a self-reliant power source. This is why many outdoor enthusiasts are choosing this option to turn their cars or vans into fully-equipped camping vehicles. As such, it is important to choose an automotive service with competitive pricing in mind who can help in the aforementioned transformation of the vehicle. Furthermore, custom conversions can include features like built-in storage, foldable beds, and even compact kitchens, making the experience even more enjoyable. But at the end of the day, it’s the fresh air and the connection with nature that makes camping truly beneficial for your mental health.
Exercising more outside
Exercising is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself, especially if you struggle with your mental health and wellbeing. However, taking the exercise outside now that the weather is getting better is only going to help you feel better. You get a healthy dose of vitamin D being outside in the sunshine and combining that with a good run or workout routine in the fresh air can feel both liberating and exhilarating. Of course, high impact exercise isn’t for everyone, so be sure to read on.
Heading out for a walk or a bike ride
There is a common theme for feeling good when it comes to your mental health and often fresh air is one of the best ways to calm your mind when you are struggling. So, if you know it works, then don’t break a good thing. Summer means the weather is good so why not plan long walks and bike rides to enjoy on the weekends? Take a picnic with you or visit a local café or farm shop to enjoy a bite to eat.
Exploring a new place
Ever explored your town like a tourist? Or headed somewhere new that is local? Then why not make it your mission to do that this summer? There are so many wonderful places to explore and learning and witnessing different things can be a terrific way to occupy the mind. You would be surprised what activities and places to see there are if you investigate.
Embracing your inner child
When you think back to the summers you enjoyed most as a child, you probably remember being carefree without any limitations on your time and money. The beach was one of the top memories, most likely. Embrace your inner child by heading to the seaside and building a sandcastle or another wonderful creation. Play the 2p machines. Dip your feet in the sea and scream as the waves crash around your knees. Just because you are now officially an adult does not mean to say you cannot continue to enjoy these things just as much, if not more. Avoid the sandy sandwiches though – they can stay in your childhood forever!
Creating a summer bucket list
Finally, why not take some time to write your own summer bucket list? Including some of the ones already mentioned, you can use this as a calming activity to help you think about the future and give yourself something to look forward to. Try to be realistic. If a trip to the other side of the world is on the list for this summer, and you know you don’t have the funds, don’t put it on. This bucket list is for the near future, not your lifetime. It will also help you to plan days out and things to do, which again can be beneficial for your mindset.
Hopefully, this list of summer activities that are good for the soul and mind will have inspired you to do some amazing things this year. We’d love to hear all about what you get up to!