Summer Reset: Caring for Your Mental Health

Summer is a great time to pause, reflect, and reset. As we’re just over the halfway point of the year, it’s an opportunity to check in with ourselves, revisit the goals we set in January, and create healthier habits and routines that reflect where we are now.

Life can change significantly in just a few months, and it’s completely normal for your priorities to change too. Rather than feeling discouraged if you’ve drifted away from your original goals, think of summer as a chance to realign your routines with your current values and needs.

Why is Summer a Good Time for a Reset?

Summer marks the halfway point of the year, making it an ideal time to reflect on what’s been working well and identify any habits, routines, or goals that may no longer serve you. Taking time to review your goals can help you finish the year with greater clarity and intention. 

The longer daylight hours can also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Spending more time in natural light may help improve mood, increase energy levels, and boost motivation. For many people who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), symptoms often improve during the summer months. While everyone’s experience is different, the season can provide an opportunity to establish routines that support your mental health.

Check In With Yourself

Before setting new goals, take some time to check in with yourself. Reflecting on your thoughts and feelings can help you identify what you need most right now. 

You can ask yourself questions such as:

• How have I been feeling lately?

• What has been draining my energy?

• What has brought me joy this year?

• What do I want to do more of this summer?

• What do I want the rest of my year to look and feel like?

These questions can provide valuable insight and clarity into what is currently serving you and what may need to change. They can help guide you as you create new goals, habits, and routines.

Create a New Routine

Use your reflections to build a routine that aligns with and supports the life you’re living now, not the one you were living six months ago. 

The goals we set at the beginning of the year are based on our circumstances at the time. As life changes, our routines often need to change too. Adjusting your goals isn’t giving up; it’s adapting to meet your current needs.

Creating a structured but flexible routine can support your mental wellbeing without making summer feel restrictive. Consider including habits such as:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

• Going for a morning walk or doing some gentle stretching

• Eating meals at regular times

• Cooking at home more often

• Limiting screen time

• Scheduling time to rest and recharge 

• Spending time outdoors by walking, gardening, reading, or visiting the beach

• Moving your body in ways you enjoy, such as swimming, dancing, yoga, cycling, or walking

• Connecting with friends, family, or local community groups

Remember that routines don’t have to be perfect. Small, consistent habits often have the greatest impact over time.

Important Summer Reminders

Summer is often filled with social events, holidays, and busy schedules, but it’s important to look after your own wellbeing too. 

• Make time for yourself: While spending time with others is valuable, don’t forget to schedule time alone to rest, reflect, and recharge.

• Avoid comparing yourself to social media: Social media usually shows the highlights of people’s lives rather than the everyday reality. Your summer doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.

• Protect your peace: It’s okay to say no to plans if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay to take annual leave from work. Rest is not something you have to earn; it is an important part of maintaining good mental health.

• Take care of your body: Staying hydrated, eating nourishing meals, enjoying seasonal fruit and vegetables, and allowing yourself treats without guilt all contribute to your overall wellbeing. 

• Try something new: Make the most of the longer days by learning a new hobby, reading a different genre, visiting a new place, or stepping outside your comfort zone in a way that feels enjoyable. 

Summer Reset Challenge

Below is a summer reset challenge that you can follow to reset and focus on your wellbeing.

Day 1: Complete the self-reflection questions. 

Day 2: Review your answers and create goals and routines that reflect your current needs.

Day 3: Begin practising your new routine. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect. 

Day 4: Spend one hour completely offline.

Day 5: Connect with friends or family.

Day 6: Try something new.

Day 7: Do something purely for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Not every summer day will feel productive, and not every day will feel happy. That’s okay. 

A summer reset isn’t about completely reinventing yourself. It’s about taking a moment to reflect, recognising how your life has changed, and making small adjustments that better support your wellbeing moving forward. As our lives evolve, our routines should evolve with them. 

If you’re finding it difficult to cope with change, struggling to find purpose, or feeling overwhelmed by the idea of resetting your goals and routines, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Speaking with a mental health professional can help you explore what’s going on and find strategies that work for you.

If you’re ready to begin your therapy journey, I’d love to support you. You can get in touch by emailing me at contact@renewedhorizonscounselling.co.uk or by completing the contact form on my website.