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For a lot of people, summer is a time for rejuvenation. The weather is right for spending time outside, the sun is up longer and, let’s face it, the music on the radio is usually better. But, amongst all the “How to get a beach body in two weeks” articles you’re sure to be bombarded with, it’s important to take this time to focus on your mental health too. Here are three easy tips for your summer mental health glow-up!

1. Stay active!

We’re not just talking physically active, although that is important too, stay active in all elements of life. Get creative, hang out with friends, read a book, take a walk, write down some goals, make a summer bucket list!

2. Maintain a schedule.

While your schedule might not have to be as rigorous as it will be come September, messing with your sleep pattern is no joke. Instead of staying up really late every night and waking up late, try maintaining a more normal schedule (well, normal to you) you’ll probably find you feel better.

3. Take a second to breathe.

Hopefully, your summer runs at a slower pace than the rest of your year, but it’s still important to take time to do some deep breathing and reflecting. Take a few minutes and stand in the warm sun. Take 10 deep, slow breaths all the way in… and now all the way out. You took a deep breath as you read that, didn’t you? As you breathe think about someone you love, or what makes you happy, or try not to think about anything at all if that’s something you can achieve (I think we can all agree this is impossible, right?).

Maintaining mental health is important all year round; I just think it comes a little more naturally in the warm sun. Happy summer and enjoy that deep breathing!

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