Last month we discussed how important it was to be careful in the summer heat. A timely blog, as the summer started out sizzling hot. Enjoying outdoor activities in the summer is amazing. However, as mentioned before, you need to be mindful of how to navigate the heat. We discussed how to keep our bodies hydrated and healthy. What about our mental health? We need to also keep our minds healthy and the heat can take a toll if we are not careful. Check out the tips below on how to keep your mind healthy during the summer. 

3 Tips to Keep the Mind Healthy in the Summer

Keep Social and Be Careful of Isolation

Socialization is always something we mention in our blogs when it comes to aging, and it is important for mental health and longevity to stay in contact with friends and family. However, when friends or family members start traveling or engaging with others in the summer, you can experience a bit of loneliness or isolation. Some call it FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) or just too much time alone. How do you render this and not get depressed? You need to make an effort to call a friend or family member to do an activity like a walk or movie. You can take steps to enjoy the summer fun by calling someone. Also get connected at the local senior center and meet friends there. Oftentimes, they have activities and trips you can take with a group and engage your mind and socialize simultaneously. Embrace the joys of Summer and get involved with a group of people who have similar interests and have fun! 

Life Changes and Memories

With the ease of summer travel and get-togethers, you might experience sharing memories which can be invigorating and joyful and some can be sad memories. However you can keep your mind active by participating in the sharing of times gone by and try to celebrate the joys of the memories and not focus on the sadness. This task is easier said than done, but with others around you, it is possible to share fond memories and talk through some of the sad ones and move back to celebratory memories. Talking through past experiences at a family gathering can be healing for you and keep your mind active remembering experiences that have passed. Focus on celebrating and not dwelling on past experiences, as it helps you stay positive and strong.

Activities and Worry About the Heat

As stated, the summer brings the outdoors and time to engage with others through activities. However, we know that if you have limited mobility or you worry about the heat and how it affects you, again you can feel a little isolated and alone. How do you enjoy the summer and not get too worried about the heat? It is a difficult question and the answer is different for everyone. You need to do what works for you, so you can enjoy some Vitamin D from the sun and relax in the summer. However, you also need to be wise about the heat and how it affects your daily function, so you can have fun and not be a health risk physically or mentally. 

It is so exciting to enjoy the summer sun and activities that come with it; however, it is important to not feel alone and isolated.You need to engage with people and make plans to get out and about. The weather is perfect to do so. However, be wise of the heat, but don’t let it ruin the opportunities that arise with warmer weather.  If you have more questions or concerns about your aging parents, contact Ann Jamison at Senior Living Options. Ann is experienced with aging adults and how to find the best living arrangements or resources for your parents at each chapter of the aging process. She has been a caregiver and has expert advice to help you have a positive experience while helping mom or dad move to the next chapter of living a full and purposeful life.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.