8 Mental Health Benefits of Summer

You try your best to keep your mental health in tip-top shape all-year round. That’s why you have all the latest gizmos and products to help you de-stress, from meditation apps to weighted blankets for sleep. But the truth is, one of the most effective mental health boosters isn’t a product at all, but a season. We are, of course, talking about summer! Research has shown that the warmer months can do wonders for our state of mind and general well-being.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the health benefits of summer.

1. Your body gets more vitamin D

When the mercury begins to rise, many of us ditch our cold weather layers for tank tops, shorts and swimwear in an effort to stay cool. Baring our skin to the sun helps our bodies produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that plays a major role in bone development and immune system function. Additionally, the so-called “sunshine vitamin” also decreases your chances of developing certain diseases and conditions, from multiple sclerosis to heart disease.

2. Sunlight makes you happier

Have you ever noticed how your worries seem a little less significant when you’re enjoying the sunlight? Turns out, there’s a scientific reason for that. According to research published in Genes & Nutrition, vitamin D encourages the production and release of serotonin, the chemical in your brain that is thought to regulate mood. Higher levels of serotonin correlate with better mood and feelings of calmness, while lower levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and memory problems.

In fact, this is why many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and the winter blues. When the days are shorter, our bodies don’t get as much vitamin D, which can cause symptoms such as lethargy and gloominess.

3. Summer vacations reduce depression and anxiety

Vitamin D isn’t the only potential reason for your happier outlook on life. The summer months are also prime time for vacations that help us de-stress and unwind. Taking time away from our jobs offers a slew of mental health benefits, including lower stress, greater well-being and more motivation to achieve our goals. And that doesn’t just apply to expensive vacations and wellness retreats. Taking a “staycation” at home or in the form of a small day trip can provide similar benefits, but on a less expensive scale. For your next staycation, consider planning a spa day, taking a hike, having a movie night or all three!

4. Your sleep quality may improve

We all know that sleep quality and mood are closely connected. When we aren’t getting enough shut-eye, we may feel tired and irritable. But interestingly, some people find that they actually sleep better in the summertime. Why? Because sunlight helps regulate our body’s production of melatonin and serotonin, two hormones that help set our circadian rhythms.

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Of course, not everyone enjoys better sleep in summer. Hot sleepers, or those who constantly feel hot at night, often struggle to sleep in a warm environment. If this problem sounds familiar, try using a cooling weighted blanket designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night. It’s an easy thing to do that can have a big improvement on your sleep quality and your mood.

5. Your eating habits change for the better

Even with backyard barbecues and fair foods threatening to derail your diet, you probably eat healthier in the summer than you do in the winter. One obvious explanation for this is the increase in high-calorie, comfort foods in the colder months. Between the eggnog, Thanksgiving dinner and sweet treats, it’s all too easy to overindulge. Overeating can spike blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings.

In contrast, summertime foods tend to be lighter and healthier (think grilled chicken, watermelon and corn on the cob). Experts say that noshing on healthy foods that are slow to digest can help us keep a stable mood, giving us a “chill-for-the-summer” attitude.

6. We have more opportunities for physical activities

Another reason why summer has everyone in better spirits has to do with our activity levels. Thanks to longer days and greater exposure to vitamin D, we often find ourselves with more time and energy to exercise. As you’re probably aware, exercise is a fantastic mood booster and is scientifically-proven to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

7. We spend more time in nature

Summer is chock-full of outdoor activities, from camping and fishing trips to water sports and beach outings. Not only are these activities fun for the entire family, they’re also great for mental health. In fact, research has shown that as little as 10 minutes in nature can help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness.

The next time you’re in a bad mood, try eating your lunch in the backyard or taking a quick stroll through a park. Listen to the birds chirping and smell the flowers. While it may not completely eliminate your grumpiness, spending time in nature can boost your mood and make you feel calmer.

8. Nicer weather means increased socializing

Have you ever noticed how people seem to be more social in the summer? It’s not hard to see why. The warmer months are the perfect time to host a barbecue, enjoy a brew on the patio with friends and attend an outdoor festival. Unlike winter celebrations, which can be somewhat stressful for families, summer holidays such as the Fourth of July and cookouts tend to be more relaxed.

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In other words, our social lives are active without being too hectic, which does wonders for our mental health. Not only does socializing fend off feelings of loneliness, but it also lowers stress, sharpens memory and increases our overall sense of happiness.

So, what are you waiting for? Head outside and take advantage of summer while you can. Your mental and emotional health will thank you for it!

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